What Causes Damage?
There are several factors that can cause damage to your fence. Harsh sunlight can weaken the wood, making it warp, splinter and crack. Water has similar effects, causing the wood to swell and distort over time. Moisture, dirt and debris encourage the growth of mold and mildew. This can eventually cause your wood to rot. Finally, neglecting regular maintenance of your wood fence can increase the damage caused by these factors.
5 Ways to Clean Your Wood Fence
To keep your wood fence looking its best, you’ll need more than soap and water. Here are 5 ways to clean your wood fence before applying a stain.
Use a Stiff-Bristled Brush
This method is ideal for removing dirt and grime from smaller lawns with less fencing.
Step 1: Dampen the wood fence with a hose to loosen dirt and debris.
Step 2: Scrub the fence with a stiff-bristled brush and pay attention to crevices where dirt can accumulate.
Step 3: For tougher stains and grime, consider sanding it down lightly with 80-grit disc sandpaper. Be careful not to overdo it or it can damage your wood.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly.
Find the right garden hose for your lawn.
Use a Garden Hose
Cleaning a wood fence with a garden hose is a quick and easy way to remove loose dirt and debris.
Step 1: Choose a spray nozzle with adjustable settings. This nozzle allows you to switch between a jet stream for focused cleaning and a mist for rinsing.
Step 2: Start spraying from the top and work your way down. This helps prevent dirty water from staining clean sections.
Step 3: For sections that are difficult to clean, use a poly-fiber scrub brush and mild detergent.
Step 4: Rinse the entire fence thoroughly when you’re done.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing can quickly and effectively remove stubborn mildew growth from fences.
Step 1: Wear eye protection and gloves when pressure washing.
Step 2: Use a fan-tip nozzle that’s set on low to medium pressure.
Step 3: Hold the nozzle at least 12 inches from the fence and work in a sweeping motion.
Step 4: Avoid focusing on one portion for too long or it can damage the wood.
Learn how to use a pressure washer.
Learn how to maintain a pressure washer.
Commercial Wood Cleaners
Consider using an outdoor house cleaner or patio cleaner that's specially formulated to remove dirt, mold and mildew from your fence.
Step 1: Apply the cleaner as instructed on the product label. Some products need to be diluted with water.
Step 2: Use a garden sprayer to spray the solution onto your wood fence or lightly scrub with a poly-fiber brush for a deeper cleanse.
Step 3: Let it sit for the recommended time and rinse it off with a hose.
Household Products
There are some household products that are probably in your cabinet that can clean your fence.
Bleach
This is effective against mold and mildew.
Step 1: Mix 1 part bleach with 3 parts water in a spray bottle.
Step 2: Spray the fence and rinse thoroughly.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a milder cleaning solution.
Step 1: Mix equal amounts of vinegar and water.
Step 2: Use a garden sprayer to apply the solution. Let it sit for 3 to 4 hours and rinse.
Follow these tips when you're using bleach.
- Bleach can discolor your fence. Use it only as a spot treatment for stubborn stains.
- Wear gloves when using bleach.
Never mix cleaning solutions. Mixing cleaning solutions can create dangerous chemical reactions. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.
Preserve and Protect
Now that you’re done cleaning your wood fence, consider staining, sealing or painting it. Paint provides a solid coat that lasts long, whereas staining provides less coverage that allows you to see the wood grain. Sealing will enhance the natural color of your wood while acting as a weather-resistant shield. These measures are a good way to preserve and protect your wood fence.
- Depending on the weather conditions, the fence needs at least 24 to 48 hours to dry before painting or staining.
- A fresh coat of wood paint or stain will not only enhance the look of your fence, but will also shield it from the elements.
- If you prefer to maintain the natural-wood look, exterior sealant paint offers a clear protective layer that repels water, harsh sunlight, and moisture.
- For an additional layer of protection, apply a wood preservative. This can be applied after painting, staining or sealing your fence.
Learn how to paint or stain a fence.
Select the best paint for your wood fence.
Conclusion
It's essential to clean and maintain your fence to ensure it looks great and last for years to come. Here are a few easy ways to clean your fence in a weekend.
- Use a stiff-bristled brush and a hose to remove dirt and debris from your fence.
- Use a garden hose and mild detergent to clean the fence.
- To quickly and efficiently clean your fence, use a pressure washer.
- Apply a wood cleaner to the fence and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Use household products like bleach or vinegar to clean your fence.
After you've cleaned the fence, we recommend painting, staining or sealing it to preserve and protect it.