Looking for suggestions on removing “black mold” (water stains) from vertical cedar siding, prior to re-finishing. Is powerwashing adequate or is some chemical treatment recommended.
Thank You
Looking for suggestions on removing “black mold” (water stains) from vertical cedar siding, prior to re-finishing. Is powerwashing adequate or is some chemical treatment recommended.
Thank You
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Replies
First - it is not black mold. It is mildew.
Second, I would never use a pressure washer on cedar. It is far too easy to over do it and tear the wood to shreds.
Third - There are wood cleaners - generall oxalates or percolates that you can buy to scrub on and rinse off that will leave it looking almost like new. Any goo dpaint store will have them.
Fourth - might as well get used to the fact that exposed cedar will darken from mildew unless you spend a tremendous amt of time on finishing yearly
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Thanks for the info.
Something like Flood Dekswood Deck Cleaner should do it, or there are probably purpose-made wood siding cleaners. Do not powerwash, except maybe a VERY low pressure.
Be aware that any wood cleaner will dissolve some of the wood surface, so it's not something you want to do regularly. Once clean you should finish with a good semi-transparent stain, and refresh the stain every 3-5 years.
Or else just let the siding go dark. It'll eventually (after 5-10 years) lighten to a grey in most cases.
Thanks for the recommendation..!