Fence Cleaning Tips

If you’re cleaning a fence that borders someone else’s property, talk to them before beginning. An improperly used power washer can damage gardens and homes, and caked-on mud and grime can be hard to remove even with a scrub brush.

Use a pump-up sprayer designed for chemicals such as bleach to apply the cleaner. Work in small sections and rinse the detergent off with a garden hose. Read on for some ideas.

Scrubbing

Due to their size, location, and nature, wood fences are subjected to a lot of wear and tear. Organic growths such as dirt, mud, and mildew commonly take hold, tarnish the appearance, and are difficult to remove without the help of professional housewashing services.

Scrubbing is a good option for cleaning your fences, but it can be time-consuming. For the best results, you should scrub in identifiable sections of your fencing to avoid over-scrubbing or damaging the surface.

Use a stainless steel wire brush to remove heavy debris from your fencing. Once the surface is clear, rinse it again with a low-to-medium spray pattern using a pressure washer.

Apply Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Cleaner to the rinsed boards. This fast-acting foaming cleaner helps lift and dissolve dirt and grime, mold and mildew stains, tree sap, pollen, scuff marks, oxidation, and weathering. Allow the product to sit on your fence for 3-5 minutes.

Bleach

If your fence has algae or mildew stains that won’t budge with the Magic Eraser, you can try to remove them by hand with chlorine bleach and a scrub brush. Mix the solution as directed on the label, and saturate the stained areas with water and bleach. Scrub them down with a stiff-bristled brush, and rinse the entire fence with your garden hose after you’re done. Be sure to wear rubber gloves as chlorine bleach can irritate the skin.

Another option is to use a commercial wood cleaner formulated specifically for mold and mildew. Look for one that is marketed as safe for decks and fences, and follow the instructions on how to apply it. This product will usually be in a pump-up sprayer, so you can apply it directly to the fence. You’ll also want to follow the recommendations on how to dilute the cleaner if necessary. This will help prevent over-saturating the surface of the fence.

Power Washing

While it’s easy to laugh at the sight of green moss or mildew sprouting on your fence, these organic growths aren’t merely cosmetic. Left untreated, they can rot or discolor the wood. As a result, they require cleaning every year to prevent their return.

Power washing is a quick and efficient way to remove stains from wood or vinyl fencing. However, you need to know how to use it properly to prevent damage. In addition to chipping away surface stains, the pressure of the water can also destroy gardens and even harm people or pets.

When using a power washer, wet the entire area to be cleaned before spraying detergent. Be sure to stand at least 2 feet away from the fence to avoid being hit by pressurized splashback. Then, work in sections, saturating and washing each section before moving to the next. After washing, be sure to rinse thoroughly, moving from the top to the bottom.

Staining

Staining the fence is a great way to spruce up its appearance while preserving and protecting the wood slats from weather damage. You can purchase stain at most hardware or home improvement stores, though it’s best to work with a professional for long-lasting results.

Ideally, you’ll want to wait a couple of weeks after the fence is cleaned before applying the stain because mildew, mold, and fungus require damp environments for growth. Also, if you skip the scrubbing step, it’s unlikely that your stain will hold up well against weather damage.

If your fence has stubborn stains that won’t come off with power washing, you can use a chemical paint stripper to remove them. However, it’s always better to work with a professional who can handle the job safely and efficiently. Moreover, they will recommend the right type of stain for your fence. Look for stains that include a sealer to prevent your stain from graying quickly and protect the slats from water damage. Check out this interesting post!