During and after construction, logs can be stained by rain hitting the logs and leaving water stains, as well as black stains can develop from water hitting nails, spikes, or lag screws used in construction and they leave unsightly black spots on logs and other wood. This can be easily removed using several methods:

  • Oxalic acid For black nail stains you can use oxalic acid and water. One cup of oxalic acid in one gallon of warm water is the best mix for normal stains. If you have some stains, simply rub the solution with a soft cloth and voila…they’ll be gone. If you have a lot of stains or want to brighten the logs before staining the house, you can use a hand pump sprayer for the job. This solution is poison, so keep away from any living thing. Also wear eye protection and a face mask to filter out any of the chemicals. This chemical can be obtained at most home centers and is known as “wood bleach.”
  • bleach and water Another way to shine and clean the logs or deck before finishing is to use a mixture of half household bleach and half water. This can be sprayed on with a hand pump sprayer and worked in with a brush in tough spots. Never try to make your own super stain remover and mix oxalic acid (wood bleach) and household bleach. This will emit a tremendous volume of noxious vapors that can damage your lungs.
  • Sodium Percarbonate (CPR) CPR is used to clean and shine bare wood that is dirty, discolored, or gray from UV exposure. Mix CPR with new construction polish solution concentration just prior to staining to remove dirt and grime from logs during the construction process and to break down mill glaze. Mixed with concentration of log cleaning solution: use for periodic cleaning of stained logs to extend the life of the stain. It can be easily applied using a garden sprayer.
  • phosphoric acid Phosphoric acid is a liquid concentrate for cleaning logs and wood surfaces. It commonly goes by the name of Log Wash. It can be used as a maintenance cleaner or to prepare the wood surface for a new coat of stain or finish. The exterior surfaces of a log home are a staging ground for dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants that cloud the surface and encourage mold growth. A light cleaning once or twice a year will keep the house looking beautiful and help extend the life of the exterior wood finish. To prepare the bare or finished wood surface or for a new coat of stain or finish, Log Wash removes dirt, grime, pollen, and mold and mildew from the surface without damaging the wood or finish. Unlike bleach solutions, Log Wash does not alter the natural pH balance of wood, thus preventing wood grain damage and iron tannate staining. It can be easily applied using a garden sprayer.

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