Cleaning collected wood?

[niccoliherp]

I just collected some bamboo and trimmed it the way I want it. I'd like to clean it before I use it, but I'm not sure what to use. Any suggestions?

 

[jabberwock486]

i always use a 1/10 bleach water combination when cleaning. stronger for things i collect out doors. if outdoors i wash in soap and water first then bleach. this should kill off all the stuff you don't want. after that rinse really well. after i wash it in the bleach i let it soak for several hours and rise again. want to make sure you get all the bleach out.

alcohol could be used too, but bleach gives the best results. this kills everything. however one drawback is that it can change the color of wood. i have found it has lightened up many logs i have.

I am sure some people may not like the idea of bleach, but as long as it is rinsed well it should not be a problem.

 

[niccoliherp]

Thanks for the advice. I'm not too worried about the color as the wood is pretty light anyways, so that should work well.
Any other suggestions?

 

[BlakeDeffenbaugh]

I havnt done it but I hear people bake their wood at a temp that will kill off everything. . 200ish that away bugs cant live threw it for about 20-30 minutes up to a hour. Just depends on the person. But I'm not sure how bamboo will react with the air thats trapped inside the chambers on it.

 

[Kevin McRae]

I don't do anything to my wood. I've never had a problem.

If you buy corkbark, nothing is usually done to it either.

 

[BlakeDeffenbaugh]

Yeah I dont personally do anything either. I just put it in and let it be. But just passin along what I hear.

 

[sanderfrog]

Just rinse them with some water better not use chemicals like soap or bleach they might do more harm to your animals.

regards Sander

 

[niccoliherp]

Thanks guys. I will probably try to rinse it well with scolding water or something. I think some of the pieces may be too big to bake, but I'm curious and may try that on a piece or two. Thanks again for all the info.