Homemade Wood Bleach

Chlorine Bleach

• You can use ordinary laundry bleach to remove dark stains and streaks from wood. Simply mix the bleach with an equal measure of warm water, then brush the solution over the affected area. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then repeat. Add chlorine, one coat at a time, until the wood reaches the desired color, then rinse the piece in lukewarm water and allow it to air dry.

Hydrogen Peroxide

• While it is not as easy to apply as laundry bleach, hydrogen peroxide also lightens wood; however, standard 3 percent hydrogen peroxide may not work well on its own. To bolster peroxide’s bleaching power, mix it with an equal portion of lye and pour the resulting solution over the wood. Deactivate the peroxide solution by wiping the wood with a soft cloth that has been dipped in distilled white vinegar, then rinse with clear water and buff dry with a soft towel.

Oxalic Acid

• Though it is not as commonplace as chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide, oxalic acid is available at most pharmacies, home improvement shops and hardware stores. When mixed with water, the crystals instantly dissolve, forming a highly effective bleaching agent that not only lightens wood and removes stains but also brightens surfaces that have been dulled by time and weather. Neutralize the acid by rinsing the surface with ammonia and water, then set the wood in the sun to dry.

Preparation

• To minimize the amount of chemical agent required to lighten a given piece of wood, sand the surface prior to the application of the agent. Use medium-grit paper and rub briskly in one direction, moving with the grain of the wood; this smooths the wood and helps to remove polishes, lacquers, varnishes and sealants. Re-sand surfaces once the bleached portions have dried completely. The bleaching process causes wood fibers to swell; rubbing down the wood helps to prevent uneven staining.