Cedar House Washing Secrets
The best form of cedar house washing is prevention. Cedar has a soft, porous surface that can be easily damaged if isn’t looked after properly. In New Zealand, where homes are exposed to changing weather, regular care is important for keeping cedar looking its best. Whilst it’s always important to be careful when washing exterior surfaces, particular attention should be paid to cedar homes. A consistent house washing routine helps maintain the natural appearance of the timber and supports long-term care.
Cedar house washing yourself?
If you decide to take a DIY approach to washing a cedar house, remember to keep the following points in mind:
- Assess the condition of the wood surface, stain or paint. Quite often, the stain applied to cedar is prone to marking and damage from any sort of water pressure or being brushed – even with a soft house wash brush. This is always more likely on the northern-facing sides of the house.
- Use a soft-bristle house wash brush to remove any cobwebs before spraying water at the house. Once cobwebs become wet on a rough cedar house, they’re a nightmare to get rid of!
- Use a soft wash solution. If you have a water blaster with a chemical venturi, use a mix of 5 litres of household bleach, 4 litres of water and 1 litre of dishwashing liquid or sugar soap. This mix will then be diluted again to around 10:1 through your venturi. Apply the solution from a safe distance to avoid unnecessary pressure on the surface. Thoroughly coat the whole house and leave the solution for 5 minutes, then rinse off with water from a safe distance. Check out our soft wash guide to learn more about this method.
- If in doubt, call a professional.
Cedar House Washing Best Practices for Lasting Results
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Strong cleaners can strip natural oils from cedar and cause long-term damage. Use gentle, cedar-safe products to preserve texture and color.
- Regular Maintenance: Routine cleaning prevents buildup from settling on the surface.
- Moisture Control: Keep gutters clear and trim vegetation near the house.
- Professional Help: Professionals use the right methods for safe house washing results.
Soft brush washing
Regular soft brush house washing will help to prevent mould and lichen from establishing itself on the cedar surfaces. This can be done without the need for external help; however, we find that many customers prefer to leave this to the professionals.
Either way, make sure to keep on top of it to prevent future damage to your house. Mould and lichen growth compromise the coatings and surface treatments that are applied to cedar, so it’s best to keep your house clean to avoid these issues. Regular house washing helps maintain coatings and surface treatments.
Water blasting
Even low-pressure soft house washing equipment packs enough punch to cause damage to cedar surfaces if used incorrectly. Inexperienced house washers and moments of carelessness can permanently damage cedar, given how soft the wood is.
Unless you have had enough advice to feel confident washing your cedar home, it’s a good idea to employ the services of a house washer who can clearly display adequate knowledge of cedar house maintenance. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional.
Moss, mould, and lichen
It’s important to be aware of the damage and impact that moss, mould, and lichen have previously had on the cedar house coating or surface before washing, so that your expectations of the end result are accurate. Regular house washing can help manage surface buildup and keep your cedar home looking clean.
If there has been sustained deterioration and oxidisation. It may be time to look at painting or restaining your home. In this scenario, it is highly recommended that you consult a cedar specialist to advise on the preferred method of preparation.
Here is a helpful, informative article about cleaning moss, mould, and lichen.
Do you need help with looking after your cedar house?
Out of all the different types of cladding, cedar is one of the hardest to maintain. Not to worry though, we have plenty of experience with this type of surface – and more than a few happy customers.
When it comes to cedar house washing in New Zealand, NZ Treatments and Spraying is a trusted local expert you can count on.
Get in touch with us today on 0800 777 296 for a free, no-obligation quote and let our team take care of your cedar home the right way.
