EXPERT Clean & Bright Wood Cleaner | Step 1 (MILD)| Lifts & Removes Stains | Removes & Kills Algae, Mold, Mildew Organic Growth | Mild Stripper

EXPERT Clean & Bright Wood Cleaner | Lifts & Removes Stains | Removes Algae, Mold, Mildew Organic Growth | Mild Stripper

EXPERT Clear & Bright Wood Cleaner is our go-to for deck restorations that do not require stripping.  Great for cleaning and restoring wood while removing stains caused by tannins as well as extreme organic growth such as algae, mold and mildew.  Works well on both treated and untreated exterior wood.

This is a  100% Sodium Metasilicate Alkaline based cleaning product that also has good stain lifting ability.  It can also be used as a light stripper and will remove some lumber grade stamps from decking boards and will kill.

Perfect for applying to wood prior to applying EXPERT Clean & Bright and EXPERT Stain & Seal systems.

EXPERT Clean & Bright is available in Concentrate packs, quarts, 1 gallon and 5 gallon containers.

EXPERT Clean & Bright Wood Cleaner is STEP 1 of a 3-STEP system. It is recommended for surface prep prior to application or re-application of wood stains.  Allow wood surfaces to dry 48 to 72 hours (or longer) before applying EXPERT Stain & Seal wood stains.  For best results, use all EXPERT Clean & Bright Professional Wood Care products followed by our EXPERT Stain & Seal wood stains.

Optional: For pest repellent on the wood consider using EXPERT Natural Defense- Essential Oil Wood Stain Enhancement.

EXPERT STAIN & SEAL 3 STEP PROCESS FOR SUCCESS

Surface prep is key prior to application or re-application of all wood stains. For best results, follow our 3 step process using EXPERT Clean & Bright Professional Wood Care products followed by EXPERT Stain & Seal wood stains.

• STEP 1:  CLEAN – Use one of our 4 wood cleaning products designed to clean and remove water and oil based stains as well as  dirt, grime and organic growth including mold, mildew and algae. In order of cleaning ability:     (LIGHT) Eco Cleaner (MILD) Wood Cleaner  (HEAVY) Wood Stripper (EXTRA HEAVY) Wood Stripper Booster
• STEP 2: NEUTRALIZE & BRIGHTEN – Use our Chemical Neutralizer & Wood Brightener to deactivate cleaners used in Step 1 and return wood back to natural pH and wood color.
• STEP 3- STAIN & SEAL – Use one coat of Expert Stain & Seal in transparent, semi-transparent or semi-solid colors.  For even more outstanding protection, try our premium one coat Expert Log & Timber Oil.

WHERE IS EXPERT CLEAN & BRIGHT WOOD CLEANER USED?

• Fences
• Decks
• Siding
• Shakes & Log Homes

WHY EXPERT CLEAN & BRIGHT WOOD CLEANER?

• Effective Alkaline wood cleaner for removing surface stains
• Remove and cleans organic growth stains; Algae, Mold and Mildew
• Removes stains caused by tannins
• Works well on both treated and untreated exterior wood.
• Easy to Use & Clean Up
• Restores Wood’s Natural Beauty
• Step 1 or our 3 Step Process to Get your Project Ready for Expert Stain & Seal

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What does EXPERT Clean & Bright Wood Cleaner remove?

EXPERT Clean & Bright Wood Cleaner removes surface stains, dirt, grime, and organic growth such as algae, mold, and mildew from exterior wood surfaces. It also helps lift stains caused by tannins and restores the natural appearance of wood before staining or sealing.

What surfaces can this wood cleaner be used on?

EXPERT Clean & Bright Wood Cleaner can be used on a variety of exterior wood surfaces including:

• Decks

• Fences

• Wood siding

• Log homes

• Wood shakes

It works well on both treated and untreated wood surfaces during cleaning and restoration projects.

Does this wood cleaner remove mold, mildew, and algae?

Yes. The cleaner helps remove stains and buildup caused by organic growth such as mold, mildew, and algae. Cleaning these contaminants is an important step before applying a wood stain or sealer.

