Driftwood can be used for various purposes. Aquarium connoisseurs love to use it to add character. Craftsmen use it as a base material for homemade home decorating projects. Carpenters make unique furniture from it. Whether you use driftwood found in the wild or purchased from a store, it should be thoroughly cleaned before use. Start by removing any debris that is on the surface. For an added layer of protection, soak the wood or expose it to heat.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Hard Chips from Driftwood
Step 1. Shake the wood
If you pick up wood from nature-like a lake-there may be dirt particles stuck to the surface. Hold the end of the wood and shake it. Or gently pat a few times on the ground to drop other grains.
This method can also help remove pests from the wood, such as ants
Step 2. Scrub the wood
If you want to use the outside of the wood, then the surface should be cleaned more seriously. Take a hard brush and scrub the wood. Clean as much of the accessible surface area as possible. Repeat this step after the wood is soaked.
- If you want to use driftwood for a craft or furniture project, choose the brush material carefully. A soft-bristled brush won't scratch the wood, while a wire brush can clean more effectively, but will leave streaks behind. Generally, it is better to use fiber.
- A wire brush is a good option if you want to remove the bark.
Step 3. Pry the wood
Driftwood often has small crevices that are difficult to completely clean. Use a screwdriver or knife to pry the part out. Press the scribe carefully so that the wood does not tear. If you want a gentler method, use a slightly wet toothbrush. A toothbrush will be more effective especially for cleaning sand.
You can also use an air compressor to shoot a concentrated jet of air into a deeper hole. This method is safer than prying, and is usually just as effective
Step 4. Scrub with sandpaper
One way to clean driftwood is to peel off the outer layer. Use fine-grit garnet sandpaper. This type of sandpaper is perfect for craft projects and won't scratch the wood too much. If you want to go deeper into the wood (perhaps to the rotten area), use a higher grit sandpaper.
If you're not sure what you'll need for this driftwood project, head over to a building materials store to get a hands-on experience of different levels of sandpaper roughness
Step 5. Get rid of pests
Nobody wants driftwood filled with insects. Shake it to remove the pests, but just to be sure, wrap the driftwood tightly in plastic and let it sit for a few days. Recheck the plastic for dead insects.
A more aggressive way to get rid of insects is to spray insecticide before the wood is wrapped in plastic. You need to be aware, chemical residues from insecticides can be potentially fatal to fish if the wood is to be used for an aquarium. The use of insecticides is more suitable for craft or furniture projects
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Driftwood Using Water Solution
Step 1. Wash with a high pressure hose
Hold the wood under a steady spray of water and spray until you're sure it's clean. Monitor the process carefully as too strong a spray can tear the wood. Finer wood details can also be damaged if you're not careful. Once done, dry outside.
Step 2. Soak the wood in distilled water
Immersion is the most popular cleaning method among aquarium users. Put the wood in a large container. Slowly pour distilled water into the container until the wood is completely submerged. Soak for one to two weeks. Remove the wood and dry in a cool place.
- You will see the distilled water darken over time. This is normal. Darkening is a result of the release of tannins. Once all the tannins have been removed from the wood, the aquarium water will remain clear later. For maximum results, replace the soaking water when the color is like tea.
- Once the distilled water appears clear and there is no more discoloration, it's time to remove the driftwood.
- This is a great, chemical-free method of reducing the buoyancy of wood. Ideally, the wood should stay submerged at the bottom of the tank without floating up.
Step 3. Soak the wood in the bleach solution
Take a large container, mix the bleach and distilled water, then put the wood in until it is submerged. Use 2 teaspoons of bleach per 4 liters of distilled water. Soaking the wood in the bleach solution will help kill any spores or bacteria that have adhered to it. Soak the driftwood for at least 15 minutes.
If you plan to use wood for an aquarium, soak the wood in straight-distilled water after soaking it with bleach. For fish safety, all residual bleach should be removed from the wood
Step 4. Soak the wood in sparkling water
Woodworkers prefer to use a soda bath to clean driftwood. Purchase a cleaning soda, such as the Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda brand. Take a large container and mix hot water and soda. Add soda until it stops dissolving easily in water. Then, add the driftwood to the mixture. Soak for at least 48 hours.
If the wood continues to float to the surface while soaking, load the wood with a rock or other heavy object to keep it submerged
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning Driftwood Using the Extreme Method
Step 1. Boil the wood
This is one of the fastest ways to sterilize driftwood found in nature. Put the wood in a pot of boiling water. Boil for 1-2 hours. Refill if the water evaporates. When the time is up, drain the water, replace it with a new one, and repeat the process.
Many aquarium lovers like this method because it is guaranteed to kill any mold spores present on driftwood
Step 2. Bake the wood in the oven
Prepare a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Lay the wood on top of the foil, don't let it pile up. Bake at 90 °C for 2-4 hours. Monitor the process carefully to make sure the wood doesn't start to burn or burn. Once done, take it out and let it cool.
Step 3. Use the seal
If you don't want to bother with a thorough cleaning method and plan to use wood in a project, you can simply use a varnish or coating instead. Any lint in the wood will make it look uneven, but this coating will make the wood a little more sanitary.
Tips
If you are interested in adding driftwood to your aquarium, seriously consider buying it from a trusted seller. Make sure you buy wood that is intended for aquatic habitats, not a terrarium. Keep the wood submerged in distilled water after purchase. Wood from the store will be much safer for fish than that collected from the wild
Warning
- Be careful when using any chemicals when working with driftwood for an aquarium. Chemicals can be released into the water and make fish or plants sick or even die.
- Hardwoods are the best driftwood options for both terrariums and aquariums. Softwoods, such as cedar, are more prone to sap.
- Be careful when using bleach or when boiling water. Wear protective eyewear and gloves if needed, and be careful when near hot objects.
