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leftycatcher

Stained Cedar Fence

leftycatcher
19 years ago

My cedar split rail fence, formerly stained white, has sat underneath a pair of messy catalpa trees, which has left a dirty black residue. The trees were recently cut down. How can I clean the fence (without killing the perennial bed)? Also, in lieu of re-staining/painting fence, does anyone know of of a seal coat that gives appearance of the plastic coating seen on newer fences? Thanks in Boston!

Comments (4)

  • angiebeagles
    19 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Wow. This threads been here a while.

    I can help with the cleaning, but not the sealing.

    There is a product called Basic H. It's made by Shaklee (works kinda like Amway- look up shaklee in the phone book). It is all natural, and you would want to dilute it with water, and spray on the fence. It will not kill your plants.

    They advertise it as "making water wetter" and it really feels that way too.

    Don't knwo what to tell you about sealing the fence tho.

    Angie

    Here is a link that might be useful: basic h

  • leftycatcher
    Original Author
    19 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Thank you, Angie. I've never heard of Shaklee. Will check out the website.

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  • Adunn79
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    There are actually over 1,001 uses so it's been difficult to compile a complete list.

    Here are a few to start!

    First, how should Basic-H generally be used?

    The genius of Basic-H is that it makes water, the "universal solvent," penetrate dirt and grime more quickly while then rinsing away easily and leaving no toxic residue.

    Intensely concentrated, Basic-H�s cleaning power is unleashed when it is diluted in water to the strength required for the cleaning job at hand (spot-test first).

    GENERAL USES FOR BASIC-H2 and Basic H the Classic

    CLEANING JOBS: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon to a quart of warm water

    WINDOWS, MIRRORS: 2 to 4 drops to a pint of water

    FLOORS: 2 tablespoons to 1 gallon of water

    BASIC-G AND BASIC-H CONCENTRATE: 3 Cups H to 1 Cup G (this mix will be diluted in water as needed)
    OTHER USES FOR BASIC-H Some of these uses are not approved by Shaklee. You can see their official ways to use Basic-H and Basic H2 at the product pages.

    Window Cleaner � Mix - Only 1 to 3 drops in 16 oz. spray bottle of water. If smearing occurs, mixture too strong � add water to dilute.

    General Spray Cleaner � Mix 4-6 drops in 16 oz spray bottle of water. Use all over the house to wipe furniture, chrome, the stove, the refrigerator, vent blinds, and excellent for louvered doors.

    General Spot Remover � Apply Basic-H directly on spotted area. Use a toothbrush or finger to rub into area. Wipe off with a damp cloth or rinse in basin of water. (Removes coffee, ink, grass, etc)

    General Cleaning � 1/2 tsp. in qt. of warm water. Cleans doors, walls, woodwork, appliances, bathroom fixtures & tile.

    Insect Repellent for People and Animals � Rub/Apply full strength Basic-H wherever you do not want insects to bite; they won�t bite where Basic-H has been applied. Also relieves itching of insect bites (rub on, full strength). Be careful around eyes, it does sting. If you get some in the eyes just flush with water.

    Floors - 1 Tbs. per gallon of water. Leaves floor shining. May require rinsing.

    Dusting � 1/8 tsp. in pint of water, squeeze sponge almost dry (Or spray on), Wipe off dust, fingerprints, etc. Dry with clean cloth. Leaving the wax finish beautifully bright & dust repellent, less dusting required.

    Outside Windows � 1/2 tsp. in "Ortho-type" spray applicator full of water. Makes 2 gallons of solution for windows & screens. Squeegee dry.

    Coffee-makers � Dilute 1/8 tsp. Basic-H in pot of water. Run through cycle & coffee stains will rinse away.

    Ironing - 1 drop in steam iron keeps the jets & interior clean.

    Wallpaper - Excellent for removing wallpaper. 1/2 Tbs. per gal. of water. Soak wallpaper with sponge & peel or scrape.

    Concrete & Mortar Mix � 1/4 oz. per 1 gallon of water. Makes cement & mortar spread easier & smoother, set harder.

    Plumbing - Will keep pipes clean & free-running when used regularly to wash hands, pots & pans at sinks. It emulsifies grease & can eliminate cleaning of grease traps.

    Pressure Washer � 1/2 oz Basic-H to 20 gallons of water.

    Heavy Duty � use 1 oz per gallon of water. Leaves a luster to mobile homes, homes, RVs & etc.

    Humidifiers � Use 1 or 2 drops in humidifier water to help prevent rust & scum.

