Washing your entire fence, not just the places that look dirty, is important for proper maintenance of your fence. If you choose dish detergent, take several tablespoons of detergent (depending on the brand) and add it to 2 gallons (7.57 L) of water. When talking about fencing, the terms "PVC" and "vinyl" are typically used interchangeably. Evaluate your fence for its strength before deciding to use a pressure washer, and always use the least amount of pressure as possible to remove the staining. Scrub a small section with a small brush or sponges dipped in your solution.'. Thankfully, a dirty fence is a temporary problem thats easy to fix. (Step-by-Step Tutorial). Fill the soap reservoir or drop the siphon tubing into your bottles of pressure washer concentrate (optional), Wash starting farther out making your way in as needed, as the strain could cause damage if you get too close. Tag us on Instagram @cascadefenceanddeck. Weve been installing vinyl fences in the Pacific Northwest since 1997, and were more than happy to share what we know about installing and maintaining this long-lasting product. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Rinse with plain water. Dirt, stains, and mildew, especially on white panels, can be unsightly; if not addressed, they can cause the fence to discolor and lose its shine over time. We have paint, tire marks, and grass stains on our vinyl fence. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers work pretty well at cleaning PVC fences! Extreme sunlight may heat up the surface of the fence panels, causing the cleaning solution to dry quickly, which may result in streaks. Try using high pressure water without chemicals first. Once youre done wiping the fence, use a hose to rinse it with clean water. Whether youre putting your house on the market or youre doing some spring cleaning around the backyard, youre sure to be happy with the result. Ideally, your cleaning product should explicitly list vinyl or plastic as a type of surface it will clean, otherwise, it might not be effective. Because vinyl fences are constantly exposed to harsh elements, they will ultimately collect dirt, grime, debris, and grow mold. Can these be removed? Real Homes is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. You do need to do some maintenance to keep them white and shiny. It is more eco-friendly (but still just as dangerous as any bleach). Real Homes is supported by its audience. There are a variety of different types of pressure washers. 2020 A G Vinyl Fencing. The easiest way to avoid a long, difficult cleaning process is to keep your vinyl fence clean. (Step-by-Step Tutorial), Can You Paint Vinyl Flooring? In fact, you dont need to spend money at all! However, these products may not be eco-friendly and could mar the look of your fence. All rights reserved. The amounts are variable. If not, try scrubbing over the stains with bleach. This will help remove any loose dirt and soil, making the fence easier to clean. Hopefully, this will help get rid of the stains. Choosing the Right Privacy Fence to Compliment Your Home - Pure Home Improvement, [] maintain and has a shorter lifespan. 12 July 2021. If your fence is small and/or you don't have a pressure washer, cleaning by hand is a perfectly acceptable method. To keep your fence looking sparkly, clean at least once every twelve or fourteen months. For more helpful information on maximizing the lifespan and functionality of your vinyl fence, please visit our site or contact one of our fencing contractors today! If you still have stains on your fence, you can use a commercial cleaner, like a vinyl fence solvent, to remove them. However, low-maintenance doesn't equal no-maintenance, and your vinyl fencing does need regular cleaning if you wantit to last longer and look as good as it can. You will most likely not have to go to the store to get these, as there is a chance you already have them at home. Different products will require you to dilute them to a certain level. Cut off the nasty parts after youve used them up, and continue to use the rest of the eraser until you are done. In fact, although many people think white vinyl fades and changes color over time, its normally just something growing on the surface of the material that gives it that unpleasant color. The trick is using the right cleaning product. Copyright 2021 Cascade Fence & Deck, LLC | 4415 NE Minnehaha St. Vancouver, WA 98661 | (360) 892-5478 | CCB 150983. Using a sprayer attachment for your hose, rinse off the dirt and grime starting from the top of the fence and working down. It's the same solution you would use with your pressure washer, but you can still use it with a scrubber or a sponge. Mild dish detergents, like Dawn, will help cut through mildew, dirt, and more. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. Youll never have to refinish, paint or seal it. Thanks! You cant get it wrong. However, keep in mind that using bleach can dry out your vinyl, which can lead to it cracking. I have tried the WORX Hydroshot which is an electric, hand-held pressure washer that can be used in a variety of ways around the home. