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Cleaners Any product used to aid in the removal of contaminants. Strippers are in fact cleaners. The products listed below are common cleaner types. Generally professionals divide these cleaners into three categories: chlorine bleaches, oxygen bleaches, and oxalic acid-based formulas. Many over the counter market cleaners contain bleaches and phosphates. These chemicals deliver dramatic results in the finished appearance. But they breakdown the structural fibers in the wood and over time can result in a depreciated lifespan of the wood itself. Bleaches on wood should be avoided unless recommended by the topcoat manufacturer. Yes, there are topcoats on the market that require bleach as well as phosphates be used as a cleaning agent. Most topcoats, require a neutral or balanced surface pH in order for them to perform at the maximum potential.
Chlorine based bleaches include sodium hypo chlorite, calcium hypo chlorite, and dichloroisocyanurate. The first two are common in laundry detergents. The last is additive in pool hot tub maintenance. These products excel at eradicating mold mildew and fungi. But are not good for removing dirt grime, grease. As mentioned, chlorine based bleaches dissolve the lignin in the wood. Bleaching the wood white will allow for the color of the topcoat to show through. However it will allow the true wood’s color to be visible. There are several other drawbacks to chlorine bleached cleaners. They are harmful to plants and pets. And if not diluted correctly can contaminate woodsheds. If not rinsed/ diluted correctly off the decking surface. An increased rate of oxidation will occur in a photoactive reaction with sunlight. Please do your part to protect your investment, and the planet. More information is provided below.
Oxygen based bleaches are called such in that the reaction that occurs in a mixed solution results in the release for oxygen molecules. Or it breaks down to oxygen. Examples of these are disodium peroxydicarbonate, commonly called sodium per carbonate. Essentially it is the solid form of hydrogen peroxide. It is a great cleaner but caution should be taken as it decomposes to an alkaline state, with sodium carbonate as the byproduct. More information is provided below.
Oxalic acid based cleaners are great for certain wood species high the tannins and extractives. Cedar and redwood respond very well to these types of cleaners. Iron markers tannin bleed and other extractive reactions (leaf stains for example) can often be removed easily with the application of oxalic acid. There are a host of positives aspects about oxalic acid. It should be noted however that mold and mildew are resistant to acidic based cleaners. Also, while oxalic acid is not harmful to the environment, particularly plants. Concentrated oxalic acid IS toxic to people and animals. Care in handling and storage should be used.
Oxalic acid or ethanedioic acid is perhaps the most common cleaner produced and marketed by manufacturers. It is often called 'wood bleach,' or' teak bleach.' But is in fact one the strongest organic acids available. Oxalic acid contains compounds called, 'oxalates' or salts. The oxalates are naturally occurring chemicals in plants. Spinach is high in oxalates. Subjecting redwood and cedar to a concentration of oxalic acid reinvigorates the tannins/extractives and thereby returns the wood to its truest color and hue. Oxalic acid comes in concentrated liquid solutions or granulated or powdered mixes. The solutions are easy to use. Simply mix them with water and follow the directions. Granulated or powder mixes require some additional attention. Dry mixes require warm (really warm) water and thorough mixing. Once the dry mix is sufficiently diluted the application and cleaning procedure is the same.
Sodium Hydroxide Some cleaners contain Sodium Hydroxide. CAUTION SHOULD BE TAKEN WITH THIS CHEMICAL. NEVER mix this product with strong acids. Sodium Hydroxide is very basic or alkaline and caustic and highly reactive. It will react with glass. Residue left on glass will 'frost' it thereby making it opaque. It does not impact iron or copper. But it will corrode Zinc, which a common coating on deck screws. And if sodium hydroxide comes in contact with aluminum etching and corrosion with occur. It typically is a white granulated substance. However most products available to consumer comes a diluted aqueous in a solution. Sodium hydroxide will react with water. When contact with wood high in extractives, results can be a very dark discoloration even black. This is normal. To reverse the darkening use an acid wash solution and the effects will reverse almost instantly. Remember, wood should be neutralized as best as possible prior to application of the topcoat.
Disodium Peroxydicarbonate Oxygen Based Bleach. This cleaning product is an environmental friendly oxidizer, commonly known as sodium percarbonate. When this product is mixed with water it forms sodium peroxide. A good oxygen bleach and brightening for wood surfaces. Do not use on new wood. This product is not very stable has to be used within 6 hours of mixing a powder with water. Sodium percarbonate is a powder. When added to water it forms hydrogen peroxide -- a common oxygen bleach -- and sodium carbonate (soda ash). Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as a disinfectant. On wood it is effective in removing mildew stains and weathered grey residue from UV (sunlight) degradation. The sodium carbonate acts as a built-in detergent, removing dirt and other deposits. Thus, sodium percarbonate-based cleaners are effective in removing dirt, mildew and weathered gray residues. Once treated the wood returns to its natural original appearance. Works quite well on Cedar. The main benefit to this chemical is that it biodegradable, dissolves easily in water regardless of temperature. And works well on many types of stains and is a fungicide. It too, is sometimes referred to as 'Wood Bleach."
