Vinyl requires very little maintenance compared to other materials, but giving your vinyl fence a thorough clean can help it look its best.
Having a fence around your backyard helps make your space more private, feel safer, and stay more secure. A dependable backyard fence will last you years, likely even decades, without needing substantial work, but almost all fencing will require occasional maintenance. Some fencing materials need more care than others. For instance, most wood needs to be stained, sealed, or painted every year or two in addition to being cleaned seasonally (cedar is an interesting exception to this because of how it ages). Vinyl, on the other hand, requires comparatively little maintenance, but if you want it to look its best, you will occasionally need to clean it. Here are tips to get the job done right.
Find The Trouble Spots
Once you notice dirt on your vinyl fence, you can be sure other people are seeing it too. This is often the result of dirt or mud being kicked up against the fence, but mold and mildew can occasionally be an issue. This is a good time to figure out why the fence is getting dirty – do you need to talk to your kid about kicking a muddy soccer ball against the fence, or maybe prune a tree that’s hanging against it? Figuring out why the fence is dirty will help you decide the best tools to clean it.
Hose It Down
Often, the water from your hose is going to be enough to remove the dirt and soil that has built up on your fence. Even if it doesn’t remove all the grime, it is an essential first step. It will loosen the stuff that needs stronger cleaning tools and help make that part of the process easier.
Cleaning Tools
If the grit and grime don’t come off with a hose, you could scrub with a light cleaning solution. There are many available on the market, but you could also simply make your own. Combine water and vinegar (usually in a 1 gallon to 0.5-1 cup ratio) in a spray bottle and spray it on the dirty areas of the fence. Adding a little bit of dish soap to the mix can help give it a bit more oomph if needed as well. Scrub lightly and wipe away with a rag. Some people assume that fences need to be power washed, but for the most part, vinyl will not. You may find you have to spray troublesome spots more than once with the cleaner, but it is better than risking damage with a power washer.
Hercules Fence is Here to Help
No matter what type of fence you have decided on, Hercules Fences has the expertise and equipment to construct your dream fence. Our experienced team can help meet your fencing needs, whether they are residential or commercial, for the right price. We proudly serve Albemarle County, Amelia, Ashland, Augusta, Buckingham, Caroline, Charles City, Charlottesville, Chester County, Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights, Cumberland County Dinwiddle County, Fluvanna County, and Fort Lee, Virginia, VA. Give us a call at 804-752-7992 or visit us online. To see examples of our work and keep in touch, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, and Pinterest.