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. So use sparingly. We hope that you found this guide useful. This is imperative, as different products may require different methods of application. Make your own vinyl fence cleaner without any toxic chemicals! Simply pour one gallon of water in a basin and mix with five tablespoons of bleach and three and a half tablespoons of dishwashing liquid. It was also so dry that the lawn maintenance people poked a hole through it by hitting it with a weed eater. At Real Homes, she covers a range of topics, from practical advice to interior and garden design. Some may even require you to use specialized equipment like safety goggles. To prevent mold and mildew from growing, brush or rinse off grass clippings as soon as you notice them on the fence. Make sure you know what type of vinegar to clean with. If the fence still has black or green stains after applying the soap, add 1/2 cup of plain white vinegar to the bucket and re-wash by hand. However, cleaning vinyl fencing can be challenging, as it tends to become dirty somewhat quick. This article was co-authored by Guy Peters. It could. You can. After you are done cleaning your vinyl fence, rinse the area near the fence to get rid of chemicals. You can see how it works in my video below: When I lived in Florida, my white vinyl fence was so old and had been in the hot sun for so long that it was starting to crack. Not only does it not rot, but it usually doesnt need to be painted. Fortunately, you can effectively maintain and protect your vinyl panels with eco-friendly and nontoxic cleaning solutions, and if necessary, it is safe to use a mild scrubbing utensil like a soft toothbrush or an old kitchen sponge cut in half. Using a clean microfiber cloth or cleaning hand-mitt, wipe down all of the fence panels. To remove the paint, wait until it has fully dried and either peel or scrape it off. You do not need to spend a lot of money on fence cleaners. This article has been viewed 49,073 times. Follow directions about specialized safety equipment. Scrub gently for three to four minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. You will have to try it out to see. House Cleaning Professional. Founded in 2014, MOP STARS provides regular, move in/out, deep, and commercial cleaning services. To learn how to make a bleaching solution to whiten your fence, read on! Alternatively, you could use a vinegar and water solution in a spray bottle and spray the entire fence. Make sure it is not lightning. Rent or purchase a pressure cleaner at a local home improvement box store or hardware store. The most common ones, however, are vinegar and dishwashing liquid, as they are both cheap, easy to use, and almost always get the job done. Posted on Published: July 24, 2018- Last updated: July 23, 2021. For design tips, exclusive discounts, and industry updates, subscribe below. But sometimes it just makes sense. It could dull your finish over time. However, as with any vinyl product, vinyl fences require occasional cleaning to maintain their glossy, eye-catching look. Thanks so much for this! To learn how to make a bleaching solution to whiten your fence, read on! Using a pressure washer on it would not have been wise because the pressure could have caused damage. Swipe your fence from top to bottom, cutting off dirty bits of the eraser if necessary.'. Get the best home decor ideas, DIY advice and project inspiration straight to your inbox! A mild soap such as dish soap or castile soap will work. For the most part, vinyl fences can be cleaned using simple products we have at home. of dish soap to a gallon of water. Some parts of this are still a mystery to me, and its good to have a useful guide to go back to. Using a pressure washer is by far the most effective way to clean a vinyl fence. If you have a lighter color or white variety of vinyl fencing, these types of organisms can stain the surface of your fence in green and yellow hues. You may want to check some suggestions online before you go. Heres how to use a magic eraser on your fence: I dont like spending money on cleaners if I dont need to. ', 'Start by thoroughly wetting the eraser, then squeezing out excess water. Although this is not a comprehensive resource for fence management and maintenance, it does serve a vital purpose in protecting both the functionality and beauty of your home or property. So you want to make sure that you dont use them for the entire fence. Heres why you can trust us. Well, it may be prone to staining and mold, but vinyl still has its advantages. Add 1 Tbsp. While bleach products will help you get rid of stubborn stains fast, it is important that you dont use them on darker vinyl fences, as they can cause the panels to fade. You want to take care of your fence and keep it cleaned so that it doesnt need to be replaced. You want to make sure there are no chemical smells or any visible signs of chemicals. While the above cleaning methods and products can help you wash unsightly filth off your vinyl fence, dont be afraid to try other ways and cleaners that have been proven to work too. One of the most effective ways to get tough stains off a vinyl surface is to use a bleach solution. Despite all of the benefits, however, vinyl fencing is much more likely to show stains, dirt, algae, and other kinds of grime. If you need to use chemicals, the pressure cleaner may have a small tank where you can pour a chemical solution. For extra cleaning power, you can use a high-pressure nozzle on your hose. If you want to know how to clean a vinyl fence, help is at hand. Essentially, it's a melamine foam sponge typically used for removing household stains from all sorts of surfaces, from tile to cookware. Adriana Aziz, operations manager at MaidForYou (opens in new tab), advises using 'a pressure washer with the lowest pressure level your machine allows you to use. It also is insect-proof and requires no painting, scraping, or sanding.'