The easiest way to avoid a long, difficult cleaning process is to keep your vinyl fence clean. The information contained on whatisvinyl.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only.
A mild soap such as dish soap or castile soap will work. If you use a well or are in area with a shallow aquifer, you should avoid using petrochemical cleaners.
The spring would be a great time to clean your vinyl fence.
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. 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.
If you make a purchase using links in this article, I could receive a commission. To learn how to make a bleaching solution to whiten your fence, read on!
Can these be removed? Thanks so much for this! Heres why you can trust us.
If there are any extra dirty spots, use a bristled brush to scrub those clean.
Also, wind may increase the chances of the soapy water blowing into your face. Using a pressure washer is by far the most effective way to clean a vinyl fence.
In this article, well share our best professional advice for upkeep of your vinyl fence. (Methods & Costs), How Much Does a Vinyl Fence Cost: Materials, Labor, Add-Ons & More. 12 July 2021. 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.
Even our wet Pacific Northwest weather wont damage one of these durable fences. Im not a big fan of using bleach unless necessary, but some stains just wont come off unless you use it. It will never rot, split, bend, or crack, and it is exceptionally weather resistant.
(Step-by-Step Tutorial).
Add 1/2 1cup of white vinegar to about 1 gallon of water.
If you choose vinegar, take 1 cup (240 ml) of vinegar and add it to 2 gallons (7.57 L) of water.
Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.
These are great to spot clean problem areas that have a lot of stains or mold residue. This article was co-authored by Guy Peters.
These non-toxic ideas will easily clean a fence, as well as vinyl siding on your house, too!
To learn how to make a bleaching solution to whiten your fence, read on! It is more eco-friendly (but still just as dangerous as any bleach). At least twice a year.
Hopefully, this will help get rid of the stains.
I have found that these types of magic erasers can strip off a light layer of finish on items, though. However, keep in mind that using bleach can dry out your vinyl, which can lead to it cracking. 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.' It was also so dry that the lawn maintenance people poked a hole through it by hitting it with a weed eater.
Have any other questions about fences, or want to share a photo of your freshly-cleaned fence? This also includes use of pressure washers. It could dull your finish over time. How to Install Vinyl Fence?
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.
A little bit of regular maintenance can go a long ways in preventing stubborn stains, mold growth and more. Lightly scrub the problem areas just until the stains are removed.
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. 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. Knowing whats needed beforehand will help you do things right and stay safe. I do this during a steady rain so I save time on rinsing the fence.
It could.
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.
Before applying any chemical product to your vinyl fence, make sure to read the directions of use carefully.
And there are differences between gas and electric pressure washers. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub sections that are extra dirty.
Yep, good old-fashioned soap and water will work, too.
Soak a piece of cloth in the cleaning solution you made in Step 1 and use it to rub your vinyl fence. To prevent mold and mildew from growing, brush or rinse off grass clippings as soon as you notice them on the fence. If you use high pressure it will remove the protective layer from your vinyl fencing.'. At AG Vinyl Fencing in Orange County, we understand the small but significant differences between maintenance of specific fence-building materials.
They fences are exposed to dust, dirt, debris in winds, mold growth and algae build up.
Real Homes is supported by its audience. You can also use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Leave the solution to sit for about five minutes, then hose the fence down to rinse.
The easiest way to do this is add the soap into a bucket first, then use a spray attachment on your garden hose to add water and get the soap to suds up.
The best way to keep your vinyl fence clean is to prevent it from getting dirty in the first place.
Follow directions about specialized safety equipment. But sometimes it just makes sense.
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.
For example, if a product recommends you use safety goggles, you should do so.
Clean your fence at least once a year.
All rights reserved.
At AG Vinyl Fencing, we strive to provide Orange County residents and surrounding California communities with the necessary resources and information to sustain their vinyl fence builds not because vinyl is superior to anything else, but because the security of such a structure is invaluably superior.
Lets get started. So use sparingly.
Please see my Privacy Policy for information.
Washing your entire fence, not just the places that look dirty, is important for proper maintenance of your fence.
The great news is that cleaning awhite vinyl fence can be easy, cheap and it just takes a few minutes.
Dilute 1 cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Before applying the cleaner to your vinyl fence, spray down the fence with a garden hose or pressure washer.
