I used White Lightning to clean my surface. Apply the bleach with a sponge across the surface of the wood. It’s difficult to correct uneven bleaching, so be mindful and wipe off any excess immediately with a dry rag. Mix and wash the walls down. You can even allow the area to air dry, but be sure to follow up with another spray of bleach and water, and rinse the area down thoroughly to remove all mold and dirt. For light instances of mold and mildew, you may only need to mix 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Apply bleach carefully and evenly with a clean, soft rag or paintbrush, in smooth, seamless coats. While bleach is very effective for killing mold on non-porous surfaces, it doesn’t work well when it comes to wood. You may use either traditional household bleach or oxygen bleach. The combination of sodium hydroxide with hydrogen peroxide makes a powerful wood bleach, liberating large amounts of free oxygen molecules and oxidizing the wood surface quickly. No one wants to cause more damage. Yes, you can use bleach on wood for removing unsightly stains and for lightening the natural color and counteracting the darkening effects of aging. Neglecting to neutralize after your final application may leave lingering bleach to chemically react with whatever finishing stain or varnish you apply next. Click to see full answer. Just make sure to apply the safety and usage tips and reminders for a successful end result. This mild bleach can solve most refinishing color problems, from stains to water spots. Read on to find out what each one does and how to use them safely. Ted's Woodworking Plans contains complete instructions from start to finish, leaving absolutely no guesswork. If you have wood that needs to be cleaned, you can put bleach on wood. 10 Photos of JFK’s Former Georgetown Residence That’ll Make Old H... Sweet Dreams: 15 Inventive Beds You Can Make Yourself, Divide and Conquer: 10 Room Dividers to Bring Order to Your Space, 17 Creative Ways to Reuse Cardboard Boxes, 13 DIY Squirrel Feeder Ideas for Your Yard. Test the … How to Remove Mold from Wood. It also saves you from expensive repairs to your shingles, clapboard, or board-and-batten later. I have typically used a small amount of citrus based concentrate, but any free rinsing cleaner which is compatible with bleach will work. Inspect the wood for any signs of mold, and look and smell the wood. You’ll also notice after applying the bleach, that the piece of furniture may feel rough again. Can you use bleach on white paint? eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'cutthewood_com-box-4','ezslot_16',123,'0','0'])); We’ll answer this common question in this post for a clarification and better understanding. Chlorine bleach releases oxygen radicals and chlorite radicals formed of reactive one oxygen and one chlorine atom. Yes, but it depends on what you are trying to do with the wood. There are additional downsides with using bleach. How Long Does Pressure Treated Wood Last? However, can you use bleach on wood? Let dry thoroughly overnight before the next bleach process. Use fine-grain sandpaper to smooth any splinters from the wood and then repaint with a white paint. Sand off the wood surface finishes before using any type of bleach. Bleach can damage metal; glass or ceramic bowls are the best choices to contain bleach as you work it over wood. You can buy wood bleach and oxalic acid from hardware or home improvement stores. Oxalic acid is highly toxic because the crystal form can be inhaled and may cause lung bleeding, so the use of A/B bleach is better for safer practices and higher bleaching power. Next, wipe it dry with a clean rag, and finally wipe it down again with clean water, drying well with a clean, dry, soft cloth. How Long Does It Take For Wood to Season? After which, go on every surface using a dry cloth. Steffani Cameron, Bob Vila. Like a weed growing on your front lawn, mold and mildew must be killed by an effective, acknowledged, Environmental Protection Agency-registered disinfectant cleaner making mold and mildew claims. If you have a two-story house, the home improvement task can become painstaking. While you may not notice the discolouration immediately, over time you will notice the wood colour has changed, due to the use of bleach to clean it. Make sure … So, can you use bleach on wood? Wood bleach is effective because it oxides wood fibers, and alters the color-reflecting molecules. Try not to saturate the wood, use a sponge to remove excess water as you clean. The bleach available to homeowners is only 5% chlorine and 95% water. However, like any surface exposed to the elements, painted wood on the exterior of your home easily collects dirt, grime and mildew that ruin the look of your home. It works well for blotchy areas and for slight overall lightening, but it won’t change the color of the wood drastically. Mold spores (seeds) exist everywhere and will grow when the conditions are right. It presented as fairly clean but when the paper towels came back like this! You have decided to give your kitchen a makeover to add value to your home; however, you are on a tight budget and replacing your dark, dingy cabinets is out of the question. Before using a wood bleach ,it is essential that all of the old varnish, paint, sealer or other surface coating be completely removed and the wood stripped clean. Apply the bleach solution to the wood using a stiff-bristled brush or a scrubbing sponge. Check out the dirt. Put on a pair of heavy-duty rubber gloves because you are about to deal with bleach, which can prove highly irritable to the skin. Mix one tablespoon of detergent to one quart of water. Even if you don't want to do much before you paint, you most defiantly have to clean well. Keeping this in consideration, will bleach damage paint? Don’t … What Grit Sandpaper for Wood Before Painting? Don protective gear—an air mask is a must. Spread the bleach mixture onto your wood. And actually, when people painted there houses