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Make Wood Pallets As Clean As New For Your Next DIY. Here's How
By KATE CUSSON
Wood pallets can be repurposed in lots of useful ways, but you must clean and disinfect them first — even if they have no stains — as the porous wood can harbor bacteria and pests.
To start, wash off any debris with a hose or pressure washer; scrub the pallets with a mixture of water, dish soap, and bleach or vinegar; rinse well with water; then let them dry.
Next, scan the wood for nails or pests like termites or carpenter ants. Remove nails with a claw hammer or saw off the parts containing nails if you plan to break down the pallets.
If you see signs of a pest infestation like small holes, tiny piles of sawdust on or around the wood, or dark stains, discard those pallets and find an uninfected batch.