Essentially, it's a melamine foam sponge typically used for removing household stains from all sorts of surfaces, from tile to cookware.
Dirt and mildew.
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.
However, as with any vinyl product, vinyl fences require occasional cleaning to maintain their glossy, eye-catching look.
Swipe your fence from top to bottom, cutting off dirty bits of the eraser if necessary.'. Anna is Content Editor at Real Homes. Mold and mildew look gross on a previously pristine white vinyl fence. A fence-specific product will always get you better results.
How to Clean Vinyl Fence?
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 Simple and effective methods to clean a vinyl fence using a pressure washer or not.
Wet the eraser with water and make sure it is completely wet.
For light soil and debris, spray the fence with water.
This will help remove any loose dirt and soil, making the fence easier to clean.
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. 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.
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!
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers work pretty well at cleaning PVC fences!
Test a small area if youre worried the brush could leave scratches. It is notorious for attracting mold and mildew and should be cleaned at least once every six months to maintain its like-new look.' of dish soap to a gallon of water. 7 Risks You Should Know!
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.
If your fence is next to plants or has plants growing over it, this may not be the best option as the cleaner may be toxic to the plants. If you're working with simple dust, dirt, and general yard pollution, Magic Erasers are probably the easiest tool to use. Not only does it not rot, but it usually doesnt need to be painted. You may want to use a bristled brush to scrub extra dirty sections of the fence.
So you want to make sure that you dont use them for the entire fence. Yes, however all three stains require different types of cleaning. You can do this by trimming grass and plants away from the fence. If it is spotless, then your job is done. Now, put two gallons of clean water in a basin, then add one cup of vinegar and several tablespoons of dishwashing liquid.
So theres no need to keep putting it off! Well, it may be prone to staining and mold, but vinyl still has its advantages.
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.
If the marks are being difficult, you can dampen the area with lacquer thinner and use a medium bristle scrub brush to remove them.
'Get the cleaning solution ready.
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, I tested the OTTY Mattress Topper as a side sleeper and it has transformed my sleep routine, How to hide a TV on the wall: a DIY disguise with art, magic eraser that can be easily bought on Amazon, Simple Greens Oxy Solve, which you can buy from Amazon.
You may want to check some suggestions online before you go. Some may even require you to use specialized equipment like safety goggles. Then transfer the solution into a sprayer bottle or gardening sprayer and mist down the fence.
Guy Peters.
Here, we show you how to clean vinyl fence in seven simple steps so you can keep your fence looking new at all times. High powered water pressure is one of the most eco-friendly ways to clean your vinyl fence.
If not, try scrubbing over the stains with bleach.
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. Using a pressure washer on it would not have been wise because the pressure could have caused damage. Dip a soft scrub brush in the aforementioned soapy mixture to spot clean tougher stains.
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. Thank you for signing up to Realhomes. Spring time is a great time to wash it.
Can You Repair a Vinyl Fence?
Buying a high-pressure nozzle is still less expensive than buying or renting a pressure washer.
Make sure you have enough clean rags, so you can switch dirty ones out for clean ones as you need.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Vinegar is a great natural product that you may already have at home. The pressure cleaner will automatically mix the chemical with the water as you spray it.
Apply the vinegar to the mildew and let it stand for a few minutes before wiping or scrubbing.
When talking about fencing, the terms "PVC" and "vinyl" are typically used interchangeably.
You can also try a more general-purpose outdoor cleaning solution. Because vinyl fencing is synthetic, it requires slightly different maintenance than wood fences, especially when it comes to cleaning practices. Avoid using this mixture on non-white vinyl.
Copyright 2021 Cascade Fence & Deck, LLC | 4415 NE Minnehaha St. Vancouver, WA 98661 | (360) 892-5478 | CCB 150983. Explore all the methods available and pick whichever one works best on your 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.
Vinegar will help remove hard stains and dish detergent will help with mildew and other dirt. Heres how to use a magic eraser on your fence: I dont like spending money on cleaners if I dont need to.
Saves you a lot of future disappointment.
A magic eraser can be bought on Amazon (opens in new tab).
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.
They can last for decades if you maintain them []. If you have a white vinyl (also known as PVC) fence, then it will get dirty.
Founded in 2014, MOP STARS provides regular, move in/out, deep, and commercial cleaning services. (8 Types), Can You Paint Over Vinyl Wallpaper?
