Cleaning Cedar Porch Swings

Cleaning cedar porch swings doesn’t have to be a drag. In fact, I would rather spend a little time cleaning here and there than devote an afternoon every year or two to restaining or repainting. It’s a good idea when cleaning cedar porch swings to start with mild soap and water. If that doesn’t do the trick, however, a solution of bleach and water should work.

There are several things to avoid during cleaning. Cedar porch swings are made from softwood. This doesn’t mean that they are flimsy and easily breakable. It means that you should avoid harsh ways of cleaning that can damage its finish.

I know how tempting it is to use a pressure washer to get a job done quickly. But when it comes to cedar porch swings, a pressure washer is not the way to go. The high pressure can damage the wood.

You should also avoid hard, stiff brushes or wire scrubbers. Once again, these can damage the natural finish of cedar porch swings.

Another thing to avoid is letting the bleach solution dry. It’s all right to let the bleach soak for a few minutes on the tougher stains, but don’t allow it to dry before you rinse the swing clean. With summer upon us, it’s a great time to brighten up our cedar porch swings and give them a fresh face . . . or seat.