How Do You Preserve Pressure Treated Wood?
Pressure-treated wood weathers well and is impervious to insect infestation, but contains arsenic. This chemical is highly toxic to humans. Many outdoor wood playgrounds and decks are constructed with pressure-treated wood. Controlling the transference and leaching out of arsenic is imperative. Coating the wood with a penetrating sealant helps, but it needs to be done every one or two years for optimum protection. A few hours of work will protect you and your family from the effects of arsenic exposure. Rinse the wood with clear water from a garden hose. Use a spray nozzle attachment to reach overhead areas. Mix 1/2 cup of dish soap with 2 gallons of water in a large bucket. Scrub the wood with the cleaning solution and a long-handled scrub brush. Rinse the soap using a garden hose. Let the wood dry for a day or two before applying sealant. Position drop cloths over surfaces and plants to keep sealant from dripping onto them. Remove any hardware if it is a playground set. Mix a can of