As Ive mentioned, my old PVC fence in Florida was so old that mold and dirt stains were etched into the vinyl. (Pros & Cons). Then wipe down the fence with a cloth to remove the grime.
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.
This article has been viewed 49,073 times.
.
Go back and forth or in a swirl-like fashion to make sure you properly clean every portion of the fence.
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.
If a vinyl fence needs more cleaning, then what are the benefits of having one? Its the only way to keep your white fence from becoming gray with dirt and dust, or spotted green from mold and mildew. Some parts of this are still a mystery to me, and its good to have a useful guide to go back to. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA.
In an environment like ours in Southern California, hot temperatures are no match for the omnipresent humidity of the region, and the moisture in the air is a perfect storm for water-hungry organisms like algae, mildew, and the like.
Published 28 July 22. 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. Will vinegar work? All Rights Reserved. Visit our corporate site. Sometimes it can take a substantial amount of time to completely get rid of this filth. You can use a pressure washer, but in most cases, thats more power than you need.
Hose down the fence afterwards to remove all vinegar residues and solid particles. By using our site, you agree to our.
The trick is to try different cleaning methods and products to see which one works best. Just hose off the fence, let it dry, then wipe it down with the magic eraser. However, these products may not be eco-friendly and could mar the look of your fence.
Osborne explains that 'vinyl fencing is a practical, reduced alternative to traditional wooden fencing, and many homes are drawn to its shiny, modern appearance. 2020 A G Vinyl Fencing.
Dip a rag in the cleaning solution and thoroughly wipe down your fence. That's still a lot less maintenance than wood but keep up with the cleaning and you won't' regret nodding to this particular fence idea for your yard.
Please refresh the page and try again. FYI, you need to check your fence warranty as there is a protective sealer on vinyl fencing.
When using bleach, choose a hydrogen peroxide-based bleach, rather than a chlorine-based bleach. Spray off dirt or grass clippings after any yard maintenance, keep plants trimmed away from the fence, and give it a good scrub down during your spring cleanup.
One of the most effective ways to get tough stains off a vinyl surface is to use a bleach solution.
You do not need to spend a lot of money on fence cleaners. Alternatively, you could use a vinegar and water solution in a spray bottle and spray the entire fence.
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.
If you notice algae, moldy spores, or a damp and discolored growth on your vinyl fencing, a simple wash with an old watering wont do the trick.
Once youre done wiping the fence, use a hose to rinse it with clean water. Have a white plastic vinyl fence that is dirty, moldy or covered with mildew?
Its just a matter of time. 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.
Make sure it is not lightning.
If a tire or sneaker has had a close encounter with your white vinyl, remove the mark with a large pencil eraser.
If your dark vinyl is completely stained, look for stain-removal products designed for colored vinyl. Check out my Ultimate Home Detox Guide to create a non-toxic home for you and your family today! 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, I used a cleaning eraser for a crayon stain on my wall. Use a soft rag or sponge to wash the fence. If you still have stains on your fence, you can use a commercial cleaner, like a vinyl fence solvent, to remove them.
Youll never have to deal with ugly green or black stains on your white vinyl fence again.
In fact, you dont need to spend money at all!
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.
Visit your local home improvement store and look for products specially formulated to clean vinyl siding and vinyl fences.
Rinse, and let the fence airdry.
Once you have rinsed the fence, examine it carefully to see if there are any stains left.
This is imperative, as different products may require different methods of application.
If you live near a well, you should not use any cleaners containing petrochemicals.
However, cleaning vinyl fencing can be challenging, as it tends to become dirty somewhat quick. Check with the manufacturer for their recommendation of cleaner to remove mold, mildew and/or dirt.
Vinyl and simulated stone look less natural, but theyre easy to clean and take care of.
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. She is the author of London Writing of the 1930s and has a passion for contemporary home decor and gardening. Rinse with plain water.
Heres the easy recipe: If you need a lot of vinegar for a larger job, getbig bottles of vinegar.
We have paint, tire marks, and grass stains on our vinyl fence. Ideally, your cleaning product should explicitly list vinyl or plastic as a type of surface it will clean, otherwise, it might not be effective. http://www.getgreenbewell.com/how-to-clean-a-vinyl-fence/, http://www.greatdayimprovements.com/how-to-clean-vinyl-siding-without-a-pressure-washer.aspx, http://www.improvenet.com/a/diy-how-to-power-wash-siding.
