Cleaning a tree stump / log

[woola]

This may sound odd, but we need to clean a tree stump. Late last night my housemates decided we didn't have enough chairs in the living room and disappeared in the car, coming back with a bit of a tree branch that's just the right height and size to sit on. However, it's a bit smelly and dirty so how can we clean it up a bit without damaging the wood or bark too much? Don't want to damage it with unsuitable cleaning products. Any suggestions gratefully recieved!

[WendyS]

Well, for a start, if the tree stump has still got bark on it, it will probably be housing all kinds of tiny mites and insects which over the next few days will migrate out into your living room. And bear in mind that over a period of time, the warm air indoors will gradually dry out the bark and it will eventually start peeling off in small pieces as it dries. If you just want to clean off all the dirt, you can try putting it in the bath (without water) or the base of your shower tray and spray it with warm water, leaving it there, or in a plastic bowl until all the water has drained off. That should remove surplus dirt, cobwebs etc and make it clean enough to sit on, especially if you put a cushion on top. However, if you place it on a carpet, it's possible that the natural juices and resins in the wood will leak out of the base of the log over a period of time and stain the flooring or carpet..

[woola]

Oh blimey. Think I'll be voting to get rid of this in favour of a more conventional seating arrangement. A beanbag perhaps.

[wilsarnie]

But still, credit has to be given for innovative thinking here ;)

[BBWCHATT]

I think you could take it outside and use a stiff brush and a pail of soapy water to scrub it and let it dry outside - if it has bark on it, pry it off before you start. Let it dry for a day or two. Before you bring it inside, put down a small piece of plastic or carpet or a door mat and put it on that so it won't mar the floor or mess up the carpet.