. Fortunately, by picking a cleaning agent, applying it to your fence, and considering alternative methods like a pressure cleaner, youll be able to clean a vinyl fence. You will be able to remove any grime that may have accumulated over the winter and any dirty rainwater that may have splashed and stuck on the fence in the fall. Join our weekly newsletter for shopping guides, cleaning hacks and smart tips to improve wellness where you live. Then transfer the solution into a sprayer bottle or gardening sprayer and mist down the fence. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. If a tire or sneaker has had a close encounter with your white vinyl, remove the mark with a large pencil eraser. If the fence still looks dirty or discolored after a spray-down, fill a bucket with warm water and a squirt or two of soap. Aziz explains that 'vinyl fencing is one of the more difficult areas to clean outside a home. If you're working with simple dust, dirt, and general yard pollution, Magic Erasers are probably the easiest tool to use. Vinegar is such an effective green cleaning solution that it works on everything in the house! I overcame childhood cancer, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Chemical Sensitivities by detoxing my home. To get rid of dirt, mold, algae, and tough stains on your vinyl fence, you will need the following: Use the following directions to deep clean your vinyl fence every few years. Knowing whats needed beforehand will help you do things right and stay safe. You can remove the grime that has built up over the winter, and your fence will look great for spending time in your yard during the warm weather months. Vinyl fencing may be sensitive to certain chemical concentrations like bleach or specific materials, such as steel wool, but its perfectly suited to benefit from the cleaning potential of many other tools and solvents. As for the correct technique while pressure washing, Mark Osborne, Director at Orangeries UK (opens in new tab), recommends the following steps: Adding a pressure washer concentrate while pressure washing will give you an even better result. A magic eraser can be bought on Amazon (opens in new tab). Here, we show you how to clean vinyl fence in seven simple steps so you can keep your fence looking new at all times. % of people told us that this article helped them. Check with the manufacturer for their recommendation of cleaner to remove mold, mildew and/or dirt. Here are a few solutions for when soap, water and vinegar might not be enough. Rinse, and let the fence airdry. Here are the best methods for cleaning your vinyl fence to maximize cleanliness without any detrimental effects: Certainly there are an innumerable amount of ways to clean your vinyl fence. Expert Interview. I have found that these types of magic erasers can strip off a light layer of finish on items, though. Vinegar will help remove hard stains and dish detergent will help with mildew and other dirt. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter, Straightforward steps on getting your vinyl fence back in tiptop shape. Before applying any chemical product to your vinyl fence, make sure to read the directions of use carefully. Is there green moss or algae growing on your PVC fence? If a vinyl fence needs more cleaning, then what are the benefits of having one? You can also try a more general-purpose outdoor cleaning solution. If you need to buy a pre-made fence cleaner, I suggest Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Pressure Washer Cleaner. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Then squeeze out the excess water. Cleaning a white vinyl fence wont take long, and will make a big difference in the street appeal of your home. However, if you dont like the smell of vinegar, this method will work, too. Before you clean your fence, fill a bucket with 2 gallons of water. If there are any extra dirty spots, use a bristled brush to scrub those clean. The information contained on whatisvinyl.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Some have more strength than others. (Methods & Costs), How Much Does a Vinyl Fence Cost: Materials, Labor, Add-Ons & More. Heres the easy recipe: If you need a lot of vinegar for a larger job, getbig bottles of vinegar. The only way to rescue an uncomfortable mattress, it adds luxury to a bedroom in minutes, DIY a disguise for your TV on the wall with art and turn heads in your front room, for all the right reasons, By Claire Douglas Start by testing the strength of your vinyl fencing structure by spraying with a moderate to high-pressure hose, Once water pressure is assessed and adjusted, infuse your spraying tool with a mild detergent or nontoxic cleaning solvent, Depending on the level of dirt and grime that your vinyl fencing has, allow the structure to sit untouched for at least 3 to 5 minutes without allowing the solution to dry, Break out your power washer to remove lingering grime and detergent bubbles, then use a moderate water flow to rinse and revitalize the vibrancy of your vinyl fencing, Wood Vs. Vinyl: Which Decking Material Is Better? The great news is that cleaning awhite vinyl fence can be easy, cheap and it just takes a few minutes. A garden hose with a spray nozzle should do the trick. