Follow these wood fence cleaning tips to keep your fence clean all summer long — without a power washer!
With warmer weather finally here, Virginians are getting ready for the summer heat and humidity. While these conditions can be a welcome change of pace (and ideal for outdoor activity!), moisture and warmth can allow mold and mildew to fester on wood fences. Many homeowners envision the satisfying spray of a power washer when they think of cleaning their fences, but not everyone has access to this type of specialized equipment. Follow these wood fence cleaning tips to keep your fence clean all summer long — without a power washer!
Prepare the Area and Your Wood Fence Cleaning Supplies
Before you begin cleaning, move or cover any plants that are growing near your fence. While cleaning by hand may not harm plants as much as a power washer would, some cleaners can be harsh. Remove any decorations, furniture, or other items that might get in the way, too. Next, create a cleaning solution with water, household bleach, and soap. Fill a bucket with two parts warm water and one part bleach. While you may not need a power washer, having a hose or bucket of clean water nearby is helpful.
Get Scrubbing
Next comes the hard part of wood fence cleaning without a power washer: the scrubbing. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands, grab a soft-bristled brush, and start cleaning. It may take quite a bit longer to remove stains than if you were using a power washer, but many surface stains can be removed with a bleach solution and some elbow grease. Be sure to pay attention to every part of your fence — dirt and grime can hide between slats, around hardware, and in other small spaces. Once you have sufficiently addressed surface stains and dirt, rinse your fence with fresh water using a hose or bucket.
Inspect, Repair, and Maintain
After you have cleaned your wood fence and allowed it to dry completely, take a hard look at every inch of it. Take note of any chips, cracks, or holes. While some damage may not impact your fence’s structural integrity, even small imperfections can indicate a problem deeper in the wood. Keep an eye out for signs of termites, rusted hardware, missing or broken slats, and rotted wood. Consider adding a protective finish to your dry wood fence, and mark your calendar for the next time you’ll need to do some wood fence cleaning!
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.
