Can I simply wash away mildew and fungus infestations from my wood surfaces?
Most varieties of mildew occur and thrive on the exterior of the wood surface, which contain natural sugars and high quantities of moisture (above 15%). Often people try to wash mildew or funguses with a household bleach solution (trisodium phosphate) but are only successful in the short term. Chlorine bleach acts as a fertilizer, as phosphates are a direct food source, which promotes mildew, but it also dissolves the natural glue (lignun) that bonds wood fibers together. farbas recommendation is a 3 stage chemical application. An industrial chemical applicator applied with the correct strength and acidity will eliminate mildew and fungus growth while loosening the already bonded spores. Upon power washing the chemical stripper and existing fungus and mildew from the wood surface a neutralizer must be applied to achieve a balanced ph level in the wood acceptable for maximum sealant penetration.