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub sections that are extra dirty. These are great to spot clean problem areas that have a lot of stains or mold residue. You remove the protective sealer your warranty also dissolves. This is an easy way to clean your fence without a pressure washer. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you have a white vinyl (also known as PVC) fence, then it will get dirty. Our best piece of advice honestly, is to invest in one of the best pressure washers to do the job properly. Thank you for signing up to Realhomes. If you choose vinegar, take 1 cup (240 ml) of vinegar and add it to 2 gallons (7.57 L) of water. Vinyl fences can become dirty somewhat quickly, but fortunately, you can easily clean yours with some dish detergent or vinegar. Guy has a BA in Finance from the California State University - Sacramento and an MBA from Cornell University. Its cheaper to clean every few weeks than replace your vinyl fencing! Make sure you have enough clean rags, so you can switch dirty ones out for clean ones as you need. If you live near a well, you should not use any cleaners containing petrochemicals. Before applying the cleaner to your vinyl fence, spray down the fence with a garden hose or pressure washer. Whatcantake the shine off awhite vinyl fence? For example, if a product recommends you use safety goggles, you should do so. 7 Risks You Should Know! Visit your local home improvement store and look for products specially formulated to clean vinyl siding and vinyl fences. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Copyright 2022 Get Green Be Well | Wisteria on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, how to make an all natural kitchen cleaner, Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Pressure Washer Cleaner, recommended by the CDC for cleaning mold growth, rubber gloves that extend past your wrists, How to Get Rid of Mold in a Car Naturally. For light soil and debris, spray the fence with water. Dip a soft scrub brush in the aforementioned soapy mixture to spot clean tougher stains. Make cleaning your vinyl fence part of your outdoor routine, Vinyl fences are exposed to the elements 24/7, so you should wash and wipe them at least once per week, especially during dust and rain-heavy seasons when pollen and other pathogens are more prominent, Clean vinyl fence panels with natural materials. Yes, however all three stains require different types of cleaning. Keep an eye on your inbox for updates. Stir with a spatula to mix everything up and you have your cleaning solution. Also, wind may increase the chances of the soapy water blowing into your face. Its the only way to keep your white fence from becoming gray with dirt and dust, or spotted green from mold and mildew. For the tire marks, slightly dampen a rag with lacquer thinner and rub the marks away. Like the cedar wood fence, white vinyl is susceptible to mold growth, and can become discolored over time. Without rinsing your fence, your cleaning solution and other dirt will set and your fence wont appear clean. Lightly scrub the problem areas just until the stains are removed. The three steps we just covered will wash off most dirt, especially if you regularly clean your fence, about once every 3 to 6 months. This is a 1:16 bleach to water ratio that is, Instead of putting your hands in the bleach solution, consider using it in a bottle or. Proactive tip: Mold and mildew grow from a combination of moisture, organic material and sunlight. Osborne recommends using Simple Greens Oxy Solve, which you can buy from Amazon (opens in new tab). At a push, you can use regular dish soap or household liquid soap, but it won't be effective for tougher stains. Buying a high-pressure nozzle is still less expensive than buying or renting a pressure washer. PVC fences that havent built up a thick layer of moss or mildew can often be cleaned with just a spray from a garden hose. Vinyl fencing is a convenient solution to traditional wooden fencing. (8 Types), Can You Paint Over Vinyl Wallpaper? While these types of fences are more low-maintenance than wood fences, they are not worry-free. Have a white plastic vinyl fence that is dirty, moldy or covered with mildew? Guy Peters. It is notorious for attracting mold and mildew and should be cleaned at least once every six months to maintain its like-new look.' They can last for decades if you maintain them []. Spring time is a great time to wash it. Visit our corporate site. They fences are exposed to dust, dirt, debris in winds, mold growth and algae build up. The eraser will get grimy and dirty and start to shrink down. Aziz highly recommends Mold Armor House Wash (opens in new tab) in her experience, 'it's easily the best product in the market for specifically removing hard stains from vinyl fencing.' 