Can this cleaner remove oil stains from wood?

Yes. EXPERT Clean & Bright Wood Cleaner has strong stain-lifting properties and can help remove oil-based stains and contaminants from exterior wood surfaces. It is often used when preparing decks or fences for refinishing.

Will this product remove old deck stain?

This cleaner has light stripping ability and can remove some weathered coatings, lumber mill stamps, and surface discoloration.

However, for removing heavier or fully intact stains and coatings, a stronger wood stripper may be required.

What makes this wood cleaner effective?

EXPERT Clean & Bright Wood Cleaner uses a sodium metasilicate alkaline formula, which helps break down dirt, oil residues, and organic staining on wood surfaces. This chemistry makes it effective for cleaning wood before staining.

How much area does the wood cleaner cover?

Approximately 8 ounces of concentrate mixed with water creates 1 gallon of cleaning solution, which typically covers 150–250 square feet depending on the condition of the wood and the application method.

How do you mix EXPERT Clean & Bright Wood Cleaner?

The powdered cleaner is mixed with warm water before application.

Typical mixing ratios include:

• Light Cleaning: ¼ cup per gallon of water

• Medium Cleaning: ½ cup per gallon of water

• Heavy Cleaning: 1 cup per gallon of water

The solution should generally be used within several hours of mixing.

How do you apply the wood cleaner?

Basic application steps include:

1. Pre-wet the wood surface with water.

2. Apply the cleaner using a pump sprayer, brush, or deck brush.

3. Allow the solution to dwell for 5–20 minutes while keeping the surface wet.

4. Scrub lightly if necessary.

5. Rinse thoroughly using a hose or low-pressure washing.

After cleaning, neutralize the wood using a wood brightener before staining.

Do I need to brighten the wood after using this cleaner?

Yes. Because this cleaner is alkaline, the wood should be neutralized using a wood brightener after cleaning. Brightening restores the wood’s natural pH and color and improves stain penetration.

How long should wood dry before staining?

After cleaning and brightening, wood should typically dry 48–72 hours before applying stain or sealer. For best results, the wood moisture content should generally be below about 13% before staining.

What is the EXPERT 3-Step Wood Restoration System?

For best results, wood restoration should follow the EXPERT system:

1. Clean / Strip – Remove dirt, stains, coatings, and organic growth

2. Neutralize & Brighten – Restore wood color and pH balance

3. Stain & Seal – Protect the wood with a penetrating stain

Following these steps improves stain absorption and long-term performance.

What is the difference between the Step 1 wood cleaning products in the EXPERT Wood Restoration System?

The EXPERT Step 1 Clean process offers four different wood cleaning products designed to remove dirt, grime, organic growth, and old stains from exterior wood surfaces. The main difference between them is cleaning strength and the type of buildup they are designed to remove.

Eco Cleaner – Light Cleaning
Eco Cleaner is designed for routine maintenance cleaning. It removes light dirt, mild organic growth, and surface grime from wood decks, fences, and siding that are still in good condition.

Wood Cleaner – Mild Cleaning
Wood Cleaner is ideal for moderately dirty wood. It removes dirt, mildew, algae, and light staining from weathered wood surfaces that need more than a simple maintenance wash.

Wood Stripper – Heavy Cleaning
Wood Stripper is formulated to remove old wood stains, weathered coatings, gray wood fibers, and heavy organic buildup. It is typically used when preparing decks, fences, or siding for refinishing with a new stain or sealer.

Wood Stripper Booster – Extra Heavy Cleaning
Wood Stripper Booster is an additive that increases the strength of the wood stripper. It is used when dealing with very stubborn coatings, multiple layers of stain, or difficult water-based finishes that require additional stripping power.

Using the correct Step 1 cleaner ensures the wood is properly prepared before brightening and staining.

Do I need to clean my deck before staining?

Yes. Cleaning removes dirt, organic growth, oils, and contaminants that prevent stain from penetrating the wood. Proper preparation helps stains apply more evenly and last longer on exterior wood surfaces.