Discover effective cedar shake cleaners that brighten cedar surfaces, remove stains, and protect wood without harsh chemicals. This guide highlights five top products designed to tackle cedar roofs, shakes, shingles, clapboard, decks, and other cedar surfaces. Each option emphasizes safety, environmental friendliness, and ease of use for homeowners and professionals alike.
The following summary table presents the chosen products, their primary use, and notable strengths to help you compare quickly.
| Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Wash Safe™ CEDAR WASH | Wash Safe Industries | Cedar shakes, shingles, decks | Organic, peroxide-based cleaning with no bleach; safe around vegetation |
| Wash Safe CEDAR WASH (10 lb) | Wash Safe Industries | Larger cedar restoration jobs | Concentrated, eco-safe formula for bigger projects |
| Trader Joe Multi-Purpose Cleaner Cedarwood & Sage | Generic | All-purpose cedar cleaning | Plant-derived, biodegradable formula |
| Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray, Cedar Wood Scent | Bona | Wood floors and sealant-safe surfaces | Residue-free, fast-drying with cedar scent |
| Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Refill (Cedar Wood Scent) | Bona | Refilling floor cleaner systems | Easy, residue-free refill with cedar aroma |
Wash Safe CEDAR WASH 3LB – Eco-Safe Cedar Cleaner
Wash Safe’s Cedar Wash uses a hydrogen peroxide-based formula to lift stains from cedar shakes, shingles, and other cedar surfaces. The product is 0% bleach, offering a safer approach for yards, gardens, and pets. It works with pressure washing or spray-on applications, enabling a quick rinse to reveal brighter, more uniform wood without blotchiness. Proponents note that cedar wood tends to brighten rather than shrink or dry out when treated, thanks to the oxygen bubble action that lifts grime without harsh chemical residues. Instructions for cleaning and sealing cedar wood are included with the container. This option is favored by contractors who prefer a non-chlorine method that reduces odor and exposure while delivering noticeable improvements in color and clarity on weathered cedar. The 3-pound format is convenient for smaller projects or touch-ups.
Wash Safe CEDAR WASH Eco-Safe 10 lb Container
This larger, economy-focused variant extends the same safe cleaning principles into bigger cedar restoration projects. The hydrogen peroxide-based formula continues to avoid chlorine bleach, reducing potential harm to surrounding vegetation and pets. The product’s 4–6 hour active life before biodegradation supports quicker turnaround times for crews handling multiple structures. Expect brighter, more uniform cedar without brittleness or color loss. Instructions for Cedar Wood cleaning and sealing are included with the container, facilitating a straightforward workflow for homeowners tackling decks, shakes, beams, or siding.
Trader Joe Cedarwood & Sage Cleaner
Trader Joe’s Cedarwood & Sage multi-purpose cleaner offers a plant-derived formulation that’s readily biodegradable. While positioned as a general-purpose cleaner, its cedarwood and sage notes can complement cedar projects by providing a pleasant scent during cleaning and a chemical makeup that reduces reliance on harsher solvents. This product is versatile for cleaning cedar shakes, fences, siding, and other wooden surfaces around the home. It’s not a bleach-based formula, aligning with safety-conscious homeowners who prefer eco-friendly options. Its 34 fl oz bottle size makes it suitable for moderate maintenance tasks or periodic deep cleaning.
Bona Cedar Wood Scent Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray
Bona’s Cedar Wood Scent Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray is designed for unwaxed, unoiled polyurethane-finish wood floors and similar surfaces. The water-based formula dries quickly, leaving a residue-free shine while imparting a cedar fragrance that can enhance spaces with cedar accents. It’s especially suitable for floors but can also be used on other cedar-protected wooden surfaces where a gentle, non-abrasive cleaning is desired. The spray bottle and easy application are beneficial for quick maintenance, and the cedar scent can help mask typical cleaning odors in enclosed areas.
Bona Cedar Wood Scent Hardwood Floor Cleaner Refill
This refill option provides a straightforward way to maintain the cedar wood cleaning regimen without purchasing a new bottle. It preserves Bona’s residue-free, quick-dry formula and cedar fragrance, ensuring consistent performance across multiple refills. Replacements like this are ideal for households or professional crews that rely on Bona’s system for both floors and cedar-protected wood surfaces, helping to reduce waste and simplify ongoing maintenance routines.
Buying Guide: Cedar Shake Cleaner Purchase Considerations
- Material Safety and Environment: Look for products that are bleach-free or peroxide-based to minimize environmental impact and reduce risks for pets and gardens. Consider plant-derived or biodegradable formulations when possible.
- Wood Type and Finish: Cedar shakes, shingles, and boards vary in porosity and finish. Choose cleaners that are appropriate for cedar and safe for the existing finish, whether raw cedar, painted, or stained.
- Active Cleaning Power: Hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners are common for cedar restoration; they brighten surfaces without drying or cracking the wood. Compare active life and dwell time recommendations to fit your project scale.
- Application Method: Sprays, foams, or concentrate formulas require different equipment (pressure washer compatibility, spray bottles, or mops). Pick a method that aligns with your setup and comfort level.
- Rinse and Sealing: Many cedar cleaners pair with sealing steps. Check if the product includes care instructions for sealing after cleaning and whether it promotes a uniform finish without blotchiness.
- Surface Coverage and Size: For large roofs, decks, or multiple shakes, choose a larger container or concentrate for cost efficiency. Small bottles suit touch-ups or minor stain removal.
- Scent and Odor: Cedar-scented products can make the cleaning process more pleasant, but ensure any fragrances are lightweight and not overpowering, especially indoors.
- Compatibility with Tools: If you use a pressure washer or a spray application, confirm the product’s compatibility with the equipment to prevent foam or residue issues.
- Safety and Use Instructions: Read labels for application windows, protective gear recommendations, and environmental cautions to minimize exposure during cleaning and aftercare.