
Cleaning Cedar Shingles
- Brush the surface to remove dirt and debris with a long-handled scrub brush or broom.
- Mix the oxygen bleach in a ratio of 2 cups of powdered granules to 1 gallon of water, or based on the product and manufacturer's instructions on the label
- Pour the mixture into a cleaned-out lawn and garden sprayer.
- Cover about a 4-by-8-foot section with the liquid and let it sit on the siding for about 15 minutes.
- Scrub the saturated area with a scrub brush with a broom handle.
- Rinse with cold water from the hose and let dry
How do you get rid of white spots on cedar shingles?
The Cedar Bureau recommends using a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. Apply it with a pump sprayer let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with with a garden hose. Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles.
How do you clean tannin stains from cedar shingles?
You can clean tannin stains as well as stains that are caused by dirt and mildew, and make your cedar shingles look like new. Use a simple mixture of soap and water to remove dirt from cedar shingles. You can remove ordinary dirt stains with a bucket of warm water and a few capfuls of dish soap, applied with a scrub brush.
How much bleach do you put on cedar siding?
If using oxygen bleach, mix a quart of bleach with a gallon of water. If using household bleach, use only 1 cup bleach per quart of water. Water any grass, plants, flowers or other foliage surrounding your cedar siding.
How do you clean roof shingles with oxygen bleach?
Apply the oxygen bleach to the shingles just as you would the chlorine bleach, then rinse with plain water from the garden hose. Clean roof shingles on a cool, overcast day to prevent the cleaning solution from drying on the roof too quickly. Wear rubber-soled shoes with good gripping when cleaning the roof to reduce the chance of slipping.

Will bleach discolor cedar?
Rinse your siding with water. Make sure to rinse away all bleach, because any bleach left behind may discolor the cedar.
Can I use bleach to clean cedar siding?
A safe deep-cleaner for wood siding is oxygen bleach. It is a powder that mixes with water. It is non-toxic to vegetation and trees and will not remove any natural color from the siding. You simply keep the wood siding wet with the oxygen bleach solution for 15 minutes.
How do you clean black off cedar?
The iron found in galvanized fasteners, as well as some window screens and flashings, can cause blue or black stains on cedar. These stains don't respond to oxygen bleach. Instead, use a wood bleach containing a 5 percent oxalic acid solution to remove the stains.
How do you lighten cedar siding?
One part white vinegar to 3 or 4 parts water is fine. Dip a sponge in the vinegar solution, and wipe it on the bleached wood. Rinse the sponge in clear water before dipping it again in the neutralizing solution. Once the cedar is dry, you can leave it as is or apply the finish of your choice.
What is the best cleaner for cedar siding?
The Cedar Bureau recommends using a solution no stronger than one-part bleach to three parts water. Apply it with a pump sprayer and let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with a garden hose. Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles.
How do you remove mold and mildew from cedar siding?
Algae and molds can be cleaned quite easily and effectively with bleaching agents such as sodium hypochlorite (liquid household bleach) and sodium percarbonate (the active ingredient in some commercial cleaners). Bleaching agents quickly kill mold and algae, but they also can degrade wood.
Can you use OxiClean to clean cedar siding?
Can You Use OxiClean to Clean Cedar Siding? Absolutely! The official OxiClean website gives step-by-step instructions on removing stubborn stains from decks, patios, deck furniture, and more. Since these surfaces are made from wood, it is perfectly acceptable to clean cedar siding with the product.
Can cedar shingles be pressure washed?
Non-professionals should not pressure wash shingles. High pressure can remove wood fibers and drastically shorten the life of the shingles. Applied incorrectly, it can also force water into the places behind the shingles, which could lead to rot and mold.
Why is my cedar deck turning black?
The biggest reason for a deck stain turning black is mildew. All wood surfaces need to be cleaned correctly prior to staining. The use of a quality wood cleaner and pressure washer or scrub brush is necessary to remove all the contaminants like dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and graying.
How do you make cedar not red?
Adding pure green to the stains neutralize red tones in wood. A slight amount of pure green works with red tones in wood to produce a more brownish lighter color. Apart from adding green, raw umber, and bleaching the wood help to neutralize red tones in wood.
Will vinegar lighten wood?
If you see the wood getting lighter than you want it to be, stop the action at that point by wiping with vinegar. When finished with either one of these bleaches, it is best to neutralize the chemical action by washing the wood down with white vinegar.
