Cleaning debri off stained logs.

[timrec]

My log home is two years old. I applied Woodguard oil-based stain to the logs when it was built. I have noticed that the oil based stain tends to attract dust/dirt/debri etc. This in turn results in some mildew forming. I would like to clean off the logs to get rid of the dirt. I see alot of posts which describe how to clean the logs prior to stain being applied, but I don't see much around cleaning off the logs after stain has been applied and the logs have gotten dirty. I would like to know how people clean their logs and if it is an annual task. With Spring rapidly approaching, I may do some Spring cleaning on my logs!
Thanks.

[Jim Bilyeu]

Timrec,

Some people may disagree but we recommend that you wash a log home at least twice a year, once in the fall and again in the spring. I personally think that one of the best investments a log homeowner can make is buying a pressure washer. A pressure washer can make the chore of washing your home much, much easier. By washing your home, you will also extend the life of your finish and you will also be able to notice if anything else is going wrong and needs help.

We use a product call “Maintenance Wash“ (made from corn). We developed this product just for this purpose, maintenance cleaning. You can use it with or without a pressure washer. Keep the home clean and eliminate a lot of your mildew problems.

[Dan Bodenstein]

Timrec,
I know several people, including myself, that used WoodGuard, and found that it attracted mold and mildew.

We thought we had it bad until we saw another persons home and the logs were covered in mold.

We were told that the mold and mildew thrive on the oil based products. Since we are in a tropical zone, they said it would only make it worse.

Last April, we applied Sashco Capture/Cascade and we have not had any mildew or mold problems since. We rinsed the house a few weeks back with a garden hose just to get dust off of it. (We were going thru a dry spell) The Sashco had held up wonderfully.

My recommendation, get rid of the WoodGuard.

Dan