    Knives � 1 or 2 drops on cutting stone for sharpening knives. Keep moist & add Basic-H as needed. Doesn�t clog stone � very important when sharpening tools. Stone rinses free of residue.

    Yard Spray to Rid of Fleas - in hose spray bottle, fill with water; add 1 cap-full of Basic-H. Attach to hose & spray yard every 10 days for 3 applications. Use twice a year thereafter to control. Rinse all plants thoroughly.

    Liquid Hand Soap - Mix 1/4 Basic-H to 3/4 water in pump dispenser by sinks. Will not dry or irritate hands like soaps may. Will help moisten, soften & protect hands!

    Fine Fabrics � Use 1/2 tsp to a basin of lukewarm water to wash woolens, nylon stockings, and all fine fabrics.

    Gum � Use full strength to remove gum from skin, hair or carpeting.

    Fruits & Vegetables � Use 1/8 tsp. in pint of water wash and rinse. Removes insecticide residue, dirt and waxes. For lettuce cut head in half and place in cold water with a couple drops of H. It removes the poisons and crisps up the lettuce.

    Automotive Uses Washing- vehicle� 1/2 tsp. per gallon of water. Wash small area at a time and hose off. Wipe windshield, windows and chrome with paper towels after rinsing. You�ll love the shine!

    Battery Terminals - 1/2 tsp. to pint of water and spray on battery terminals and let soak 2 minutes. Clean with wire brush.

    Filters � 1 tsp to gallon of water. Soak air filters from motors and watch the dirt float out into the water. Air dry or put on hot engine for faster drying.

    Camping Cleaning & Washing - Coat bottoms and sides of pots and pans with Basic-H before placing over campfire. Black soot just slides right off when you wash.

    Fish Odors � 1/2 Tbs. per quart of water. Basic-H2 works wonders on boats, docks.

    Washing RV, Boat & Camper � 1/2 Tbs. per gallon of water.

    Crayon - To remove from walls, use full strength.

    Spot Remover - Apply directly on spotted area, which has been dampened with water. Use a toothbrush or finger to rub basic-H2 into area. Wipe with a damp cloth or rinse in basin of water

    Upholstery - Mix 1/2 Tbs. to � gallon water. Spray on & rub clean.

    Septic Tanks � Keeps crust from forming. For maximum health of septic system use all of Shaklee�s phosphate free cleaning products. This will do much to promote the growth of needed friendly bacteria.

    Houseplants � Water plants with 1 oz. Basic-H to 1 gallon water. 4 drops to 1 pint water can be sprayed on the leaves to make healthier plants and keep dust off.

    Fertilizer - Add a few drops to warm water, then water your indoor or outdoor plants. The Basic H2 solution will make the ground soluble to the water, thus making your plants much healthier than with regular water.

    Toothpaste - Add a drop or two to your toothbrush, right on top of your normal dab of toothpaste. Watch as your teeth become whiter and your gums healthier. Your breath may even stay fresh longer, as Basic H fights germs of all sorts.

    Glove - Before you start a dirty job or before gardening, pour a few drops directly onto your hands. Rub them together to coat both hands. After you are done cleaning, wash your hands to find that dirt, scum, smell and overall ickiness are nowhere to be found.

    Pesticide - Dilute your Basic H2 to a couple of drops per spray-bottle, then spritz your plants as part of your regular routine. Not only will the bugs stay away but you might also find that they are bigger and healthier, as well.

    Produce wash � Just 1/8tsp. added to a pint of water will make an effective and safe wash for your produce. Grit and dirt on leafy vegetables are easily removed, and you no longer have to worry about a funny taste remaining on the produce.

    Diaper wash - Coupled with 1/2 tsp of Shaklee Basic G (a germicide), 1/4 tsp of Basic H2 can remove germs and odors from your cloth diapers. Leave a bit in your diaper pail to prevent odors there, as well.

    Windshield Wash/Rain repellent - Pour 3 1/2 tsp of Basic H2 into one quart of water, and use it as your windshield wash. Rain and slush will easily wipe away from your windshield, and bugs will slide away, as well.

    Records - Add 2 drops to a cup of water and with a soft cloth or brush, wipe off records. Removes finger oils and leaves them magnet free.

    Shoes - 2 drops on a clean cloth to clean shoes. Will not wax finish, shine with a dry cloth.

    Clothes Dryer - Place 25-45 drops into a 16 0z. spray bottle and spray inside of dryer. Reduces static cling and softens clothes.