'Get the cleaning solution ready. Saves you a lot of future disappointment. Test any high-powered cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area first. You might need to cover the same area a couple times to remove caked-on residue. Osborne explains that 'vinyl fencing is a practical, reduced alternative to traditional wooden fencing, and many homes are drawn to its shiny, modern appearance. Youll never have to deal with ugly green or black stains on your white vinyl fence again. Vinegar is an overlooked but highly effective eco-friendly option for cleaning vinyl fences and other surfaces white vinegar kills dozens of pathogens including salmonella and flu viruses! Vinegar does have some added benefits of killing germs and bacteria and dissolving grime quicker. While you cant protect it from wind-blown dust and pollen, you can keep the area around it clean to avoid mold and stubborn stains. Wet the eraser with water and make sure it is completely wet. There are products like EcoGen (opens in new tab) that are formulated to be safe for your plants and landscaping, so if your fence needs a heavy-duty clean and you want to save your plants, use it instead of a commercial pressure washer concentrate. The water pressure wasnt overly strong which means it might be a great idea for cleaning PVC fences that need just a little bit of extra power, but not too much pressure. There was a problem. For the grass stains, remove any loose debris from the fence and simply hose it down with high pressure. Now, put two gallons of clean water in a basin, then add one cup of vinegar and several tablespoons of dishwashing liquid. A heavy-duty, high-pressure power wash is an effective way to clean your vinyl fence, and if you cant seem to get those lingering stains and splotches with water alone, do not reach for the bleach! Go back and forth or in a swirl-like fashion to make sure you properly clean every portion of the fence. Then, add in either 1 cup of vinegar or a few tablespoons of dish soap. At least twice a year. Dip a rag in the cleaning solution and thoroughly wipe down your fence. In addition to its glossy sheen and weather-resistant qualities, vinyl can act as a convincing stand-in for traditional wood fences minus the possibility of it rotting or cracking. This also includes use of pressure washers. If you use high pressure it will remove the protective layer from your vinyl fencing.'. Be sure to see my other tips on how to clean with vinegar, such as how to clean a toilet with vinegar, how to unclog a shower head with vinegar, and how to make an all natural kitchen cleaner. Leave the solution to sit for about five minutes, then hose the fence down to rinse. . Consider using an extra bucket full of water to rinse your rag after you wipe down a section of the fence. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. With minimal effort and no harsh chemicals, you can remove almost any degree of stains and keep your vinyl fence looking like new. All it takes to clean a vinyl fence is something youve already got in your home vinegar. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Begin from the top and slowly move down the vinyl, working your way horizontally and allowing the water to wash dirt and debris downward. Anna is Content Editor at Real Homes. It depends on how much cleaning power you need (for example, caked-on dirt from 10 years might need more vinegar than routine maintenance cleaning). High powered water pressure is one of the most eco-friendly ways to clean your vinyl fence. According to Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy (opens in new tab), praises Magic Erasers as 'actually great tools to use when cleaning a vinyl fence. Vinyl is a beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance fencing alternative to traditional wood, and, over the last decades, it has increasingly become a favorite of many homeowners. You can also use mild dish soap and water to remove the grass stains. Will vinegar work? Keep in mind that vinegar is an acid, and therefore. Can You Repair a Vinyl Fence? Heres how to clean your fence with a bleach solution: Preventative care is very important to keep your white fence shiny, glossy and looking as best as it can. Then wipe down the fence with a cloth to remove the grime. If you use a well or are in area with a shallow aquifer, you should avoid using petrochemical cleaners. They are all effective in their own way, it simply depends on how stained your fence is, how much time you have to offer, how hard you want to scrub and how much you want to budget for cleaning tools. I do this during a steady rain so I save time on rinsing the fence. In fact, I used a cleaning eraser for a crayon stain on my wall. PVC Vinyl Fence Reviews: Is It Worth Installing? And the best part? A vinyl fence is nearly maintenance free. When using bleach, choose a hydrogen peroxide-based bleach, rather than a chlorine-based bleach. If you make a purchase using links in this article, I could receive a commission. At AG Vinyl Fencing in Orange County, we understand the small but significant differences between maintenance of specific fence-building materials. Vinyl and simulated stone look less natural, but theyre easy to clean and take care of. Keep dogs or other animals in the house or in a part of your yard that is separated from the fence for several hours. A fence-specific product will always get you better results.
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