How do you get the color out of cedar wood?
Boiled linseed oil, despite not providing much water-resistance to wood when applied in the usual way associated with furniture, will do much to slow the weathering to that natural grey/silver colour if applied heavily and re-applied periodically.
How do I clean mold off cedar shingles?
Scrub mold that has accumulated on the cedar shingles with the solution in the bucket using a scrub brush. Use a garden hose to rinse the cedar shingles after scrubbing.
How do I remove rust from cedar shingles?
Spray the cedar shingles down with a garden hose to wet them and apply the oxalic acid product as instructed by the manufacturer. Rinse the product away with a garden hose.
What color are cedar shingles?
Cedar shingles are harvested from both red and white cedar trees and are highly durable. Cedar shingles that are left unstained will eventually become silvery gray in color and may also be prone to tannin stains. Cedar shingles that are continuously exposed to moist, damp conditions are more prone to develop tannin staining, which is also referred to as "extractive bleeding." You can clean tannin stains as well as stains that are caused by dirt and mildew, and make your cedar shingles look like new.
How to get rid of moss in a house?
Mix the bleach solution in a bucket, apply it with a scrub brush and leave it to dry without rinsing. The bleach will kill the moss, which can be brushed away with a dry scrub brush afterward.
Do woodpeckers like cedar shingles?
Woodpeckers love cedar shingles. They are notorious for pecking holes, building nests and dirtying cedar shingles. Deter woodpeckers by hanging a wind chime, a hawk mobile or aluminum pie pans around the exterior of your home.
Can you use bleach to clean cedar shingles?
Oxygen bleach products are environmentally safe and can clean the cedar shingles without stripping them of their natural coloring. The oxygen bleach cleaner should be mixed with water according to manufacturers instructions and applied with a scrub brush. You can then rinse it away with a garden hose. Advertisement.
What is the best way to clean cedar shingles?
Step 1 Clean Shingles The Cedar Bureau recommends using a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. Apply it with a pump sprayer let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with with a garden hose. Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles.
Is it OK to pressure wash cedar siding?
Power washing can be used to clean cedar as long as the sprayer is set at a low pressure to prevent damaging the wood’s soft surface. For cedar siding with a smooth surface, scrape the paint and clean the cedar before painting.
Can you pressure wash wood shingle siding?
Non-professionals should not pressure wash shingles. High pressure can remove wood fibers and drastically shorten the life of the shingles. Applied incorrectly, it can also force water into the places behind the shingles, which could lead to rot and mold.
How do I make cedar siding look new again?
After cleaning your cedar to bring back its color, apply a clear exterior varnish to help sustain it. A quality weatherproofing product will prolong the fresh look of your cedar and help limit algae growth. If you would prefer your siding stained another color, choose a stain that is darker than the cedar.
Can you use OxiClean to clean cedar siding?
Since these surfaces are made from wood, it is perfectly acceptable to clean cedar siding with the product. OxiClean uses the power of oxygen and bleach derivatives to break down the barrier shells of algae, mold, and mildew from cedar siding.
How do you maintain cedar siding?
Cedar siding is a beautiful and long-lasting siding choice. Prevent moisture from seeping into your siding
How do you remove black stains from cedar siding?
Mix the powdered bleach according to directions on the bottle, such as 4 parts water to 1 part powder. Apply the solution with a clean garden sprayer, allowing it to soak for 15 minutes. The bleach will remove much of the discoloration. Use a nylon-bristled scrub brush to remove the rest.
What happens if you put cedar shingles on your roof?
Whether they’re on your roof or wall your shingles may develop mildew or algae and will most certainly weather to a silver/grey appearance after years of exposure. Cleaning away the age is the first step in caring for cedar shingles.
How long do cedar shingles last?
Before you give in and paint your shingles, realize that cedar shingles can last decades with virtually no maintenance. But a little maintenance can keep them looking great and extend their life even further.
Can you pressure wash shingles?
Not only that, but it forces water into the places where it doesn’t belong possibly causing rot and mold. Read 4 Reasons You Should Never Pressure Wash Your House.
What is the best way to clean cedar?
A gentle cleaning solution will help rid your cedar of stains, but choosing the right product depends on what needs to be washed off. For algae and mildew, household bleach mixed with trisodium phosphate (often called "TSP" and easy to find at hardware and home stores) is all you need. Start with five parts.