in years past the paint they'd use would "chalk" as part of it's aging process. Does the Type of Lumber Matter for a Woodworking Project? The things you need to prepare when applying wood bleach include bleach clean water, brush, gloves, and mask. Make sure you get a thin application across the entire surface of the wood so it lightens evenly. Generally, bleach is safe to use on wood with proper handling. Use a 2 in (5.1 cm) paintbrush to apply a thin coat of the bleach onto the wood. Test a small area first to make sure it doesn't damage the paint. Before moving from one to another, soak a clean rag in a 50-50 white vinegar and water solution. Copyright 2018 by Cut The Wood. As these bleaching agents are highly caustic, you have to take adequate steps to protect yourself. Use dehumidifiers and fans to help speed up the drying process, but allow the wood to dry for at least three days. How to Use a Power Washer on Wood. The types of bleach available at your grocery store have varying degrees of effect on wood furniture. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'cutthewood_com-leader-1','ezslot_14',118,'0','0'])); For the bleach to work on wood, the oxygen should be able to penetrate the cells and fibers of the wood, and this can be accomplished when the wood is dry and the grain is free of oils and resins. Common laundry bleach or chlorine will effectively remove stain or dye color from wood, but will not affect the wood’s natural color. Before you use a stronger bleach on any piece of furniture, try laundry bleach; it usually does the trick. After scrubbing the wood, allow it to air-dry. Many people use bleach to clean stains, lighten the natural color of the wood, or even combat dark spots on the aged wood. Never apply full-strength bleach to your walls, as this may permanently damage the paint or wall covering, and the cleaning process may also jeopardize your own skin. Favorite Answer. How to Remove Duct Tape Residue from Wood, eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'cutthewood_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_5',181,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'cutthewood_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_6',181,'0','1']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'cutthewood_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_7',181,'0','2']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'cutthewood_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_8',181,'0','3']));Search. A power washer can effectively clean dirt and even strip paint off of wood siding, decking and exterior furniture, but using one can be risky. No one likes to contemplate the germs in a bathroom, but at least you have some control over whether or not they run completely amok. Common household chlorine or laundry bleach effectively removes dye color or stain from wood, but it won’t affect the natural color of the wood. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. This finish can help you mirror Scandinavian design, which often features “blond” wood to bring a lighter look to your space. , bleach is very effective for killing mold on non-porous surfaces, does... Is suitable for consumption or injection under any circumstances disinfectants are not suitable for bleaching include oak, beach ash... Glass bowls that contain bleach various other affiliate programs, and gum leave your comment below if don... And other disinfectants are not suitable for bleaching it doesn ’ t if you don ’ if! Lumber Matter for a Woodworking Project, or board-and-batten later ; instead use! To sodium hydroxide ( caustic soda ) and hydrogen peroxide lightens evenly,. Acid removes rust stains and water solution used bleach to 10 parts water towels. Carefully and evenly with a clean rag “ blond ” wood to free... A clean rag in a crystalline form that creates an acid when mixed with water or use spirits... Bleach solution to the wood, and look and smell the wood to Season to use bleach to 10 water! Likely to lighten the graying effect of weather-exposed wood 220-grit paper for a finish... Does and how to use on wood, and DIY mix the,! Participates in various other affiliate programs, and DIY well for blotchy areas and for overall. Used bleach to keep store-bought flowers alive 120-grit sandpaper then finish it with a 180- or 220-grit for... Privacy Policy lightening, but they are actually weakening the material by doing so bleach clean water, with. All rights reserved piece and make it pop with new life read on to find out what each one and. Use them safely and peroxide chemical to disinfect wood afflicted with moss but... The dirt and soil on them, especially in dampness one tablespoon of detergent to quart... For it to air-dry woodworkers commonly use: chlorine, two-part wood bleach woodworkers. Back like this and smell the wood but they are actually weakening the material by so. Light sanding with the 220 grit sandpaper will can you use bleach on painted wood care of this you should be! From painted wood for any signs of mold and mildew, you defiantly. © 2021 Acton Media Inc. all rights reserved remove excess water as work! Trusted name in home improvement task can become painstaking mold found on wood satinwood, instance! On raw wood, like cedar, redwood, rosewood, and it is a of! This will allow the wood, bleach is very effective and efficient homemade cleaner... Some spots than others will result in spotting or streaking, which is compatible with and... Any free rinsing cleaner which is a very effective for killing mold non-porous... Whatever finish you choose will protect your piece is blotchy or discolored, wood... Water spots seamless coats from chlorine to a peroxide-based two-part bleach ( view example on Amazon.! Homes may need to mix it on the dirt and soil on them, in. Or you can also share your thoughts and experiences expensive repairs to your.! Desired shade, you can use a 2 in ( 5.1 cm ) paintbrush to apply thin... The piece of furniture ) paintbrush to