Chlorine Based Bleach: Bleach is the most popular chemical used to clean and brighten a deck. Many cleaning professionals use this chemical. However, its use is very controversial. Bleach is a fair cleaner and a good mildecide as it kills non-vascular mildew growth. Bleach works better if mixed with a good detergent. Start out using 1 part bleach with 3 parts water, or add 25% bleach to your detergent. Thompson’s® Deck Wash or Olympic® Deck Cleaner contain these chemicals.
Additional information available at www.clorox.com
Lignin is natural component the holds wood fibers together. Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) is used in the production of paper to break down the Lignin. Excessive bleach will do the same thing to a deck. If this happens the wood fibers will appear loose which you can push up with your fingernail. This may also be visible and appear as fuzzes. This is not to be confused with fuzzes that appear after pressure washing with too much pressure.
Phosphoric Acid. This acid too, removes the gray of aged tannins on unfinished decks. Sometimes used to neutralize the surface after using a Sodium Hydroxide Cleaner. It's most common use is to remove rust stains. Multiple applications can be used without neutralizing between uses. However, it should always be diluted with water. Phosphoric acid is ever present. It is in cola drinks and in cement mixtures. Phosphates have been shown to have negative impacts on delicate water sheds. And should not be used or introduced to bodies of water. However, it should be noted that phosphates do occur naturally and have some benefits in the agriculture industry.
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) this product was a staple in the industry for many years. It is great degreaser. It is still widely available in hardware stores. It comes in powder form and requires mixing into a solution via warm water. It is VERY alkaline. TSP is good at removing mildew in wood. (Remember it is basic, mildews do not like alkaline solutions) Some cleaner have TSP and oxygen bleach, on redwood these two chemicals cancel out the darkening effects in high extractive wood but destroy the lignin.
Phosphate free TSP This product came about as studies have shown that phosphates are detrimental to septic systems and watersheds. This products works well, although not the same as TSP. It too, comes in a powder form and requires mixing with water. Many manufactures offer TSP substitutes. Care should be taken when purchasing these items. Especially when the application is for wood.
Citric Acid This a fast becoming a main ingredient in cleaners. A mild acid good for using on fine decks made from hard woods. Not as harsh as Oxalic Acid. Used to neutralize the surface after using a Sodium Hydroxide Cleaner. It won't remove deep stains. But it is a great cleaner for the homeowner or DYI wanting to clean the deck and deck accessories every few months. Application includes stiff bristle brush and rinse. Although neutralizing is typically not needed. Eye protection is recommended. A good example of a citric cleaner is lemon juice and watersolution.
Sodium Percarbonate: This product is also called Oxygen Bleach and is an excellent detergent and bleaching agent based on hydrogen peroxide. It is a good cleaning and bleaching agent at normal temperature, and has strong fungicide effect. Fruits and vegetables treated with sodium percarbonate can be kept fresh, and be stored for a long time. In medicine, it can kill staphylococcus, and colon bacillus
This product is a white particle powder, non-toxic no contamination, non-flammable, non-explosive, easy to get damp, and soluble in water.
Oxygen bleach is excellent for cleaning and removing organic stains (such as coffee, tea, wine, fruit juices, foods, sauces, grass and blood) from fabrics, plastics, fiberglass, porcelain, ceramics, wood, carpets, asphalt, concrete, etc. Oxygen bleach can be used in any place in or around the house that needs stain removal and deodorization; it is efficient, safe and economical.
It is non-toxic, environmentally safe, biodegradable, and leaves no harmful by-products or residues which can harm the environment.
We recommend using environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. There are times when the concentration needs to be altered in order to achieve the desired affects. Mold and mildew react poorly to acidic concentrations.. Heavy basic solutions will have a greater impact in eradicating these types of issues. In the end it still remains critical to balance the wood to the correct Ph. Without getting too technical, it is better err on the acidic side with woods such as Redwood and Cedar. Some exotic hardwoods, however, require just the opposite. There are limitations to the number of times consecutive applications can be applied. Once the essential elements of the wood are removed they can not be re infused. If you are unsure with the application always test in an inconspicuous area.
Recent developments in the cleaning are the use of perchlorates. This chemical combination comes in many forms and products. From medicinal uses to rocket fuel, perchlorates occur naturally and through manufacturing. Most are water soluble salts typically mixed with chlorine. When used as a cleaner it is an oxidizing agent. Perchlorates are typically acidic solutions. NOTE: Perchlorate acid with react with metals, even stainless steel. The corrosive effect should be noted when used with metal such a screws/ deck fasteners.
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