Garden sheds take the brunt of all weathers from the heat of the summer sun to the dark damp conditions of deep winter. Wind, rain and sun all contribute to shed timbers becoming discoloured and dirty with in-ground dirt and debris. The onset of mould, algae, mildew and other biological growth can also look unsightly and accelerate wood rot and decay. It’s for this reason that a shed cleaner should be used as part of the annual garden maintenance program.
Why clean garden sheds?
Apart from looking unsightly, if mould, algae or other signs of biological growth are present then its a good sign that the shed isn’t in the best condition and if left, will likely not last as long as it may have otherwise. As long as wood rot hasn’t taken a hold, this condition can be reversed giving sheds, summerhouses and log cabins a new lease of life.
What are wood cleaners?
Wood cleaners are formulated to not only clean the visible signs of dirt, mould, algae and fungi, they also kill off the spores in the wood grain from which they grow. This means that once properly cleaned, and as long as a preventative wood preservative is applied after, mould, algae and other biological growth should not regrow.
How to clean, preserve and protect garden sheds
restoring a garden shed to its former glory will likely take some effort but once done, it will look great and be ready to stand the test of time. To restore the appearance of the shed and give it the best possible protection, there are three main processes. These are…
- Cleaning
- Preserving
- Protecting
This process is based on bare wood garden sheds, or those that have been left untreated for a number of years and where the timber has perhaps turned grey or silver over time. If the shed has been previously painted or varnished and is showing signs of peeling, flaking or blistering, the old finish will need to be stripped back to bare wood before proceeding.
Cleaning
This depends on how heavily soiled the shed is. if the wood is lightly stained with green or black patches, these can be treated with a mould and mildew cleaner. Once treated, allow the wood to dry and see if the stains have disappeared, if they remain a second application may be required. For heavily contaminated sheds where there is a physical build up of mould or algae, the best approach is to remove as much of the surface contamination as possible with a paint scraper, stiff broom or brush first. Soaking the affected areas with the mould and mildew cleaner and allowing an hour or 2 may make this process easier. When back to the bare wood, treat again and scrub the shed cleaner into the timber with a stiff brush then allow to dry. Repeat if necessary.
Recommended wood cleaners suitable for garden sheds
- Pro-Kleen Spray and Walk Away Green Mould and Algae Killer: Pro-Kleen is a super powerful outdoor green mould and algae removing solution – the intense cleaning fluid revives patio, decking, fencing, outdoor furniture, and more and is safe for children and pets once dry!
- Dirtbusters Spray Today Gone Tomorrow: Patio Decking Fence Drive Cleaner extra strength formula which removes Mould Mildew Moss Algae Lichen Killer Green Growth Remover
- Barrettine Mould and Mildew Cleaner: An effective multicide, fungicidal wash for the control of mould, algae and fungi. Suitable as a shed cleaner and for use on other exterior wood
- Osmo Gard Clean (6606): Highly effective cleaning and disinfecting concentrate. Ideal for the removal of green growth on garden sheds, furniture and cladding
- Ronseal Garden Cleaner: An effective garden cleaner for use on sheds, patios, paving and decking to remove moss, mould and algae
Wood preservation
Once cleaned and allowed to dry, sheds should be treated with a shed preservative. Shed preservers will not eradicate mould or algae on their own but once the shed has been cleaned and treated with a mould and mildew cleaner, will help prevent future infestation. Shed and wood preservers are available in clear and coloured formulations so sheds can be left looking natural or stained to a different colour in a single process.
Shed Protection
Although shed preservatives protect against mould, algae and insect attack, they only offer limited protection against weathering and water ingress. To fully protect the recently cleaned and preserved shed, a top-coat of clear or coloured exterior wood oil, shed stain, shed paint or shed varnish should be applied. These will seal in the wood preservative, protect the shed from weathering and complete the project.
Garden Shed FAQ’s
Can’t find the answer to your garden shed care or maintenance project above? See our frequently asked garden shed questions and answers page, where we try to answer some of the more commonly asked questions relating to garden shed care, maintenance, and shed treatments.