Wood does not require maintenance?
It has become a real must to make your furniture and decoration with reclaimed wood, but that wood is, first and foremost, all used for transportation, which means it might not be the cleanest good in your home. Here is why and how to clean and sanitize your reclaimed pallets before completing your DIY projects. Put your rubber gloves on, and get going!
Before doing anything with your pallet, you should hose it down to remove dust, bugs and dirt that could have stuck to it. Please wait until the wood is completely dry and sand it to avoid splinters. It also makes your piece so much easier to paint and wash afterwards. Once it’s all soft and sanded, you can use a big brush to clean the wood. Use soap to give a great scrub and a fresh smell. You can use dishwashing soap or all-purpose cleaning soap. If you can’t reach some places, use an old toothbrush to clean every inch. Hose the wood once again to remove any trace of soap.
Some people even steam the wood to bring sanitizing to a new level. If you have one at home, consider using it! Depending on your project, you should remove all the tacks in the wood. If you don’t remove them, make sure to hammer them in.
It is recommended to do this entire process on a sunny day, removing all possibility of moisture on the wood. It also dries much faster. Please do not leave them in the summer heat for too long because the wood might dry and bend, leaving it harder to work with.
If you’re not ready for your home project, stack the dry, clean wood in a garage or inside to avoid getting wet. It is preferred not to keep it on the floor, either.
Once you’ve got all the cleaning covered, the crafting begins. Take your tools out and let your creative instincts lead you. When you’re done, you can polish the wood and leave it as is or paint it to match your décor.
Be patient and put a little bit of your time into making a great project that you’ll be able to see and cherish every day in your lovely home.
Also Read: Do it Fresh and Fun Summer Patio Furniture!
