FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
WD LIQUID, PART A CLEANER AND PART
B BRIGHTENER
Why should
I use a cleaner on my wood?
What's the
difference between a cleaner and a brightener?
Can't I just
use bleach?
I have a dark
discoloration on the wood, is it mildew?
I stained my
deck last year, it already looks bad! Why?
How often
should I clean my deck?
How do I use
these products?
Are your
products safe to use?
Q: Why should I use a cleaner on my wood?
A: Cleaning and brightening your wood before applying a quality wood
finish allows that wood finish to bring out the true beauty of the wood's
surface. Properly preparing the wood before staining is a very important
step.
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Q: What's the difference between a cleaner and a
brightener?
A: A cleaner is a detergent, it removes dirt and dust from the wood's
surface. A brightener removes tannin stains from woods prone to extractive
bleeding, such as cedar and redwood. Tannins occur naturally in some woods
and often appear as a dark discoloration after the wood is exposed to
moisture.
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Q: Can't I just use bleach?
A: Bleach is not recommended for cleaning wood. It destroys the lignin
which connects the wood fibers together and gives the wood an unnatural
washed-out look. Bleach should only be used to remove mildew before
applying a wood finish.
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Q: I have a dark discoloration on the wood, is it
mildew?
A: Place a drop of bleach (sodium hypochlorite solution) on the wood.
If it lightens, it is probably mildew. Remove it with a solution of one
part household bleach to two parts water, then rinse with water. If it
doesn't lighten, it's probably just dirt, or wood extractives. Use Messmer's
Part A or WD Liquid to clean the wood.
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Q: I stained my deck last year, it already looks bad!
Why?
A: Decks are hard to keep looking new. If your car sat outside for a
year without being washed, would it look new? Wood traps dirt, dust,
pollen and airborne pollutants, so you must remove them with a quality
deck cleaner.
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Q: How often should I clean my deck?
A: We recommend cleaning your deck at least yearly. Twice a year is
better. Don’t reapply stain too frequently, this can cause blotchiness and
shiny spots.
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Q: How do I use these products?
A: Mix concentrates with water as per the label instructions, then
apply with a garden sprayer or mop. After about five minutes, use a push
broom or brush to scrub the wood surface. After allowing the product to
work for twenty minutes, rinse with clean water.
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Q: Are your products safe to use?
A: Yes, when label instructions are followed properly. They will not
harm the wood, your plants or your lawn and are bio-degradable.
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