Bring Life Back to Your Log Home Interior with These Cleaning Tips

Tips for Cleaning Your Log Home Interior

Log homes come with a unique style and charm that can’t be imitated. However, over time, the once bright and airy logs can become dull and drab. Given the amount of dust, dirt, and grime that accumulates over the years, it’s no wonder why. But with the right tips and tools, log home owners can easily bring their homes back to life. Here’s how:

Preparation

• Before beginning to clean your log home, inspect each surface to make sure there are no cracks, crevices, or open joints.
• If you find any, fill them with a wood-compatible caulking deep-fill material.
• Once this is done, vacuum and clean large logs with compressed air to remove loose material.

Cleaning

• The type of cleaning product you use will depend on the type of finish your logs had when they were installed. Some logs, for example, may need specialized cleaners.
• For most logs, however, a solution of mild soap and water is typically sufficient.
• If you’re unsure of the type of finish your logs have, testing a small, inconspicuous area first is the best course of action.
• Once a cleaner has been chosen, use a soft-bristle brush and a garden hose to clean the logs.
• When finished, give the logs a thorough rinse and let them air dry.

Unfinished Logs

• For logs that haven’t been sealed or stained, it’s important to let them weather before applying a finish.
• To speed up the process, use a pre-treatment cleaner to open pores and allow for weathering.
• Treated logs will have a much higher capacity for water absorption and may appear to be lighter and brighter.
• It’s recommended to let newly treated logs weather for at least six months before applying a finish.

Chinking and Sealing

• After cleaning, inspect all openings and be sure to refill any cracks or holes with a wood-compatible appropriate material.
• Apply a new sealant to all open joints, as well as any other areas that may require chinking.
• If you’d like a color change, you can apply a different stain to the logs.
• Be sure to use a stain that is specifically designed for use on exterior siding.

The last step to restoring the life and vibrancy of your log home interior is to maintain your logs. This means making sure that all crevices and joints are sealed, that no paint or caulk seams are peeling, and that mildew is eliminated. It’s advisable to do this once a year to prevent staining and other damage.

To bring life back to your log home interior, regular cleaning and maintenance is essential. With a few basic cleaning tips, you can easily keep your logs looking as beautiful and vibrant as the day you moved in.