Fence cleaning is something on many “Honey-Do Lists” as the weather heats up and spring cleaning reaches outside the home. Fence cleaning greatly depends on what kinds of materials were used to build it.  If the tips found here don’t seem to fit the job at hand, contacting an Atlanta GA fence contractor with a great deal of experience is a good idea.  When one contacts a professional be sure to ask what projects they specialize in and the warranty that comes with labor/materials.  Within this article there are three types of materials addressed in regards to fence cleaning:

1)      Vinyl

2)      Wood

3)      Chain link

4)      Steel

5)      Aluminum

Fence Cleaning – Vinyl

The Right Tools:

1)      Water

2)      Chemicals appropriate for this material

3)      A rag

4)      A brush with softer bristles to take away stains without damaging the vinyl

These fences require little effort to wipe clean of dirt and/or other debris.  It’s a good idea to take care of this every 60-to-90 days in order to make the time spent on this chore far less.

How-To Tips:

1)      Use a hose or other applicator such as a spray bottle to thoroughly wet the surface.

2)      Use either water and soap or other debris-removing chemical to take away build up with the help of a brush with soft bristles.

3)      Use the brush to remove tougher stains.

4)      Take a clean rag to dry it off and reapply the cleaner if there are stains/build up remaining.

5)      Hose off the area again and allow it to dry naturally.

Fence Cleaning – Wood

The Right Tools:

1)      Garden hose or pressure washer

2)      Desired stain if that’s part of the job

3)      Environmentally safe cleaning products

4)      Plastic if one wants to keep chemicals off the ground

Whether one is simply washing the structure or reapplying stain it’s suggested that one does either one every few years.  It suggested not to wait longer than 5 years to maintain optimal appearance.

How-To Tips:

With wood like cedar it will begin to fade if left untreated.  Even if paint or stain is applied, that too will begin to become lackluster without proper maintenance.  No matter what type of wood is used there’s the chance that mold will accumulate over the year.

1)      To start, put down plastic to keep stain or cleaning chemicals from killing the grass.

2)      Mix the desired chemicals and water as directed on the label.

3)      Ask a professional what kinds of stain/chemicals are best at a home improvement outlet store.

4)      Apply the appropriate chemicals to the wood and allow it time to really absorb into the surface.

5)      Use the garden hose or pressure washer to remove the chemicals.  Hold both about a foot away while in use.

6)      Give the wood plenty of time to naturally dry.

7)      One can consider fence cleaning complete at this stage unless one wishes to apply stain.

8)      If so, apply the stain.

9)      It is a much better decision to use stain rather than paint on wood.

Fence Cleaning - Steel/Chain Link/Aluminum:

The Right Tools:

1)      Garden hose

2)      The appropriate environmentally safe cleaning chemicals

3)      Brush for necessary scrubbing where needed

4)      Water in a receptacle of the desired size with soap if necessary

Fence cleaning with chain link, steel and aluminum the process isn’t hard much as with vinyl.  The effort and time required is minimal.  It’s good to complete this process once a year to keep the materials looking their best.

 How- To Tips:

 1)     Use the garden hose and soak the whole surface.

2)      Bring in the scrub brush to get rid of rust or other debris accumulated from grass cutting or the weather.

3)      Use warm water in a container mixed with soap or other cleaners.  (There are chemicals available that actually slow the process of rusting and those that speed the process.  Again, ask a professional which is best.)

4)      Take a brush again and work in the cleaner for best results

5)      Spray again with the garden hose and allow it to dry naturally.