Make your old fence look new again with any of these cleaning methods.
Wood fences are classic. They are natural, smell lovely, and last for decades–that is, if they are well taken care of. Cleaning the fence is the best way to make sure it won’t rot away over time. In addition to cleaning, staining is the essential next step to prevent moisture, insects, and dirt from totally ruining it. What’s the best way to clean an old wood fence? Actually, there are several great methods you can use to deal with regular dirt, mold, and mildew.
Different Ways to Clean an Old Wood Fence
A Garden Hose
A garden hose might be all you need. Really! For some cases, spraying your old wood fence with a garden hose from top to bottom might be all you need to do to rinse dirt off its surface.
A Pressure Washer
If a garden hose doesn’t have enough pressure or the dirt is too engrained, a pressure washer is another option. Keep the pressure washer at a low setting and stain the fence afterward to protect it from the elements.
Soapy Water and a Scrubber
If water alone isn’t enough and you aren’t going for the pressure washer, you can add a little detergent and some elbow grease. Dish soap, liquid soap, or Castile soap are all great options. Use a bucket of soapy water and a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the dirt away.
An Outdoor Cleaner and a Scrubber
You can also use a wood deck or multi-purpose outdoor cleaner as your detergent. Follow the directions to apply to your old wood fence to make it as good as new.
A White Vinegar Solution and a Scrubber
White vinegar is a powerful household cleaning product that can also work on your wood fence. It’s best to use one part white vinegar and three parts water. You can also add a little baking soda if you choose. This solution works great for treating mold and mildew.
Tackling Mold, Mildew, and Other Fungi
A Scraper or Sander
A scraper can be an effective tool to remove mold and other fungi from your fence. Sometimes, a scraper or sander is all that’s necessary.
A Bleach Solution
Bleach eradicates mold and mildew easily, but you should use this product with care. Apply a diluted solution onto the mold only, letting it sit for half an hour before rinsing away.
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Call Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence For Your New Deck or Fence!
Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence has almost 30 years of experience in building beautiful custom fences, gazebos, screened-in porches, and decks throughout the state of Maryland. We have the expertise to design your dream fence or custom deck and have it installed in a headache-free process. Give us a call at 1-800-833-9310 or visit us online for a quote today! We offer many different styles of fencing and decking, in addition to custom options designed specifically to suit your preferences and tastes. To see examples of our work and get more tips on how to choose the right decking for your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Houzz, Pinterest, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Tags: clean a fence, old wood fence care, wood fence cleaning