Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that a vinyl fence’s quality and appearance will last for years to come, and a major part of that maintenance is proper cleaning. A regular cleaning routine keeps the fence free of mold and mildew, which can later lead to staining.
To help you get started, we’re sharing must-know information about how to clean a vinyl fence properly and thoroughly. Read on for our best tips and outdoor cleaning advice.
Before Getting Started: Safety Precautions to Follow
If you use harsh chemicals like bleach to clean your vinyl fence, wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses and gloves. A mask never hurts, but is usually not necessary since fences are located outdoors where most chemical odors will dissipate quickly.
Do not use acetone, paint thinner, or lacquer thinner on vinyl fencing, as these substances can damage the fence material. Test chemical products on a discreet section of the fence before cleaning the entire structure, and avoid scrubbing the fence with heavy-duty abrasives, like metal scouring pads.
How to Clean a Vinyl Fence with a Hose
One of the easiest and fastest cleaning methods for vinyl fences is to use a simple garden hose. First, rinse off the vinyl fence with the hose to remove loose dust, grass clippings, and other debris. Connect a garden hose spray nozzle if you need extra power. Wipe the fence down with a rag or cloth to remove any stubborn grime.
How to Clean a Vinyl Fence with Soap or Vinegar
A solution of warm soapy water can help break up dirt, animal droppings, and other grime that may have gotten stuck to the fence. Similarly, a solution of one cup of vinegar and two gallons of warm water can be used to remove grass stains, mold, and mildew.
Dip a sponge, cloth, or rag into either solution and wipe down the fence to remove debris and stains. Then, scrub the fence in a circular motion beginning at the top of each section of the fence, and proceeding down to the bottom. Rinse any excess cleaning solution and loose debris with a hose and repeat the process until the entire fence is clean.
Consider using a bristled scrub brush for any stuck-on stains or debris.
How to Clean a Vinyl Fence with a Commercial Solvent
When soap and vinegar aren’t strong enough to get the job done, there are a variety of commercial vinyl fence cleaning solvents that can cut through dirt, mold, mildew, and grime buildup. Check your local home improvement store or search online for an appropriate vinyl fence cleaner.
Apply the vinyl fence cleaning product to the structure with a rag or bristled scrub brush to clean each section. Rinse the fence with a garden hose to remove excess cleaning solution and loose debris. Repeat as necessary until the entire fence is clean.
Read and follow the cleaning product’s directions to properly use the solution.
Matthew Benson
How to Clean a Vinyl Fence with a Pressure Washer
Pressure washing a vinyl fence can be an effective method to remove stains and dislodge stuck-on grime. However, the high-pressure output could damage the fence, so use this method with caution.
Step 1: Prep the Area
Prepare the area by removing any nearby yard decorations, like potted plants or patio furniture, then cover nearby plants and landscaping with a tarp.
Step 2: Start and Test the Pressure Washer
Connect the garden hose to the pressure washer and turn on the water supply. Check and adjust the pressure by starting on the lowest setting and gradually increasing the output until you reach the ideal water pressure. Spray the vinyl fence in a discreet area to test the pressure output. Adjust the pressure to be higher or lower as necessary.
Step 3: Spray the Fence
Spray each section of the vinyl fence with a slow back-and-forth motion, starting at the top of each fence section and working your way down. If there are any stubborn areas, add soap to the pressure washer for extra cleaning power.
How to Clean a White Vinyl Fence with Bleach
A bleach and water solution can be used on white vinyl fences, but not on other colors, as the chemical will cause permanent discoloration. Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and safety glasses when handling bleach.
Mix a solution of one part bleach to five parts water in a large bucket and use a bristled scrub brush, cloth, rag, or sponge to scrub each section of the fence, starting from the top and working your way to the bottom. Rinse the fence with a hose to remove any remaining bleach and loose debris. Repeat this process as necessary until the entire fence is clean.
How Often Should You Clean a Vinyl Fence?
During the warmer months of the year, you can keep the vinyl fence free of most debris by rinsing it down with a garden hose once every one to two weeks. However, dirt will begin to accumulate on the vinyl fencing during the winter, so it’s recommended to do a deep clean of the fence in the spring. Plan to do this at least once a year to remove dust and dirt buildup and to prevent mold growth and staining.