Using a sprayer attachment for your hose, rinse off the dirt and grime starting from the top of the fence and working down.
wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. During dust-, rain-, and wind-heavy seasons when pollen, debris, and other elements are more prevalent, clean more frequently. Chemical cleaning solutions and other concentrated disinfectants can erode the exterior of your vinyl fence and an abrasive sponge or gritty cleaning tool will only make things worse by dulling its shiny exterior. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter, Straightforward steps on getting your vinyl fence back in tiptop shape.
Whatcantake the shine off awhite vinyl fence?
Cleaning a white vinyl fence wont take long, and will make a big difference in the street appeal of your home.
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. You might need to cover the same area a couple times to remove caked-on residue. Dont allow small children to play near the fence until the ground has dried.
However, if you dont like the smell of vinegar, this method will work, too.
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.
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! The eraser easily removed the stain, but also removed the sateen finish from that section of my paint.
England and Wales company registration number 2008885. The amounts are variable.
I use a bucket of dish detergent such as Dawn, warm water and a wash mitt.
Try adding undiluted vinegar to a spray bottle. Make sure you know what type of vinegar to clean with.
Take a bucket using two gallons of fresh water and 1.5 cups of Simple Green.
You will have to try it out to see.
Posted on Published: July 24, 2018- Last updated: July 23, 2021.
Guy Peters is the Owner of MOP STARS Cleaning Service, a complete house cleaning service for residential and commercial clients, based in Denver, Colorado. If your fence is small and/or you don't have a pressure washer, cleaning by hand is a perfectly acceptable method.
Expert Interview.
Move your hand in a circular motion or back and forth, making sure to get as much grime and dirt off as possible.
And the best part?
', 'Start by thoroughly wetting the eraser, then squeezing out excess water.
If you want to know how to clean a vinyl fence, help is at hand. There was a problem. Then squeeze out the excess water.
You may want to have them stay inside the house or in a separate part of the yard until you are done cleaning and the ground has dried.
It's the same solution you would use with your pressure washer, but you can still use it with a scrubber or a sponge.
A mild soap such as dish soap or castile soap will work. If you use a well or are in area with a shallow aquifer, you should avoid using petrochemical cleaners.
The spring would be a great time to clean your vinyl fence.
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. 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.
If you make a purchase using links in this article, I could receive a commission. To learn how to make a bleaching solution to whiten your fence, read on!
Can these be removed? Thanks so much for this! Heres why you can trust us.
If there are any extra dirty spots, use a bristled brush to scrub those clean.
Also, wind may increase the chances of the soapy water blowing into your face. Using a pressure washer is by far the most effective way to clean a vinyl fence.
In this article, well share our best professional advice for upkeep of your vinyl fence. (Methods & Costs), How Much Does a Vinyl Fence Cost: Materials, Labor, Add-Ons & More. 12 July 2021. 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.
Even our wet Pacific Northwest weather wont damage one of these durable fences. Im not a big fan of using bleach unless necessary, but some stains just wont come off unless you use it. It will never rot, split, bend, or crack, and it is exceptionally weather resistant.
(Step-by-Step Tutorial).
Add 1/2 1cup of white vinegar to about 1 gallon of water.
If you choose vinegar, take 1 cup (240 ml) of vinegar and add it to 2 gallons (7.57 L) of water. Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.
These are great to spot clean problem areas that have a lot of stains or mold residue. This article was co-authored by Guy Peters.
These non-toxic ideas will easily clean a fence, as well as vinyl siding on your house, too!
To learn how to make a bleaching solution to whiten your fence, read on! It is more eco-friendly (but still just as dangerous as any bleach). At least twice a year.
Hopefully, this will help get rid of the stains.
I have found that these types of magic erasers can strip off a light layer of finish on items, though. However, keep in mind that using bleach can dry out your vinyl, which can lead to it cracking. 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.' It was also so dry that the lawn maintenance people poked a hole through it by hitting it with a weed eater.
Have any other questions about fences, or want to share a photo of your freshly-cleaned fence? This also includes use of pressure washers. It could dull your finish over time. How to Install Vinyl Fence?
