What is the purpose of applying wood bleach?

Applying wood bleach primarily serves the purpose of altering the color of the wood, typically to lighten it or to remove certain stains from the wood surface. This process can be particularly useful when the existing finish is uneven, or if the wood has darkened over time due to exposure to sunlight or moisture.

While treating wood for mold or fungus is an important aspect of wood preservation, it is generally accomplished using specific wood preservatives or fungicides rather than wood bleach. Wood bleach doesn't have protective properties against biological agents; instead, it focuses on aesthetic changes. The other aspects, such as structural strength and UV protection, are also not achieved through the application of wood bleach. Instead, those objectives are typically met through different treatments or finishes designed specifically for those purposes.