How to Clean a Wood Fence
Proper cleaning helps preserve the eye-catching finish and strength of these fences and increases the property's curb appeal.
Wood fences transform the appearance of a property, but only if cleaned regularly. Proper cleaning helps preserve the eye-catching finish and strength of these fences and increases the property's curb appeal.
This article is a detailed guide to cleaning wood fences.
Methods of cleaning a wood fence
Not every stain is the same. They can come from various sources, so it's essential to choose the cleaning method carefully. Here are some of the best options:
Bleach
Those who want to immediately bring out the big guns are best off using bleach. It's a versatile product that can remove practically anything, including mold, mildew, and hard water sediments.
However, the substance is also harsh. It can damage the texture of the fence and surrounding plants if the person applying the mixture isn't careful.
Take the following steps to stay on the safe side:
Use a tarp, cardboard, or other solid protective materials to cover the grass or any other sensitive areas around the fence.
Wet the fence with water to prevent the bleach from eating away at the texture and remove any debris.
Pour four cups of bleach into approximately one and a half or two gallons of water.
Dip a sponge or scrub brush into the solution and apply it to the fence. Don't scrub too vigorously to avoid damaging the fence.
Let the bleach sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
Water
Although bleach is powerful, using it for all cleaning tasks is ill-advised. As previously mentioned, it can harm the finish of the fence and hurt plants. Therefore, leave it for heavy-duty maintenance only.
For simple cleaning tasks, such as removing mud or grass, hosing down the wood fence usually does the trick. The best aspect of this method is that it goes easy on the fence and nearby vegetation.
Here's how it works:
Connect a hose to a tap.
Ramp up the pressure as much as necessary. Please don't go too far because controlling the hose with high water flow might be difficult.
Point the hose at the fence and work from top to bottom, rinsing any mud that gets in the way.
Remove stubborn stains by directing the spray or employ a scrub brush for a powerful one-two punch.
Let the fence air dry.
Power washer
Power washing is similar to hosing, but it's much more powerful. Consequently, homeowners need to be careful when using this method to preserve the finish of the fence:
Get a power washer that produces no more than 2,000 psi.
Find a 25-degree spray tip.
Start the power washer and spot-test it to nail the technique.
Stand a few feet away from the fence and make as many passes as necessary to remove dirt.
Contact a professional
DIY solutions can work great, but expert services are superior. So, get in touch with an experienced fence professional. They can clean the unit with safe yet highly effective tools.
If you're considering a fence or gate project in the Phoenix area, Sereno Fence builds custom fencing, fence repair, custom gates, gate repair, RV gates, horse corrals, pool fence, pool gates, custom welding, and wood fences. For more information call (602) 481-1298 today!
