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may require scrubbing with a stiff bristle brush, using a solution of one cup oftrisodium phosphate, one cup of household bleach and one gallon of warm water. Surfaces should be rinsed thoroughly. (lt is important to tell customers never to mix bleach with detergents containing ammonia - poisonous lumes will develop). Once mildew stains are removed, a finish that contains a mildewcide should be applied.

Common and unsightly nailstains resulting from using ferrous metal nails or nails that were not properly galvanized.

The cleaning process is similar to the removal of mildew stains. To help prevent recurrence of the stains, suggest that customers countersink the nails and swab the nail holes with a water repellent. After this is dry, nail holes should be filled with a non-oily wood filler.

When moisture migrates to the wood surface andevaporates, extractive residue is left on the surface.

Fresh extractive stains can be removed by washing with detergent and water. More stubborn stains can be removed by using one cup of trisodium phosphate and one cup of household bleach mixed with a gallon of warm water.

Although there are many products specifically designed for cleaning decks and restoring the color of redwood, one method uses generic chemicals which you probably have in the paint department. After the wood is scrubbed with a bristle brush and a solution of one cup trisodium phosphate per gallon of warm water, it is rinsed with clearwater. This can be repeated. The final application is a solution of four ounces of oxalic acid crystals dissolved in one gallon of warm water. After the wood dries, it is rinsed with clear water. More than one application may be necessary.