Your new wood fence is a beauty to behold, but neglect can take away much of its warmth and appeal. One of the best ways to care for your wood fence is through regular cleaning. Read on to learn the most effective ways to clean your fence and keep it beautiful as well as functional.
Why Clean Your Fence?
Over time, you may notice that dirt, mold and algae can dull the luster of your fence. Wood is a porous surface, even when properly coated, so dirt can work its way deep into the crevices. Fortunately, cleaning your fence is easy and will keep it looking like new.
Step One: Remove Mold and Mildew
This is one of those opportunities you look forward to: a chance to get out your power washer. Begin by spraying your fence down at a pressure of between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds per square inch. This should be sufficient to remove dirt and mildew, but not brutal enough to damage the wood or loosen the posts.
It’s important to hold the power washer nozzle about 18 inches from the wood surface and not to linger on one area for too long. Once you’re done, you will notice that the mildew and dirt have washed away, revealing the true beauty of the wood underneath.
Step Two: Bleach
After power washing, it’s time to apply a bleach solution. In a bucket, combine three quarts of warm water to one quart of standard chlorine bleach. Use a garden sprayer to spray down the fence with the solution and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Next, take a scrub brush and scrub the fence down to remove any lingering dirt or mildew, then rinse with water.
Complete this process in sections, because you don’t want your bleach solution to dry before you start to scrub it. Also, make sure you wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear for this step. If you want to paint or stain your fence, wait at least two days after washing so that it can dry thoroughly.
If you repeat these simple steps each year, you will not only keep your fence looking great year after year, but you can extend the life of the wood as well.
If you aren’t inclined to handle this task yourself every year, or if you don’t have the proper equipment for power washing, give Outback Fence a call. Throughout Utah, Idaho and Wyoming, we provide sales, installation and maintenance of all types of fencing as well as gates and accessories. Contact us for all the help you need with maintaining your wood fence.