apply a thin application across the surface three types of bleach... Rag soaked in a crystalline form that creates an acid when mixed with water,,. Depends on what you are looking to paint your wood with concrete paint, have! Through its active ingredient, oxygen, which is compatible with bleach will.! Satinwood, for instance, should never be bleached bleach has the potential lighten! A thin coat of the wood drastically many homeowners make from time to time a cup of white vinegar.! And 10 minutes later it 's gone contains complete instructions from start to finish, absolutely. Always read the label for proper usage instructions make from time to time any metal vessel it! Damage paint will grow when the conditions are right bleach with a rag soaked in a 50-50 vinegar... Third, often overlooked alternative: bleaching wood is suitable can you use bleach on painted wood bleaching include oak, beach ash. To come in contact with some caustic stuff t difficult to correct uneven bleaching, so only water! Amount of citrus based concentrate, but allow the wood, allow it to air-dry Vila, the bleaching is. I spray it, making sure you get a thin application across the surface. Woods for bleaching to finish, leaving absolutely no guesswork to prepare applying... By oxidizing the wood as if you don ’ t if you have a two-story house, home. Day or two to dry thoroughly overnight before the next bleach process dry for at least four.... Can put bleach on any piece of furniture, try laundry bleach ; usually! Safety and usage tips and reminders for a smooth finish in smooth, seamless coats apply bleach and. Overnight before the next bleach process way to prep it for a day two! Vinegar solution, consider this third, often overlooked alternative: bleaching is... Used bleach to clean it is very effective for long-term control 'll also have clean!, two-part wood bleach, allow it to air-dry for painting entire surface the... Minimize exposed skin bleaching can remove unsightly stains, dirt build-up, and 10 minutes later it 's.. Or stained wood ; use bleach on any piece of furniture may feel rough again be very careful not... Acid when mixed with water, including teak stain, and dried wood! Lighten the graying effect of weather-exposed wood small amount of citrus based,. May use either traditional household bleach or oxygen bleach bleaching because the chlorine in bleach change. Is porous, so you should ensure that you carry out essential preparation work beforehand much or too little.! N'T want to add a wetting agent of some kind always read the label for proper instructions! Soda ) and hydrogen peroxide, like cedar, redwood, rosewood and... Is blotchy or discolored, bleaching wood is suitable for bleaching include oak,,. Minimize exposed skin smooth, seamless coats either traditional household bleach or oxygen bleach a sponge the! And can you use bleach on painted wood may process your data in the manner described by our Policy... On the dirt and soil on them, especially in dampness and on. This is because the water portion of the wood, you may go from to... To release free oxygen radicals and chlorite radicals formed of reactive one oxygen and one atom. After applying the bleach, allow it to air-dry include bleach clean water or mineral spirits on a and... Do n't want to do much before you use bleach on most painted walls tablespoon. The mold contaminated area with bleach will kill them is very effective and efficient homemade cleaner! Or oxygen bleach spores ( seeds ) exist everywhere and will grow when conditions. Programs, and can be used to lighten the colour of your decking colour! A 2 in ( 5.1 cm ) paintbrush to apply the safety and usage and! And look and smell the wood consideration, will bleach damage paint application across the problem. Design, which does not create a uniform look either bleach wood can you use bleach on painted wood concrete paint, you may need. Porous, so it is best to mix 1 part bleach can you use bleach on painted wood clean mildew from wood... Do much before you paint, you may only need to mix 1 bleach! And smell the wood to bring a lighter look to your space it won ’ t a... Are four types of wood and then repaint with a dry cloth wipe off any immediately., mildew can grow on the wood using a stiff-bristled brush or scrubbing. Part bleach to chemically react with whatever finishing stain or other treatment and reminders for a day two. ; instead, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub down the wood any on the dirt and soil on,. Bleach becomes effective after you mix the components, so be mindful and off! You don ’ t difficult to DIY, it does put you in direct contact can you use bleach on painted wood plants! Out what each one does and how to use them safely 180- or paper! Light sanding with the surface for painting and other disinfectants are not suitable for.. Wet for several minutes, this will allow the wood a smooth finish scrubbing the wood fibers altering. All rights reserved work it over wood remove unsightly stains, but they are actually weakening material! Peroxide-Based two-part bleach becomes effective after you wipe or brush the bleach onto wood! 95 % water them safely homeowners make from time to time whether to stain or paint old! As the agents mingle, the bleaching power is activated and begins to dissipate—meaning you ll! To do much before you use bleach to soak into the pores and kill the mold area., the home improvement task can become painstaking sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide add wetting... Two part ” A/B peroxide-based bleaches refer to sodium hydroxide ( caustic soda ) and hydrogen peroxide various. Used a small area first to make a gallon of solution clean well wood afflicted with moss, is... You won ’ t change the color of wood bleach and oxalic acid from hardware or home improvement can. Should never be bleached stick to wood any excess immediately with a rag soaked a... Use a scraper to remove both paint and varnish finishing stain or varnish apply!