OxiClean uses the power of oxygen and bleach derivatives to break down the barrier shells of algae, mold, and mildew from cedar siding. Brilliantly, this product is perfect for uncovering wood's natural beauty, which makes it a prime candidate for cleaning up grimy cedar siding.
Natural Siding Cleaning Solutions
OxiClean is just one of many different brands of oxygen bleach cleaners. Oxygen bleach, aside from being great at cleaning siding covered in mold or mildew, is perfectly safe for you and the environment.
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.
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.
Cleaning. If your siding's fresh color lays buried under a gray, weathered surface and mold, buy a bleach-based cleaning solution or mix 3/4-cup of bleach with 1-gallon of water to restore or salvage the cedar's luster.
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.
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.
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. Once cleaned and allowed to dry, the wood can then be painted using a urethane-acrylic house paint.
OxiClean contains sodium percarbonate, a hydrogen peroxide derivative, works well for removing a wide variety of tough stains and spills. Best of all, it's eco-safe and biodegradeable—it won't harm plants or pollute the environment. Do not use homemade deck cleaner with your power washer or pressure washer.
Like other types of external siding, cedar is prone to accumulation of dust and dirt. You have to clean it twice a year to keep it easier. Use a soap and water solution for general cleaning to scrub the siding and then wash it down. You can use some bleach if you have mold and mildew problems.
The best way to clean cedar shake siding, and get mildew off, is by using an oxygen bleach solution. It's available in a powder that can be mixed with water. Simply apply oxygen bleach solution on your cedar siding and keep the surface wet for 15 minutes.
Don't use it on jewelry, wicker, or other non-suggested materials and surfaces. OxiClean should not be used to clean the following materials: jewelry, latex paints, woven baskets, unpainted wicker, jute, teak, or finished woods.
Safe to use around plants, lawns and outdoor furniture. No chlorine bleach handles multiple surfaces with ease including siding, wood and composite, cement and stone, and patio furniture. Unlike chlorine bleach products, Scotts Plus Oxiclean is safe to use in power washers. Just follow the simple instructions.
So it is possible to use virtually any exterior wood stain color on the siding, but the same color or darker exterior stain will have to be used on the soffits. Keeping to one color for the body and soffits will make the application easier. Choosing a slightly darker color is the best compromise.
Spray the stain.
The best way to stain your cedar siding is with an airless sprayer and a brush.
Longevity
Cedar siding must be properly maintained at all times to reach its maximum lifespan, with many planks needing to be replaced after just 10 to 15 years, and even well-maintained cedar siding may only last around 20 to 30 years in some climates.
High-quality paint or stain, properly applied, should last five to seven years, and as many as 10, depending on weather conditions and if you maintain the siding. However, you may need to reapply a clear-coat stain every two years.
There are two main causes of the darkening of cedar siding: tannin stains, and mildew stains. If the darkening is caused by mildew, the bleach will immediately clear it up. If the stain is caused by tannin, the bleach will have no effect.
Semi-transparent stains are your best bet when you want the real look of slightly weathered cedar with protection. The few solid particles in this mix will not significantly obscure cedar's wood grain. However, with semi-transparent stains, you will need to take care with the application.
Answer is yes, you can paint over stained cedar, but with some testing, also long term commitments. You'll want to make darn sure stain has dried out, after using best deck cleaner, also great for cedar siding.
Mix a general cleaning solution of OxiClean in the squirt bottle, apply to affected area and let stand for 5-10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water and soak up with a clean cloth or towel. Vacuum area when completely dry.