How long does it take for cedar to dry after cleaning?
If you plan on refinishing the wood after cleaning, be sure to allow a few days for the cedar to dry completely.
What is cedar shake siding?
Cedar shingles and cedar shake siding offer a beautiful, natural finish for any home and cedar products will provide protection for the home for decades. Over time, natural wood surfaces can become dirty from pollutants in the air as well as by attracting mildew and algae to grow on the surfaces. While most of these won't damage the wood itself, it can detract from the look of the home so adding a periodic cleaning to your spring cleaning checklist is usually in order.
What to do when cleaning a ladder?
Always use caution when working with cleaning solutions and household chemicals. Wear safety goggles and gloves when mixing and applying solutions and be sure to keep products out of the reach of children and pets. Care must be taken when climbing ladders, too. Be sure to read and follow instructions and warnings printed on your ladder, and always inspect the ladder and the area you intend to use it before getting started.
Do you need to clean cedar shakes?
Unlike man-made surfaces like asphalt shingles and vinyl or cement board siding, cedar shakes and shingles do not need to be thoroughly scrubbed and are likely to deteriorate from a rough cleaning. Power washers can be a useful tool, but always start with the lowest possible pressure and test a small area to be sure the pressure isn't damaging the wood. In most cases, washing by hand is fine and a gentle power-washing is best for areas that are difficult to reach by hand, but be sure never to spray up into the shingles or shakes!
Can you use Sherwin Williams Revive to remove stain?
No matter which cleaning solution you're using, experts recommend starting with these diluted mixtures and only adding more cleaning products to the water as needed for stain removal. Once cleaned, it is recommended to use a wood brightener such as Sherwin Williams Revive prior to staining.
Method 1: Cleaning With Chlorine Bleach
There are three forms of bleach: oxygen bleach, which contains hydrogen peroxide; bleaching powder, which contains calcium hypochlorite; and chlorine bleach, that can also be found in laundry detergents. Cleaning cedar siding with chlorine bleach is the suggested method.
Method 6: Iron-Based Stains Cleansing
Iron in galvanized fasteners, as well as some window screens and flashings, can stain cedar and cause blue or black stains. Oxygen bleach has no effect on these spots. To remove the stains, use a wood bleach solution containing a 5% oxalic acid solution.
Method 7: Cleaning With A Water Pressure Washer
Required Elements – Pressure Washer, Pressure Washer Cleaner ( Oxy Solve House and Siding Pressure Washer Cleaner ), Water.
How to get bleach out of wood?
Increase the bleach-to-water concentration if necessary to achieve the desired color. After you reach the color you want, use vinegar and water to wash down and neutralize the bleach. One part white vinegar to 3 or 4 parts water is fine. Dip a sponge in the vinegar solution, and wipe it on the bleached wood.
How to lighten cedar wood?
Dip a sponge in the vinegar solution, and wipe it on the bleached wood. Rinse the sponge in clear water before dipping it again in the neutralizing solution. Once the cedar is dry, you can leave it as is or apply the finish of your choice. But if you want to lighten it again in the future, I’d leave the cedar natural.
Does cedar change color?
A: Jeff Jewitt, author of Great Wood Finishes, replies: The process that causes wood to change color when exposed to light is called photooxidation, and in some species such as cedar and cherry, it takes place quickly.And it doesn’t take a lot of light to make cedar change color.
How do I clean a shingle roof?
Scrub the wet area of the shingled roof with a stiff-bristled broom. Apply some force to thoroughly remove any mold, algae or other stains. It is important to keep each section of the roof wet while working on that specific area. If the shingles begin to dry, apply more cleaning solution as you scrub.
How do I clean a roof?
Rinse the cleaning solution from that section of the roof with plain water from a garden hose. Rinse from the top of the section to the bottom to avoid restaining the shingles with dirty water.
What can I use to clean a roof?
Roof shingles can become dirty and stained over time. Algae, mold, mildew, moss and dirt are often attracted to shingles. Bleach can effectively clean roof shingles and remove even the toughest stains.
How long should I let a shingle sit on a roof?
Saturate a 3-foot high by 10-foot wide section of the roof and allow the solution to sit on the shingles for about 15 minutes. Advertisement.
