How to Clean Outdoor Cedar Ceiling : Must Follow DIY 4 Steps

As any homeowner knows, keeping the exterior of your house in good condition can be a lot of work. One often-forgotten area is the outdoor western red cedar ceiling & cedar siding. If you have cedar ceilings outdoors, you know how beautiful they can be.

While cedar is a durable material resistant to rot and insect damage, it still needs to be adequately cleaned and maintained. Cedar ceiling requires special care to maintain its aesthetic value. So it is essential to know how to clean outdoor cedar ceiling for the beauty of your house.

Painting and repairing your cedar ceiling need to be done every few years to protect the wood and keep it looking fresh. But even if you don’t paint or fix your cedar ceiling, you should still clean it regularly.

How to Clean Outdoor Cedar Ceiling Like an Expert?

If you’re lucky enough to have a cedar ceiling in your outdoor space, you know that it’s a beautiful addition to your home. But what you may not know is that cedar is also a very durable material designed to withstand the elements.

With that said, it’s still essential to maintain your cedar ceiling regularly to keep it looking its best. Cleaning cedar wood ceilings may require the following supplies:

• Soft-bristled brush
• Mild soap
• Sponge
• Hot water
• Garden hose

For stubborn black mold:

• Solution of oxygen bleach
• Liquid detergent
• White vinegar
• Hot water

You’re ready to maintain your cedar ceiling if you have these supplies on hand. But before you begin, be sure to:

• Ensure you wear a respirator mask when handling chemicals to avoid inhaling their fumes or mold spores.
• When you are scrubbing black mold, you should wear gloves. If you are sensitive to skin irritation, consider wearing long sleeves.
• Cleaning solutions can be used on a variety of nonporous surfaces. A simple spray down will not suffice when treating porous surfaces, such as wood.
• If you use a mold removal solution, ensure it will not damage unfinished wood by first testing it on a small area.

Note: Do not use ammonia-containing detergents.

Let’s begin the cleaning process with these simple steps:

Step 01. Clean Any Dust & Debris:

A critical step in taking care of your cedar ceiling is to clean any dust gets accumulated on it. This can be done with a soft brush or damp cloth nicely. Be sure to work in the direction of the grain to avoid damaging the wood.

Step 02. Rinse the Ceiling:

Now that you’ve prepped your cedar ceiling for cleaning, it’s time to start rinsing it and spraying the ceiling with a garden hose, covering the entire wood surface evenly. Once the roof is completely wet, it’s time to start scrubbing.

Step 03. Scrub the Ceiling:

The next step in cleaning your outdoor cedar wood ceiling is to scrub the ceiling. You will need a soft-bristled brush and mild soap. Mix soap thoroughly in a bowl of water, then wet the brush in the soapy water and scrub the ceiling lightly.

Be sure to rinse the brush frequently to avoid re-depositing dirt on the ceiling. Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the ceiling with clean water. Allow the ceiling to air dry, or wipe it dry with a soft cloth.

Step 04. Use Home Made Solution:

You can make your cleaning solution at home with some simple ingredients. In a bucket, mix 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach, 1/4 cup of liquid detergent, and 2 cups of white vinegar. Slowly add water to the mixture until it reaches 1 gallon.

Or you can try 1 tablespoon liquid detergent, 1/2 cup baking soda, and 1 cup of water. Add all ingredients into a large bowl and mix them. Ensure that you use gloves when handling the bleach.

Next, take a clean cloth and dip it into the mixture. Gently rub the stained areas of your cedar ceiling, being careful not to soak the wood. Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with a hose. For tougher stains, you may need to repeat this process.

Best Practices When Cleaning Cedar Ceiling

Cedar is a popular wood used in ceilings because of its natural beauty and durability. However, cedar is also a very porous wood, which can be difficult to clean. When cleaning a cedar ceiling, it’s essential to use the right products and techniques to prevent damage to the wood.

To accomplish the task, follow these tips:

• Vacuum the ceiling with an attachment designed for dusting. By doing so, you’ll help remove the dirt or dust that has accumulated.
• While wiping down the ceiling with a damp cloth, be sure not to strip the finish of the wood.
• Avoid using harsh cleaners, such as bleach, on your cedar ceiling. The product will strip away the finish and damage the wood.
• Try to minimize using a pressure washer when cleaning cedar ceilings. The high-pressure water can cause the wood to warp or crack.
• Once you’ve finished cleaning, you need to dry the ceiling completely. You can do this with a soft cloth or a hairdryer set on the low setting.

If you are unsure about using a particular product or technique on your cedar ceiling, it’s always best to first test it in a small area. This will help you avoid damaging the wood. Try to consult with a professional if you have any questions or concerns.

Outdoor cedar ceilings can add a touch of elegance to any home. They will continue to look beautiful for years to come with the proper care. You can keep your cedar ceiling looking its best by following these tips.

If you are Interested: Is it a good idea to stain a cedar ceiling?

FAQs

Let’s take a look at some common questions people have when it comes to cleaning outdoor cedar ceilings:

01. Can I Use a Pressure Washer to Clean My Cedar Ceiling?

You should avoid using pressure washers to clean a cedar ceiling. The high-pressure water can damage the wood and strip away the finish.

02. How Often Should I Clean My Cedar Ceiling?

You should clean your cedar ceiling at least once a year to remove them if it gets dirty. If you live in a particularly dusty or sandy area, you may need to clean it more often.

03. What Kind of Cleaner Should I Use on My Cedar Ceiling?

Generally speaking, you can use any kind of cleaner that’s safe for wood except the product that contains ammonia. However, water-based cleaners are the best choice for cedar ceilings.

04. How Do I Remove Stubborn Stains From My Cedar Ceiling?

If you have stubborn stains on your cedar ceiling, you can try using a mild abrasive such as baking soda or salt. You can also use a pressure washer set to a low-pressure setting.

Conclusion

Outdoor cedar ceilings are a smart look to any home. They add character and charm, and they’re also very durable. However, cedar is a porous material, which means that it can absorb water, dirt, and other debris. Over time, this can lead to mildew and black mold development.

It’s essential to clean your cedar ceiling when it comes to maintaining it regularly. Start by removing any loose dirt and debris with a soft brush. Be sure to dry the ceiling entirely after washing it.

We hope this article on how to clean outdoor cedar ceiling has given you some helpful tips for keeping your roof looking tremendous.