Are you looking at your vinyl fence thinking it could use a good cleaning? These fences can get dirty just like any outdoor furniture.
The algae growth can turn your beautiful white fence green or yellow. Luckily, vinyl fencing is not porous, so you can make it look new.
Follow this guide to learn the best way to clean your vinyl fence and completely rejuvenate its look.
Rinse Your Fence with Water
Before you begin, you need to spray down your fence. If possible, you should use a pressure washer for the best result.
It’s important to remember to check the weather. You want a mild and overcast day with little wind. Too much sun and heat will dry your cleaning detergent too quickly causing it to streak. Wind will blow your water and detergent around making it harder to control.
Apply Soap or Detergent
If your fence is white, you can use bleach to remove stains. However, you need to remember that bleach can be harmful to plants, grass, and your pets. With that in mind, it is probably best for spot-treating.
On the other hand, vinegar is eco-friendly option for cleaning vinyl fences and other surfaces, as it kills several pathogens.
You can also make your own mixture of household cleaner, powdered laundry detergent, and water. You can also purchase a solution specially formulated for cleaning vinyl.
After your fence is sprayed down, use the soap tip of your pressure washer. This will remove mildew, algae, and dirt. Spray from the bottom of your fence and work your way up.
If you don’t have a pressure washer, use a soft sponge with the solution and scrub off the dirt and grime.
Rinse Away
To clean a vinyl fence, let your soap or detergent sit on the surface for at least two to five minutes. This helps break down the dirt.
After your detergent has set on the surface, get out your pressure washer or hose to rinse. Use a light spray with the 40-degree angle nozzle tip. Don’t turn the pressure up too much because it could damage your fence.
Address Stubborn Spots
You may have a few spots you need to scrub off tough spots. Use a soft bristle brush and scrub away those tough spots and rinse again. If the spots remain, you can try a bleach mixture to spot treat, but be careful you don’t get it in your eyes or on your clothes.
You can also try a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove stubborn spots. Make sure it is thoroughly wet, and to remove extra water. Wipe these spots and cut off dirty bits of the eraser to keep using.
No need to dry your fence. The sun will take care of that.
Stay Ahead of the Dirt
It’s important to try to stay ahead of the dirt to help keep stains away. If mold and mildew are an issue, you may want to add a protective coating.
If you can, try spraying down your fence regularly with water. You can use a basic soap wash multiple times each year to stay ahead of stains.
Mold stains are very hard to get off, so make sure you use a mold protector in shaded areas where mold may grow.
Clean Your Vinyl Fence Today
Follow these tips to bring back the shine to your vinyl fence. Try to make cleaning your fence a regular project, so you don’t get stubborn stains.
If you are looking for a professional to clean your fence, we’d be happy to help. Contact us today for a free estimate.