Installing a fence is a fantastic way to provide a barrier to animals and intruders. It also helps to control movement and access to your property. Most importantly, it can boost your curb appeal. Of course, it doesn’t end there. If you don’t maintain your fence, its appeal will eventually fade. Dirt, mould, grease and other filthy materials cling to fences, making them less appealing in the long run. This is why fence cleaning is important.
In this guide, let’s explore the most common types of fences and how to clean them.
Wood Fences
Wood fences are the most popular type among homeowners. They are beautiful, and they come in a variety of styles to suit different landscapes.
If you’ve installed a wood fence at home, it’s typical that you tried cleaning it by hand. There’s nothing wrong with that, but using advanced tools like pressure washers saves a lot of time and effort. There’s just one thing to keep in mind, though. Even if this fence cleaning method is much easier, it can also damage your fence if you’re not careful enough. So when in doubt, don’t hesitate to work with your trusted exterior house washing company.
At first, take a look at your wood fence closely. Is it covered with a lot of grime or gunk? If so, you need to scrub it off first with a wire brush. This is a nice preparation to do before using a low-pressure washer. Be gentle or you might accidentally scrape off the paint. We don’t want that to happen.
If there are some surface dirt left on your fence, you can wash it off with water through your garden hose. And then, get your pressure washer ready.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that it has to be low-pressure washing. Its counterpart, which is high-pressure washing, can do more harm than good. So if you never used a pressure washer before, or you’ve no idea how it works, don’t try risking it. You can always hire a professional to do the work for you.
And of course, using long, even strokes is the way to go. Stand two feet away from your fence and take time to clean it. Don’t point it at one certain spot for too long, as it can damage your fence.
Vinyl Fences
Known as one of the best fences on the market, vinyl fences are a top favourite among Brisbane’s modern homes. It comes in various styles and colours. It is versatile, weather-resistant and easy to clean. Despite these characteristics, it also tends to get dirty during rainy months. Rainwater and mud accumulate on it and splashes to the pickets. Fortunately, you can get rid of the mess with the appropriate fence cleaning method.
Hosing down your fence works, but it’s not the best method to do. Household products like vinegar are also not recommended, especially if you leave it out for too long due to its acidity. So just like with wood fences, low-pressure washing is the key. You can also include cleaning solutions that suit best for this method. The process should cover all of its angles to get rid of the grime on the inside and outside of your fence, including its pickets.
Aluminum Fences
If you’re fascinated about the perks of vinyl fences, wait until you know what aluminum fences have to offer. If the former is easy to clean, the latter barely needs maintenance. Its durability is on point, too! So if you have aluminum fences installed in your property, you’ll know that fence cleaning is not a problem at all.
Wiping off dirt and debris with a soft dry cloth can easily work. Just make sure to focus on areas that need more attention. Using warm water instead of cold water can help, too.
But, here’s the thing. Fence cleaning for aluminum material is an absolute breeze until you use the wrong cleaning product. Stay away from acidic products like vinegar. It’s not suitable for fences made from metal. In fact, aluminum can’t withstand acidity, and it can be prone to corrosion. The last thing you want to happen is to see your fences starting to rust. Take note of this.
Steel Fences
Steel and aluminum are similar to each other, but they’re not the same. Steel fencing is known as one of the most hardwearing fencing types of today. It lasts for years with proper and consistent maintenance. You don’t always have to worry about costly replacements.
The real challenge is on the fence cleaning process itself. When dirt, debris and other contaminants accumulate, they get really tough to remove. Pressure washing is still recommended, but the right settings should be applied. You surely don’t want to blast water at high pressure. Although steel is durable, it’s prone to erosion. So, it’s best to avoid this from happening.
Some homeowners clean their steel fences by hand with warm water and household cleaning products. They use a soft cloth, dip it into the cleaning solution, and wipe the fence down. For tough stains, scraping is doable. But again, these DIY methods still tend to leave surface dirt and stubborn stains, making it a less efficient option. Professional house washing is still the way to go.
Key Takeaway
There’s no one-size-all-fits solution for fence cleaning. So before anything else, know what type of fence you have at home. Do you use wood, vinyl, aluminum, or steel? Then, you may try to clean your fence on your own or hire a professional. A good rule of thumb to follow is to DIY at your own risk. If you’re skeptical about using a pressure washer on your own, professionals are always ready to help.
House Washing Experts are Just One Call Away
No time for fence cleaning? Are you afraid that you might ruin your fence’s appeal? House Washing Experts can take care of it for you. We’re a premier exterior house washing company that specialises in fence cleaning. As a service provider, we know that you deserve a clean, appealing home. Our skilled team of pros will make sure that your fence will achieve its pristine condition. Got some questions or concerns? Let’s keep in touch at 1300 927 433 today!