Cleaning untreated wood can be a daunting task, but with the right cleaning products, you can keep your wood looking great! Learn how to clean untreated wood and keep it looking like new for years.
Untreated wood is unprocessed or unfinished wood that has not been pressure-treated or impregnated to protect it from decay. It is a material that’s not varnished, painted, or sealed. It’s easily distinguishable from other types of wood due to its dark brown color, and it doesn’t require any treatment to work with most tools.
Untreated wood is usually cheaper than treated wood because you have to buy the treatment separately in order to protect the wood against the weather. It can be used for fencing, outdoor furniture, decks, and other outdoor uses
It’s a great choice for use in gardens and landscaping projects.
However, untreated wood could face some threats which can lead to rot, mold, and mildew if you don’t clean it. Your wood furniture will definitely be better in the long run if cleaned once in a while. Keep reading and you’ll find out how to clean untreated wood safely.
Since untreated wood is more difficult to care for, it’s best to know how to properly treat it.
Contents
Why do people love to use untreated wood?
1. It gives a natural feel and it is better for choice internal installations
A majority of people choose wood for their products because it is natural and looks beautiful.
Wood products often have special patterns that cannot be replicated with other materials. It is also better for internal building construction because untreated wood is flexible and applicable to any kind of design and condition.
2. It’s stronger and more durable
Wood is a natural material that is used in homes, furniture, and many other products. People have been using this type of material for hundreds of years because it is strong and durable, as well as aesthetically pleasing.
3. It’s more eco-friendly
Treated wood comes with chemicals that are not good for the environment. It can also be harmful to other wildlife and can remain in the environment for years. Most people that have a patio or deck prefer to use untreated wood, which is considered more eco-friendly.
Why do you need to clean untreated wood?
1. Untreated wood will rot over time.
If you have untreated wood in your home, you should clean it regularly to avoid the chance of it rotting. Moss and mold can grow on untreated wood and cause it to rot more rapidly.
2. Unprotected wood is susceptible to damage from water, sunlight
Wood that is left untreated is particularly susceptible to damage from water and sunlight. These substances can cause the wood to deteriorate.
How to clean untreated wood
1. Pressure washer
A pressure washer is a tool that pumps high pressured water through a nozzle. This pressurized water cleans the surface of untreated wood without you having to scrub it all by hand.
Just splash it into the untreated wood at a gentle speed. Make sure to reach the whole surface of the wood. You can easily remove dirt, mold, mildew, and grime from these surfaces, which is something you wouldn’t be able to achieve with anything else.
2. Mild liquid soap
The great thing about mild liquid soap is that it’s versatile. It can be used to clean wood surfaces without any streaks or damage.
Prepare the following materials:
- mild liquid soap
- 200 ml of water
- a spray bottle
- a damp cloth
- a dry microfiber cloth
First, mix 200 ml of water and a few drops of mild liquid soap into the spray bottle. Shake them well to create soapy water. Then, spray it on the untreated wood. Wipe it with a damp cloth. Repeat this step for the whole wooden surface. Then, wipe the residue with a dry microfiber cloth.
You can use mild liquid soap to wash ceramic bowl.
3. Vinegar
Vinegar is a great clean-all. It is great to clean wood without the application of any chemicals. It is a natural toxin-free cleaner.
Prepare the following materials:
- 100 ml of vinegar
- 100 ml of water
- a spray bottle
- a damp cloth
- a dry microfiber cloth
First, mix 100 ml of water and 100 ml of vinegar into the spray bottle. Shake well before applying the mixture to the wood. Then, spray the mixture onto the untreated wood. Wipe it with a damp microfiber cloth, repeating the process for the whole wood surface. Afterward, dry it with a dry microfiber cloth.
4. Castile liquid soap
Use castile soap to clean wooden surfaces. Castile soap is a one-step green cleaner that will get rid of most of the dirt and grime on hard surfaces. You can also use it to clean wooden toys.
Prepare the following materials:
- Castile liquid soap
- 200 ml of water
- a spray bottle
- a damp cloth
- a dry microfiber cloth
First of all, mix 200 ml of water with a bit of Castile liquid soap in the spray bottle. Then, shake the mixture well. Then, spray it on the untreated wood. Wipe it with a damp cloth and repeat this step for the whole wooden surface. Last, wipe the surface with a dry microfiber cloth to clean the residue.
5. Baking soda
Baking soda can be used to clean your furniture without the need for harmful chemicals. Baking soda is effective at cleaning because it removes stains and gives a shine to your untreated wood furniture.
Prepare the following materials:
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- 200 ml of water
- a spray bottle
- a dry microfiber cloth
- a damp cloth
To clean the untreated wood, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 200 ml of water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle to make the liquid even. Then, spray it on the wood surface. Wipe it with a damp cloth. Repeat the process until the last edge of the wood. then, wipe it until dry with a microfiber cloth
How to keep the untreated wood last longer
1. Avoid using a wire brush
Scrubbing it with a wire brush will scratch the grain and the wood surface. A wire brush is harsh and will damage the untreated wood. If you want to clean it, use a material that is not abrasive at all. This can help keep your piece looking new for a longer period of time.
2. Don’t use harsh chemical
Harsh chemicals can harm your wooden decks in the long run. It is important to avoid bleach and ammonia can strip the varnish, which makes the wood weak and rotten over time. Clean it naturally with solutions that are eco-friendly and don’t leave a residue behind.
3. Avoid storing it in a humid area
To have your untreated wooden furniture last longer, make sure you store it in a dry area. Don’t store untreated wood in an area where it’s exposed to a lot of humidity or moisture. It could cause it to rot and decay.
FAQ
How to do the deep clean of untreated wood?
How to remove mold from untreated wood?
Conclusion
Untreated wood is any type of lumber (such as logs) that has not been treated or modified in any way. You can tell if a piece of wood is untreated if it has not been painted, stained, or sealed.
For millions of years, untreated wood has been one of the most popular materials for use in homes. However, it can become dull and unattractive if not taken care of properly. This article contains simple 7 ways to clean untreated wood which can be used at home.
- Pressure washer
- Mild liquid soap
- Vinegar
- Castile liquid soap
- Baking soda