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.
A little bit of regular maintenance can go a long ways in preventing stubborn stains, mold growth and more. Lightly scrub the problem areas just until the stains are removed.
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. 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. Knowing whats needed beforehand will help you do things right and stay safe. I do this during a steady rain so I save time on rinsing the fence.
It could.
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.
Before applying any chemical product to your vinyl fence, make sure to read the directions of use carefully.
And there are differences between gas and electric pressure washers. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub sections that are extra dirty.
Yep, good old-fashioned soap and water will work, too.
Soak a piece of cloth in the cleaning solution you made in Step 1 and use it to rub your vinyl fence. To prevent mold and mildew from growing, brush or rinse off grass clippings as soon as you notice them on the fence. If you use high pressure it will remove the protective layer from your vinyl fencing.'. At AG Vinyl Fencing in Orange County, we understand the small but significant differences between maintenance of specific fence-building materials.
They fences are exposed to dust, dirt, debris in winds, mold growth and algae build up.
Real Homes is supported by its audience. You can also use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Leave the solution to sit for about five minutes, then hose the fence down to rinse.
The easiest way to do this is add the soap into a bucket first, then use a spray attachment on your garden hose to add water and get the soap to suds up.
The best way to keep your vinyl fence clean is to prevent it from getting dirty in the first place.
Follow directions about specialized safety equipment. But sometimes it just makes sense. 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.
For example, if a product recommends you use safety goggles, you should do so. Clean your fence at least once a year.
All rights reserved.
At AG Vinyl Fencing, we strive to provide Orange County residents and surrounding California communities with the necessary resources and information to sustain their vinyl fence builds not because vinyl is superior to anything else, but because the security of such a structure is invaluably superior.
Lets get started. So use sparingly.
Please see my Privacy Policy for information.
Washing your entire fence, not just the places that look dirty, is important for proper maintenance of your fence.
The great news is that cleaning awhite vinyl fence can be easy, cheap and it just takes a few minutes.
Dilute 1 cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Before applying the cleaner to your vinyl fence, spray down the fence with a garden hose or pressure washer.
Essentially, it's a melamine foam sponge typically used for removing household stains from all sorts of surfaces, from tile to cookware.
Dirt and mildew.
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.
However, as with any vinyl product, vinyl fences require occasional cleaning to maintain their glossy, eye-catching look.
Swipe your fence from top to bottom, cutting off dirty bits of the eraser if necessary.'. Anna is Content Editor at Real Homes. Mold and mildew look gross on a previously pristine white vinyl fence. A fence-specific product will always get you better results.
How to Clean Vinyl Fence?
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 Simple and effective methods to clean a vinyl fence using a pressure washer or not.
Wet the eraser with water and make sure it is completely wet.
For light soil and debris, spray the fence with water.
This will help remove any loose dirt and soil, making the fence easier to clean.
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. 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.
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!
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers work pretty well at cleaning PVC fences!
Test a small area if youre worried the brush could leave scratches. It is notorious for attracting mold and mildew and should be cleaned at least once every six months to maintain its like-new look.' of dish soap to a gallon of water. 7 Risks You Should Know!
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.
If your fence is next to plants or has plants growing over it, this may not be the best option as the cleaner may be toxic to the plants. If you're working with simple dust, dirt, and general yard pollution, Magic Erasers are probably the easiest tool to use. Not only does it not rot, but it usually doesnt need to be painted. You may want to use a bristled brush to scrub extra dirty sections of the fence.
So you want to make sure that you dont use them for the entire fence. Yes, however all three stains require different types of cleaning. You can do this by trimming grass and plants away from the fence. If it is spotless, then your job is done. Now, put two gallons of clean water in a basin, then add one cup of vinegar and several tablespoons of dishwashing liquid.
So theres no need to keep putting it off! Well, it may be prone to staining and mold, but vinyl still has its advantages.
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.
If the marks are being difficult, you can dampen the area with lacquer thinner and use a medium bristle scrub brush to remove them.
'Get the cleaning solution ready.
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, I tested the OTTY Mattress Topper as a side sleeper and it has transformed my sleep routine, How to hide a TV on the wall: a DIY disguise with art, magic eraser that can be easily bought on Amazon, Simple Greens Oxy Solve, which you can buy from Amazon.
