How Do I Clean My Vinyl Fence?

Cleaning Vinyl Fence

One of the most common and almost only maintenance needed for a vinyl fence is to clean it. It's best to keep up with cleaning it; that way, there isn't a buildup of dirt or mildew on the fence. How often it needs to be cleaned may depend on the area or environment in which it is installed. The great thing about vinyl is that it is straightforward to clean. Even though rainfall will help wash off dirt, it is best to clean the fence regularly. Green mildew will often develop on the vinyl fence if that section of the fence does not get direct sunlight. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps to clean and make the fence look brand new again.

There are a couple of different methods depending on how bad the buildup is. Some fences may have quite a bit of mold and mildew, while others have some light dirt and maybe some grass clippings. Let's have a look at a couple of methods that you may need to use.

Light Dirt Or Debris

This method is great for just a light buildup of dirt or mildew on the fence. It's the most straightforward that everyone can do with the things they have on hand. First, get some rags or sponges, along with a bucket. It's best not to use scouring pads since they can scratch and dull the surface of the vinyl fence. Soft scrubbing brushes work well for pesky stains. Next, get some white vinegar or mild dish soap to put in the bucket. Vinegar is a great non-toxic cleaner that dissolves hard stains. Then, fill the bucket up with hot water and either the vinegar (2 Cups (473 ml) Per 1 Gallon (3.79 l) Water) or a few squirts of mild dish soap.

It's best to get the fence wet before wiping it down. The moisture will help soften up the hardened particles. Grab a garden hose and spray it down. Then, start wiping and scrubbing the buildup. Using gloves is preferred during this to protect your hands. Scrub until the fence is clean and then make sure to rinse the fence down afterward, getting rid of all the excess soap or vinegar. If you have scrubbed thoroughly and the mildew still hasn't come off, you may need to move to the next method.

Heavy Mildew Or Algae

This method is for the toughest stains and buildups of mildew or algae on a vinyl fence. The first step is to use a pressure washer with mild soap. Make sure not to get too close to the fence with the pressure washer. Depending on the spray's power, it can damage the surface. Using a garden hose with a spray nozzle can also work if you do not have a pressure washer. Once done spraying the fence down, you can use bleach to finish the job if there are still a few stains left. Only use bleach on a white vinyl fence. Since bleach is a harsh chemical, only use a little bit. The proper ratio is 1/4 cup (60ml) of bleach to 2 gallons (9 l) of water. Bleach should only be used as a last resort. You can either load up a spray bottle with the pressure washer with the bleach mixture or hand scrub it with a soft scrubbing brush. If there is no bleach on hand or if you don't want to use bleach, a solution like Simple Green should work as well but make sure to read the proper dilution level in the manufacturer's directions.

Our Preferred Method

Our preferred method of cleaning a vinyl fence is probably the easiest and least time-consuming. We always recommend Wet and Forget solution. It is ideal for a wide range of surfaces, including vinyl. It can be used without scrubbing, and there is an option to plug it directly into a garden hose. Best of all, it is an EPA-registered product, so there is no fear of harming plants or water sources nearby.