How to Remove Oxidized Marks in Oak Wood

How to Remove Oxidized Marks in Oak Wood
Written By
Samantha Volz
Samantha Volz
Published: Sep 3, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read
  1. Pour 1 gallon of warm water into a garden pump sprayer.

  2. Mix in 1 gallon liquid chlorine bleach. These bleaches contain a 5 percent sodium hypochlorite solution that will clean the oxidized areas without damaging the wood.

  3. Pump the cleaning solution onto your discolored wood. Allow the solution to sit on the wood for up to 30 minutes. Do not let it dry completely on the wood surface.

  4. Rinse the cleaning solution away with a garden hose or power washer set at or below 1,500 pounds per square inch (PSI). The added power of a pressure washer may help to remove any remaining oxidized marks.

  5. Repeat the cleaning, if necessary, to remove the oxidation marks. The wood should return to its tan or dark brown color. If necessary, scrub stubborn areas with a stiff-bristle scrub brush soaked in the cleaning solution.

Tips

Stronger bleach products, with up to 15 percent sodium hypochlorite, are available through cleaning supply companies, and stronger chlorine solutions can be found at swimming pool supply retailers. Use these stronger solutions only if the weaker bleach fails to clean the wood.

Warnings

Bleach will discolor fabrics and is harmful if ingested. Keep pets and children away from the bleach and cleaning solution. Do not spray bleach onto plants or grass, as it will kill vegetation.

Photo Credits

Weathered Wood image by Kimberly Wickerink from Fotolia.com

Samantha Volz

Samantha Volz has been involved in journalistic and informative writing for over eight years. She holds a bachelor's degree in English literature from Lycoming College, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with a minor in European history. In…

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