You may want to check some suggestions online before you go. Some may even require you to use specialized equipment like safety goggles. Then transfer the solution into a sprayer bottle or gardening sprayer and mist down the fence.
Guy Peters.
Here, we show you how to clean vinyl fence in seven simple steps so you can keep your fence looking new at all times. High powered water pressure is one of the most eco-friendly ways to clean your vinyl fence.
If not, try scrubbing over the stains with bleach.
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. Using a pressure washer on it would not have been wise because the pressure could have caused damage. Dip a soft scrub brush in the aforementioned soapy mixture to spot clean tougher stains.
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. Thank you for signing up to Realhomes. Spring time is a great time to wash it.
Can You Repair a Vinyl Fence?
Buying a high-pressure nozzle is still less expensive than buying or renting a pressure washer.
Make sure you have enough clean rags, so you can switch dirty ones out for clean ones as you need.
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Vinegar is a great natural product that you may already have at home. The pressure cleaner will automatically mix the chemical with the water as you spray it.
Apply the vinegar to the mildew and let it stand for a few minutes before wiping or scrubbing.
When talking about fencing, the terms "PVC" and "vinyl" are typically used interchangeably.
You can also try a more general-purpose outdoor cleaning solution. Because vinyl fencing is synthetic, it requires slightly different maintenance than wood fences, especially when it comes to cleaning practices. Avoid using this mixture on non-white vinyl.
Copyright 2021 Cascade Fence & Deck, LLC | 4415 NE Minnehaha St. Vancouver, WA 98661 | (360) 892-5478 | CCB 150983. Explore all the methods available and pick whichever one works best on your 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.
Vinegar will help remove hard stains and dish detergent will help with mildew and other dirt. Heres how to use a magic eraser on your fence: I dont like spending money on cleaners if I dont need to.
Saves you a lot of future disappointment.
A magic eraser can be bought on Amazon (opens in new tab).
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.
They can last for decades if you maintain them []. If you have a white vinyl (also known as PVC) fence, then it will get dirty.
Founded in 2014, MOP STARS provides regular, move in/out, deep, and commercial cleaning services. (8 Types), Can You Paint Over Vinyl Wallpaper?
As Ive mentioned, my old PVC fence in Florida was so old that mold and dirt stains were etched into the vinyl. (Pros & Cons). Then wipe down the fence with a cloth to remove the grime. 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.
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Go back and forth or in a swirl-like fashion to make sure you properly clean every portion of the fence.
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.
If a vinyl fence needs more cleaning, then what are the benefits of having one? Its the only way to keep your white fence from becoming gray with dirt and dust, or spotted green from mold and mildew. Some parts of this are still a mystery to me, and its good to have a useful guide to go back to. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
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In an environment like ours in Southern California, hot temperatures are no match for the omnipresent humidity of the region, and the moisture in the air is a perfect storm for water-hungry organisms like algae, mildew, and the like.
Published 28 July 22. 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. Will vinegar work? All Rights Reserved. Visit our corporate site. Sometimes it can take a substantial amount of time to completely get rid of this filth. You can use a pressure washer, but in most cases, thats more power than you need.
Hose down the fence afterwards to remove all vinegar residues and solid particles. By using our site, you agree to our.
The trick is to try different cleaning methods and products to see which one works best. Just hose off the fence, let it dry, then wipe it down with the magic eraser. However, these products may not be eco-friendly and could mar the look of your fence.
Osborne explains that 'vinyl fencing is a practical, reduced alternative to traditional wooden fencing, and many homes are drawn to its shiny, modern appearance. 2020 A G Vinyl Fencing.
Dip a rag in the cleaning solution and thoroughly wipe down your fence. That's still a lot less maintenance than wood but keep up with the cleaning and you won't' regret nodding to this particular fence idea for your yard.
Please refresh the page and try again. FYI, you need to check your fence warranty as there is a protective sealer on vinyl fencing.
When using bleach, choose a hydrogen peroxide-based bleach, rather than a chlorine-based bleach. Spray off dirt or grass clippings after any yard maintenance, keep plants trimmed away from the fence, and give it a good scrub down during your spring cleanup.
One of the most effective ways to get tough stains off a vinyl surface is to use a bleach solution.
