Exterior Surface Cleaning
Get rid of mold, mildew and organic stains from siding, wood
shingles, roofing and exterior surfaces with EXTERIOR PROx Deck & Patio Cleaner or OXY-BOOST Oxygen Bleach Destainer/Deodorizer.
Also Cleans and Brightens Wood Decks
Roof and Other Exterior Surface Cleaning
Recent Testimonial from a Satisfied Customer:
"Last month I ordered the Oxy-Boost and NuKlear deck sealer. I was a bit skeptical about the cleaning power of the Oxy-Boost. That is until this evening. I started cleaning my deck. Wow what a difference. The deck is 3 years old, the wood had turned grey. The Oxy-Boost removed the grey and the wood that I cleaned looks brand new. I'm totally impressed. Regards, Paul"
• How To Test For
Mold and Mildew
• Other Common
Exterior Stains
• Traditional
Methods For Mildew Removal vs.
Using Oxy-Boost Oxygen Bleach
• How Much ProX or Oxy-Boost
Should I Use?
• Instructions
for Use
• What Is The
Best Way To Protect
Exterior Surfaces After Cleaning?
• What Kind Of
Exterior Protectant Do You Recommend?
• Roofs and Other Exterior Surface Cleaning With ProX and Oxy-Boost
• A Word On Pressure Washer Use
• Articles
• Oxy-Cling For Vertical Surfaces
What Is Mildew?
Mildew is a living organism, a fungus, which is normally observed as a black
or dull gray deposit on exterior and interior surfaces. Mildew does not grow
directly on a surface but on the accumulation of dust and other organic materials
that settle on it. In addition to a food source, warmth, moisture, and a
shady location all encourage the growth of mildew. The most common types
of mildew are black or gray but some are green or even red in color. Mildew
is a surface problem that can occur on siding, shingles, decks, patios, roofing
materials, stucco, driveways and even concrete. Normally it does not affect
the strength or other important properties of exterior surfaces. It just
looks bad.
How To Test For
Mildew
Many times mildew looks like dirty spots and is hard to visually identify.
An easy way to test to see if it is present is to dab a drop or two of a fresh
bleach solution. We would recommend using an oxygen bleach solution (1 tsp.
dissolved in a pint of hot water) or 3% hydrogen peroxide, but you can use
chlorine bleach as well). Mildew will usually bleach out in a minute ot two.
Dark areas that do not bleach are probably dirt.
Other Common
Exterior Stains
These can generally include tannins from leaves, algae, mold, animal and bird
droppings, organic matter, food, grease and oil.
Traditional
Methods For Removing Exterior Organic Stains vs. Using Oxygen
Bleach Products
Traditional methods many times involve the use of harsh toxic chemicals and
acids like chlorine bleach, TSP (trisodium phosphate) or oxalic acid. Care
must be taken not to spill these materials as they can harm you, your pets,
plants, clothing or other sensitive materials. Pressure washers are also used
because they are fast and can easily reach inaccessible areas like pitched
roofs or second floors. However, they can also erode sensitive wood shingles,
wood decks or other exterior surfaces.
Products like Exterior ProX and Oxy-Boost use the power of oxygen to clean and remove organic stains. They provide
a truly safe alternative to traditional exterior cleaning methods as they
oxidize and get rid of any organic stains but not harm plants or animals in
any way.
How Much Oxy-Boost or ProX Deck and Patio Cleaner
Should I Use?
A pound of either product will clean 150 to 250 square feet of surface. Factors
affecting coverage are temperature, substrate, surface porosity, degree and
type of stain. For example: leaf tannin stains are normally very easy to clean
but mildew imbedded into roofing shingles may require one or two applications
to get rid of.
Instructions
for Using ProX and Oxy-Boost
- Remove any loose soil or dirt if possible.
- Wet the surface with water.
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Prepare cleaning solution by dissolving 6-8 ounces of Oxy-Boost or ProX per gallon of hot water. Use moderate agitation. If Oxy-Boost is being used then add a few drops of dishwashing liquid and TSP substitute (sodium metasilicate - one ounce per 5 gallons of cleaning solution). These additives aid in wetting and cleaning. ProX already has the proper ratio of these additives already in the product. (See comments on the difference between ProX and Oxy-Boost)
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Allow 5 minutes for the cleaner to dissolve and become “cleaning active”.
