Cleaning Driftwood ?

[ToadWort]

I live in an area where I can pick up driftwood, but I'm wondering the best way to go about cleaning it before using it?

[Philsuma]

Clean the 'dirt' off of it ? Or 'clean it' of potential bugs and critters ?

If the wood is found in or near water - then hot water in the sink and perhaps a clean brush.

If the wood is found in the 'forest' or in soil, then you could soak in hot water for a few days. One of the WORST centipede infestations I ever had was from wood brought in from the outdoors. I know it's saving a few bucks, but I'd rather pay a little $$ and buy some wood most times.

[ToadWort]

Thanks for the input. I think I might boil it then sand if needed.

[Eric Walker]

A good buddy of mine who is also a member here fished a huge peice of wood from the river about two hears ago. Way to large for baking or boiling. He gave it a long soak in a barrel with a 40lb bag of salt followed by repeated soaks in clean fresh water to flush any remaining salt from the log. No odd bugs showed up. Plants grew great and no problem with the terribs in it ever since