    Contacts - 1 to 2 drops in 1/2 cup water to soak contact lenses. Rinse well to remove all traces of solution.

    Delicate Clothing - 2-3 drops in pint of water; perfect for panty hose and delicate fabrics.

    Hand Washing - 1tsp for undies, socks, sweaters, or knit dresses

    Dishes � 1tsp to sink of water. May need to add a little extra if you have greasy dishes or pots and pans.

    Walls and ceilings � 3 tsp. to 3 quarts water. For kitchens and bathrooms

    Body Wash - 3-6 drops on sponge for luxurious shower.

    Bathtub Cleaner - Use in tub for a bubble bath and don�t worry about bath rings.

    Buildings - Use solution in a sprayer with no more than 500lbs of pressure or all you�ll get is foam and add the Basic H last. 1oz. to 20 gallons of water. For heavy duty jobs use 1 to 2 oz. to 20 gallons of water. Then use 1 to 1 &1/2 cups of Basic G to 20 gallons of water to disinfect. The Basic G does not have the abrasiveness that petroleum based cleaners have, especially when coming in contact with the skin. Rinse thoroughly. Use the Basic H in accordance with the hardness of your water. Very effective in cleaning buildings and cattle.

    Carpet Pre-Spray � Mix 2 to 4 oz. Liquid Dish Wash Concentrate with 2 to 4oz. Basic H to 5 gallons of warm water. Spray on carpet and leave at least 10 minutes. Then steam clean carpet using Basic H in 1/2 proportion to required amount of steam cleaner�s shampoo. You can use Shaklee�s fabric softener, as a de-foamer instead of steam cleaner�s, again using 1/2 amount required.

    Upholstery � SAME AS CARPET PRE-SPRAY- Mix 2 to 4 oz. Liquid Dish Wash Concentrate with 2 to 4oz. Basic H to 5 gallons of warm water. Leave on 10 minutes and use dampened towel to clean approximately 3 times.

    Leather � 2 drops on damp sponge then wipe the item dry. Basic H cleans better leather better than saddle soap.

    Tape Residue � 4 drops to 16 ounce spray bottle filled with water, spray on let set and wipe off.

    Paint Brushes � Work full strength H into brushes and wash under the tap.

    Outside Windows and Screens � Spray mixture of 1 teaspoon H to 2 gallons of water.

    Rust � Use Basic-H for rust inhibitor for rusty nuts and bolts. Also use one tablespoon to radiator full or water or anti-freeze to help prevent rust.

    Changing Tires - Spray diluted or full-strength Basic-H on rims. Tires go on easier.

    Septic Tank � Pour one quart of Basic-H into septic tank drainage when it becomes sluggish to clean it out. Does not hinder bacterial action in septic tank or cesspools. In fact, it helps build bacteria in your septic tank.

    Boat Bottom Algae - 1 tablespoon Basic-H to one gallon of water.

    DOGS For Worms � Apply 2 drops H for every ten pounds of the dog�s weight on their feed for one week. Repeat this application every 3 months. You may put it in a spray bottle with a little water and spray it over the dog�s food. You can also add a drop or two to the water. I also add some Liqui-Lea to our dogs� food.

    Wormer for Cattle - use 1 cup per 100 gallons of water

    Goats and Sheep - mix 6 cc Basic h classic with 8 oz water. Place the mixture in a turkey baster and give to the animal. -
    Read more here

    Laboratories � Excellent for cleaning glass slides used under microscopes and blood-stained test tubes. Use 2�4 drops of Basic-H� in 1 pint of water. Glass will smear if more than the recommended amount of Basic-H� is used.

    Plaster Casts � Place a few drops on one palm, rub thoroughly over hands, and a little water to remove plaster from hands.

    Radiograph Pens � A few drops of Basic-H� will clean engineering pens and keep them working smoothly.

    Concrete and Mortar Mix � Add 1 ounce to each 1 gallon of water used. Makes mixture easier to spread.

    Golf Clubs � Add 1 teaspoon to a 4 ounce spray bottle. Spray solution on clubs and brush off dirt. Also excellent for cleaning golf gloves

    Eye Glasses � Fill a 4 ounce spray bottle with water and one drop of Basic-H�.

    Shaving � Apply full strength to damp skin and shave as usual.

    Frying Vats � Use 1/2 cup in 3 gallons of water. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Dissipates stubborn crust without damaging vats.

    Skunk Odor Removal � 1 T. Basic H� in gallon of water

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