LOG CABIN CLEANING
Expert Cleaning for Log Homes
Expert Cleaning for Log Homes
Log cabin cleaning is essential and allows maximum adhesion of the stain that is being applied and therefore results in a longer staining interval and less maintenance cost over time. Cleaning your home removes dust, dirt, pollens, and contaminants that have built up over time. In cleaning your home, we will use a cleaning agent followed by a light wash. We have a variety of cleaning agents that we use and can recommend depending on your current stain, current condition, and your desired final condition.
This can range from environmentally friendly mild cleaners up to more aggressive agents and acids. We have seen it all and it is typical for a combination of cleaning agents to be required to gain best results.
Your log home requires a moisture repellent and protection against the sun's UV rays. The stain we will recommend will be based on several items such as the current stain and its condition, log profile, wood condition, desired final look, as well as the climate in which your home is located. During our free estimate we can discuss the options that would best suit your logs and your desired outcome.
What should you be aware of before their cabin is washed?
Protecting the Longevity of Your Logs
Our Cabin Cleaning Process
We start by carefully inspecting your log cabin to understand its current condition, everything from the type and state of the stain to the wood’s profile and the surrounding environment. From there, we create a custom cleaning plan that fits your home’s unique needs.
Depending on the level of buildup and the results you're after, we use a variety of cleaning solutions—from gentle, eco-friendly options to stronger agents when needed. Our skilled team uses proven methods that deliver a deep clean while protecting the integrity of your logs.
Log Cabin Cleaning Done Right
At Log and Timber Solutions, we know that no two log homes are the same—and that’s why we tailor our approach to fit your specific goals. Whether you love the rustic charm of a weathered finish or prefer a deep, rich stain, we’ll help you choose the best stain and protective coating for your home.
We consider everything from the condition of your logs and their profile to your local climate and personal style. During your free estimate, we’ll walk you through your options and offer expert advice to help you get the look and protection you want.
Cabin's Moisture Repellent and UV Protection
In addition to cleaning, your log home requires effective moisture repellent and protection against the sun's harmful UV rays. Our recommended stain not only enhances the natural beauty of the wood but also forms a durable barrier against moisture infiltration and sun damage.
By investing in quality stains and protective coatings, you safeguard your investment and prolong the lifespan of your log cabin, ensuring years of enjoyment for generations to come.
What are Tannin Stains?
Tannins are the brown pigment in you wood. As your wood get wet, these tannins wick/migrate through the wood and then eventually condense as the moisture evaporates. These typically create almost a flame-like appearance on your logs with it lighter on the inside and dark on the edges.
Can I get rid of Tannin Stains?
This can be very tricky, and in most cases you cannot completely, without replacing the logs. These tannin stains can penetrate the entire way through the log. In minor scenarios where the stains are superficial, they can sometimes be treated with oxalic acid (think wood bleach) to dissolve the concentration of tannins. Sanding can also be an effective way to remove minor tannin stains. However,
very often you can create blotchy or less aesthetically pleasing results when applying these methods. You really need to be strategic on where you start and stop these items. We usually recommend treating an entire wall at a time to help keep that wall uniform. Custom tinting stain by trial and error can be helpful but can take a lot of time to match correctly. Keep in mind even if you do replace the entire log those logs rarely match due to the “ambering” effect on the existing logs vs the newly replaced log. Talk to your estimator about all your options.
Is Your Log Home Getting the Care It Needs?
Discover Our Professional Log Home Cleaning Service
We are committed to preserving the beauty and integrity of your log home with our professional log cabin cleaning and maintenance services. With our expertise and our dedication to quality work, you can trust us to keep your cabin looking its best for years to come.
Schedule your
free estimate today and see how our personalized cleaning solutions can transform your log cabin. Rediscover the natural beauty of a well-maintained log home with Log and Timber Solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Exterior Log Cabin Cleaning
Do you use pressure washers to clean my cabin?
ButtonYes, however the chemicals do the cleaning. We use pressure washers at a distance to rinse the logs more efficiently than a garden hose. And our guys are trained to keep there washing wand at a 45 degree angle up or down wherever possible to minimize water intrusion through the logs.
What Chemicals do you typically use?
ButtonWe have several different chemicals that we can use. This is determined by many factors, such as current condition, protection system being applied, desired final appearance, etc.. This is a question that an estimator can better answer when he is onsite and inspecting your cabin. Common cleaning agents include Simple Green, Trisodium Posphate, Sodium Percarbonate, or Oxalics Acid based cleaning agents. Almost all products you see on the market for cleaning log homes have one of the above active ingredients. We may use multiple different agents to get best results when required.
Do you use Bleach?
ButtonThe answer is No and Yes. We only use it when all other options weren’t as effective as we hoped. 99% of log cabins can be effectively cleaned without Bleach. I would guess that we use bleach on less than 1% of the log cabins we work on per year. Bleach is very effective at killing molds and mildews and should only be used in the most egregious scenarios. Be aware that if not properly removed from your logs it can have negative effects on the stain system when applied. It is not uncommon to have premature failure due to delamination and/or discoloration of the pigment in the areas that were treated with bleach. Bleach is an effective cleaning agent for log homes and can be used by people that know what they are doing, but it is not needed/recommended in most scenarios.
What is “felting” or “fuzzing”?
ButtonFuzzing or felting are terms used to describe the surface of your logs when they get a hairy, fuzzy like texture. This is usually caused by getting too close to your logs with a pressure washer.
How do you fix “Felting” or “Fuzzing” on logs?
ButtonThis can be remedied by several methods. The easiest is to use an Osborne Brush on a grinder and go over those areas. This will remove those hairs and bring back a nice smooth texture.
What is an Osborne Brush?
ButtonAnd Osborne Brush is a cup like attachment for an angle grinder with Teflon bristles. This is aggressive enough to remove any failed products while not eating away at the wood. They come in several different
sizes and grit options.
Our customers are the BEST! 😍
Highly Recommend!
"We are absolutely unbelievably satisfied with the turnout of our home. You guys did a fantastic job I cannot say enough about the quality and the communication day to day on how you guys were. Highly recommend log & timber for anyone looking for cabin restoration. These guys are 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you so very much. Very professional!"
-James G.
(Google Review)