You do not need to spend a lot of money on fence cleaners. Alternatively, you could use a vinegar and water solution in a spray bottle and spray the entire fence.
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.
If you notice algae, moldy spores, or a damp and discolored growth on your vinyl fencing, a simple wash with an old watering wont do the trick.
Once youre done wiping the fence, use a hose to rinse it with clean water. Have a white plastic vinyl fence that is dirty, moldy or covered with mildew?
Its just a matter of time. 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.
Make sure it is not lightning.
If a tire or sneaker has had a close encounter with your white vinyl, remove the mark with a large pencil eraser.
If your dark vinyl is completely stained, look for stain-removal products designed for colored vinyl. Check out my Ultimate Home Detox Guide to create a non-toxic home for you and your family today! 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, I used a cleaning eraser for a crayon stain on my wall. Use a soft rag or sponge to wash the fence. If you still have stains on your fence, you can use a commercial cleaner, like a vinyl fence solvent, to remove them.
Youll never have to deal with ugly green or black stains on your white vinyl fence again.
In fact, you dont need to spend money at all!
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.
Visit your local home improvement store and look for products specially formulated to clean vinyl siding and vinyl fences.
Rinse, and let the fence airdry.
Once you have rinsed the fence, examine it carefully to see if there are any stains left.
This is imperative, as different products may require different methods of application. If you live near a well, you should not use any cleaners containing petrochemicals.
However, cleaning vinyl fencing can be challenging, as it tends to become dirty somewhat quick. Check with the manufacturer for their recommendation of cleaner to remove mold, mildew and/or dirt.
Vinyl and simulated stone look less natural, but theyre easy to clean and take care of. 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. She is the author of London Writing of the 1930s and has a passion for contemporary home decor and gardening. Rinse with plain water.
Heres the easy recipe: If you need a lot of vinegar for a larger job, getbig bottles of vinegar.
We have paint, tire marks, and grass stains on our vinyl fence. Ideally, your cleaning product should explicitly list vinyl or plastic as a type of surface it will clean, otherwise, it might not be effective. http://www.getgreenbewell.com/how-to-clean-a-vinyl-fence/, http://www.greatdayimprovements.com/how-to-clean-vinyl-siding-without-a-pressure-washer.aspx, http://www.improvenet.com/a/diy-how-to-power-wash-siding.
Using a sprayer attachment for your hose, rinse off the dirt and grime starting from the top of the fence and working down.
wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. During dust-, rain-, and wind-heavy seasons when pollen, debris, and other elements are more prevalent, clean more frequently. Chemical cleaning solutions and other concentrated disinfectants can erode the exterior of your vinyl fence and an abrasive sponge or gritty cleaning tool will only make things worse by dulling its shiny exterior. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter, Straightforward steps on getting your vinyl fence back in tiptop shape.
Whatcantake the shine off awhite vinyl fence?
Cleaning a white vinyl fence wont take long, and will make a big difference in the street appeal of your home. 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. You might need to cover the same area a couple times to remove caked-on residue. Dont allow small children to play near the fence until the ground has dried.
However, if you dont like the smell of vinegar, this method will work, too.
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.
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! The eraser easily removed the stain, but also removed the sateen finish from that section of my paint.
England and Wales company registration number 2008885. The amounts are variable.
I use a bucket of dish detergent such as Dawn, warm water and a wash mitt.
Try adding undiluted vinegar to a spray bottle. Make sure you know what type of vinegar to clean with.
Take a bucket using two gallons of fresh water and 1.5 cups of Simple Green.
You will have to try it out to see.
Posted on Published: July 24, 2018- Last updated: July 23, 2021.
Guy Peters is the Owner of MOP STARS Cleaning Service, a complete house cleaning service for residential and commercial clients, based in Denver, Colorado. If your fence is small and/or you don't have a pressure washer, cleaning by hand is a perfectly acceptable method.
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Move your hand in a circular motion or back and forth, making sure to get as much grime and dirt off as possible.
And the best part?
', 'Start by thoroughly wetting the eraser, then squeezing out excess water.
If you want to know how to clean a vinyl fence, help is at hand. There was a problem. Then squeeze out the excess water.
You may want to have them stay inside the house or in a separate part of the yard until you are done cleaning and the ground has dried.
It's the same solution you would use with your pressure washer, but you can still use it with a scrubber or a sponge.