A wide variety of purposes can be accomplished with the use of driftwood.Aquariums use it to make their fish tanks more interesting.It is used as a base for home décor projects.Woodworkers build furniture pieces from it.Before you put it to work, it's important to clean it thoroughly, whether you buy it from a store or from the wild.Get rid of any debris outside.If you want an extra layer of protection, soak the wood or expose it to heat.
Step 1: Put it down.
Dirt can stick to the wood's surface if you picked it up from a lake.Give it a good shake if you grab it by the end.It is possible to loosen any additional grains by gently tapping it on the ground.It helps to remove pests from the wood.
Step 2: Put it in a container.
If you are working with wood that is outside then you need to be more serious about cleaning it.You can scrub the wood with a brush.Go over as much of the surface area as you can.After soaking the wood, you may want to repeat the scrubbing process.If you plan to use the driftwood for a craft or furniture project, you may want to consider your brush choice.A soft-bristle brush will not scratch the wood whereas a wire brush can leave scrub marks.It's a good idea to scrub with the grain.If you need to remove bark, a wire brush is a good option.
Step 3: Pick what you want.
Small nooks can be hard to clean.Use a tool to dig.Put pressure on the wood so that it doesn't splinter.Push into crevices using the edge of a toothbrush.This is very effective at removing sand.An air compressor can be used to shoot air into deeper holes.This is less damaging than picking.
Step 4: Rub it with a piece of wood.
One way to clean the wood is to remove the outer layer.A light grit is what you should use.It works well with handcrafted projects and won't scratch the wood.If you want to dig deeper into the wood, you should upgrade to a higher grit.If you don't know what you want your project to look like, go to your local home improvement store.
Step 5: Remove any bugs.
No one wants insects in driftwood.If you seal it in a plastic bag and leave it for a few days, you can get rid of some pests.There is evidence of dead bugs.A more aggressive way to kill off insects is to spray an insecticidal solution into the bag.If the wood is intended for an aquarium, be aware that the chemical remnants from this method could be fatal to fish.It's best used in crafting or woodworking situations.
Step 6: Pressure wash it or power it.
If you feel like your wood is clean, hold it under a steady stream of water.Too strong of a water stream can cause the wood to be torn away.If you are not careful, you can break off the wood details.When the wood is finished, allow it to dry outside.
Step 7: Take the wood and put it in distilled water.
The most popular method of aquarium cleansing is 'curing' driftwood.Put the wood in a container.Slowly pour distilled water into the container.For a couple of weeks, soak.Allow the wood to dry in a cool place.The water will change over time.This is normal.It is the result of something being released.You can keep your aquarium water clear by removing all the tannins from your wood.If the soaking water takes on a tea-color, it is time to replace it.This is a chemical-free way of diminishing the strength of your wood.You want your wood to sit on the bottom of the aquarium.
Step 8: Place it in a solution of bleach and water.
Put your driftwood under the water by mixing bleach and distilled water in a large container.The bleach should be used per gallon of water.If you soak the wood in a bleach solution you will be able to kill off any organisms on it.For a minimum of 15 minutes, keep the driftwood submerged.If you want to use your driftwood in an aquarium, you should follow-up a bleach soak with a straight-distilled water soak.All traces of bleach need to be out of the wood.
Step 9: Take it out of the soda water.
A soda bath is often used by woodworking artisans.Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda is a cleansing soda.Put hot water and soda in a container.Continue to add soda until it stops dissolving into the water.The mixture should be lowered into your driftwood.You have to soak for 48 hours.If your driftwood keeps rising to the surface when you soak it, you may need to place a rock or other heavy object on it to keep it submerged.
Step 10: You should boil it.
One of the quicker ways to sterilize driftwood is through this method.The pot is filled with boiling water.For 1-2 hours, keep the driftwood boiling.As the water starts to boil away, you may need to refill it.When the time is over, drain the water out and replace it with something else.Many aquarists like this method because it is almost certain to kill any fungal spores found on the driftwood.
Step 11: Put the wood in the oven
Wrap a cookie sheet around it with foil.Don't put your pieces on the foil.The wood should be baked at 200 degrees for a few hours.It is important that the wood does not start to singe or burn.Allow the wood to cool and then set it aside.
Step 12: If you want to apply a sealant, apply it to yourself.
If you don't want to bother with extensive cleaning methods and if you plan to use your wood for a project, you might consider applying a varnish or coating to the wood as is.The wood will have an even finish if there are any grains on it.