Log cabins are very appealing to the eye and they make very good hideaways at any given time. There are actually people who would rather have log home compared to other home options. When you buy your log cabin from your selected manufacturer, however, it is important to ensure that you know exactly how to clean and maintain it so that it looks just as good as years go by. A good manufacturer will be in a position to guide you with the cleaning depending on the wood used to make your cabin and other factors. But there are general cleaning and maintenance tips you can use to keep your cabin looking as good as new at all times.
Tip 1 – Clean dirty logs using water, bleach and a small amount of detergent. But considering that bleach can destroy wood cellulose when left on for too long, ensure that the cleaning is very quick. You must also rinse after and rinse again just to be sure.
Tip 2 – When buying wood solution to clean the logs, check for calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite and sodium percabonate as they are bleached and can leave your wood looking faded and washed out. Most solutions in the market however have buffers and surfactants which aid fast wetting, easy rinsing and reduce wood damage. Choose only high quality products to keep your wood protected.
Tip 3 – To minimize streaks that can be difficult to remove when spraying bleach on logs, ensure your spray your walls starting from the bottom going up.
Tip 4 – Choose wood cleaner with oxalic acid for discolored wood with no mildew. The mild acid restores lots of the original color and works amazingly well on cedar and redwood logs which are prone to darkening and a result of extractive bleeding. Such a cleaner will remove metal and nail stains, water stains and gray weathered stains too.
Tip 5 – To keep UV damage at bay on your log cabin, select glass that comes with coating to block the rays for the doors and windows. This is an easy way of preventing discoloration of the interior wood. It is also helpful to use the UV boost on initial stain coat on the log floors and walls.
Tip 6 – Ensure your logs have a protective stain. Water based acrylic stain makes a very good choice because it allows the wood to breathe and at the same time also offers a tough film that is easy to clean and dust and does not yellow.
Tip 7 – Use clear polyurethane coating for cabin areas that are water damage susceptible. They include bathrooms and the coating will prevent chinking discoloration and water damage.
Tip 8 – Seal all areas that allow water and air in especially corner notches and around windows and doors as well as the top of your walls. Sealing should be done from outside and caulk makes a very good sealant especially because it is less visible. For best results, use borate based liquid on the areas before sealing them up so you eliminate any chances of decay or rot.