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Apply “cleaning active” solution with a mop, roller, sponge or rag. A pump sprayer or a positive displacement applicator is good for applying solution to vertical or pitched surfaces like stairs, roofs, siding, railings or fences. Note: Garden hose attachment sprayers are not normally recommended as they will tend to over dilute the cleaning solution during use. If you have any questions about application and cleaning methods please contact us.
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Any type of scrubbing or other mechanical cleaning action will aid stain removal. We recommend using a stiff bristle brush or broom to help to loosen organic matter from surface. Obviously, this is not always possible.
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Wait 15–20 minutes after application then rinse area thoroughly with water.
-
Repeat as necessary, especially for really heavily stained areas.
Solution can remain “cleaning active” for up to 6 hours but will
be most effective when used soon after mixing.
Avoid cleaning in excessive temperatures or in direct sunlight as the cleaning
solution will dry out and not remain active.
Do not store in a sealed container as the “cleaning active” solution
will give off oxygen and may cause the container to leak.
What Is The Best Way
To Protect Exterior Surfaces After Cleaning?
Cleaning exterior surfaces once or twice a year is a good start. Though the
best way to protect surfaces like wood decks, wood shingles and roofing is
to remove the things that cause the stains or encourage organism growth that
is not always possible or practical. Another way to protect these surfaces
is to use a paint, stain or sealer. Quality products that contain
mildewcides, water repellants and ultra-violet protection provide the best
performance.
What Kind Exterior
Protectant Do You Recommend?
Natural Choices recommends NuKlear, the world's first water-based sealer/varnish.
It is the only ambient-temperature, cross-linking acrylic on the market. It
is a formulation of V.O.C. compliant acrylic resins that prevent the damaging
effects of water, fungi and UV radiation on exterior surfaces. NuKlear includes
a UV-blocker as well as a non-toxic fungicide to keep mildew, and mold from
attacking. NuKlear also contains a patented water soluble non-oil based water
repellent which will give you years of protection over traditional products,
guaranteed! For additional information and to order NuKlear, visit the
WonderPaint website.
Roofs and Other Exterior Surface Cleaning With ProX and OXY-BOOST
Roofs, shinges, fences and masonry surfaces can be cleaned using the general procedure described previously.
For roofing because of the porosity of some types of shingles (e.g. asphalt) and the fact that it is not always convenient to scrub the shingles, roofs can take longer to clean and may need more than one application especially if the roof is heavily stained.
To retard the growth of algae, moss, mildew, etc. after your roof has been cleaned you can purchase products that contain copper, tin, polymeric coatings, organic herbicides or biostats. These products can be toxic so be careful when using them. Probably the most environmentally safe method is introduction of copper stripping under shingles at the top or apex of the roof. The copper slowly dissolves in rain water and keeps any organic materials from growing.
A Word On Pressure Washer Use
While power washers can make it easier to clean inaccessible and/or pitched
areas on roofs care must be taken when using them. Too high of a
pressure can damage roof shingles. Also washers that blend water with
the cleaning solution can dilute it too much to do any effective cleaning.
In general, using a pressure washer to rinse the roof after the cleaning
solution has been applied and had a chance to work is the best situation.
Reviews & Ratings for Natural Choices Oxy-Boost in Waterproofing
Oxy-Cling For Vertical
Surfaces
Sometimes longer contact times are needed for cleaning vertical and pitched
surfaces like railings, roofs , shingles and siding. Oxy-Cling is a safe acrylic
thickener that is used with Oxy-Boost to make the cleaning solution thicker
for better cling.
Instructions For Oxy-Cling use:
For normal use add 1/4-1/3 cup or 2-3 ounces of Oxy-Cling per gallon of Oxy-Boost
cleaning solution prepared as described previously. Mix well before use
to let viscosity develop completely. Apply thickened solution as necessary.
Note: Thickened solutions may not apply well with all types of spraying equipment.
How To Purchase Oxy-Cling