Cabot Problem Solver Wood Surface Restoration System

Cabot’s Problem Solver line attacks weathered wood with three specialized products that work together as a complete restoration system. The sodium hypochlorite-based Wood Cleaner #8002 is designed for cleaning and preparing wood surfaces by removing mold, mildew, algae, dirt, and grime. It is easy to apply with a rating of 9 for ease of use, either by scrubbing or spraying. However, its effectiveness in removing dirt and graying is moderate, with a score of 6, and it tends to turn wood an unnatural white due to the bleach content. The cleaner does not remove old stains or paint.

The system builds on this foundation with Wood Brightener, a 1-gallon liquid containing oxalic acid dihydrate, designed to remove tannin bleed and rust stains while brightening and conditioning surfaces such as decks, fences, siding, masonry, plastics, and railings. For tougher jobs requiring complete finish removal, Wood Stripper is a high-quality product designed for effective removal of both water- and oil-based finishes from all exterior wood surfaces, including decks, fences, and outdoor furniture. It covers approximately 150-200 sq ft per gallon and is easy to apply with a brush or sprayer, requiring a 15-minute wait before rinsing with high-pressure water (up to 1000 PSI).

Three Products, Three Jobs

The cleaner contains sodium metasilicate, sodium hypochlorite, and calcium hypochlorite, and covers approximately 200-250 sq ft per gallon when diluted. This sodium hypochlorite chemistry targets organic growth but won’t touch old finishes. It should not be mixed with ammonia-based cleaners or used with the Cabot Problem-Solver Wood Brightener.

The Wood Brightener operates on different chemistry entirely. The product contains oxalic acid, necessitating protective gear during application, and should be used with caution to avoid contact with skin, eyes, or inhalation of mist. It effectively restores the wood’s original color by removing tannin bleed, rust stains, gray fibers, and discoloration, resulting in a fresh, new-wood appearance. The ready-to-use formula covers approximately 200-250 sq ft per gallon, is easy to apply with brushes or sprayers, and dries within 15-20 minutes.

The Wood Stripper brings the heavy artillery. It contains sodium hydroxide and propylene glycol, necessitating protective gear during application due to its corrosive nature. The product covers approximately 150-200 square feet per gallon and requires neutralization with Cabot Problem-Solver Wood Brightener. The product neutralizes with Cabot Wood Brightener #8003 after use.

Ready-to-Use Convenience

All three Problem Solver products come ready to apply. No mixing ratios to calculate. No concentrates to dilute. The cleaner covers approximately 200 sq-ft per gallon, is compatible with materials like wood, aluminum, masonry, plastic, and vinyl, and comes in a brown liquid in a 1.33-gallon can. It features a sodium hypochlorite-based composition, a flash point of 205°F, and VOC content of 50 g/L. The product is easy to apply using a brush or spray dispenser.

It effectively strips weathered oil finishes from woods including cedar, redwood, pine, cypress, fir, and pressure-treated wood. Montana’s cedar and redwood decks take a beating from UV at elevation and freeze-thaw cycles. This system addresses both the surface contamination and the failed finish beneath.

Product	Coverage	Active Ingredient	Primary Function
Wood Cleaner #8002	200-250 sq ft/gal	Sodium hypochlorite	Mold, mildew, algae removal
Wood Brightener #8003	200-250 sq ft/gal	Oxalic acid dihydrate	Tannin/rust stain removal
Wood Stripper #8004	150-200 sq ft/gal	Sodium hydroxide	Oil/water finish removal

Who Needs This System

Contractors dealing with neglected decks need all three products. The cleaner handles the green algae and black mildew. The brightener fixes the gray weathering and rust stains from fasteners. The stripper removes that peeling stain the homeowner applied five years ago and forgot about.

It is applied with a brush and is suitable for various materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, and masonry. That multi-surface compatibility matters when cleaning a deck system with aluminum railings or vinyl trim boards.

Note that it does not ship to Alaska, California, or Hawaii, and users should be aware of California Prop 65 warnings regarding potential chemical exposure. The chemistry that makes these products effective also limits where they can ship.

FAQ

Can the Wood Cleaner remove old stain? No. The cleaner does not remove old stains or paint. That job requires the Wood Stripper #8004, which specifically targets oil and water-based finishes.

Do these products require dilution? The Problem Solver line comes ready to use. Apply straight from the container with brush or sprayer.

What’s the difference between the cleaner and brightener? The cleaner contains sodium metasilicate, sodium hypochlorite, and calcium hypochlorite. Wood Brightener, a 1-gallon liquid containing oxalic acid dihydrate, designed to remove tannin bleed and rust stains. Different chemistry for different problems.

How long should surfaces dry between products? The ready-to-use formula covers approximately 200-250 sq ft per gallon, is easy to apply with brushes or sprayers, and dries within 15-20 minutes. It is suitable for all painted, stained, and unfinished wood, and requires cleaning with soap and water after use.

Is neutralization always required after stripping? Yes. The product covers approximately 150-200 square feet per gallon and requires neutralization with Cabot Problem-Solver Wood Brightener. The product neutralizes with Cabot Wood Brightener #8003 after use.