A wood fence collects build-up outside.There can be problems over time.You might be wondering how to clean a wood fence without harming your plants.You can have a spic-n-span wood fence in no time if you prepare the surrounding area and use the right equipment and tools.
Step 1: Use plastic to cover the ground around the fence.
If you decide to use a chemical cleaner or care for plants, you should cover the area around the fence with plastic.Purchase enough plastic sheeting at your local hardware store to cover the plants and grass from your wood fence.Purchase enough plastic for one section and move it with you to save money.
Step 2: The wire brush can be used to remove heavy debris.
A wire brush is used to clean a wood fence, but it is also useful for getting rid of dirt.Run a wire brush over the debris.Don't scrub the wire brush into the fence too deep.Purchase a wire brush at a hardware or home improvement store if you don't already have one.You can use a plastic bristle scrub brush instead of a wire brush.
Step 3: You can spray the fence with a garden hose.
If you are using a power washer, make sure you have a garden hose handy.To remove dirt from your wood fence, spray it all over with a garden hose.
Step 4: The washer should be powered by a lower powered motor.
It is not necessary to spray your wood fence with the most powerful washer because the pressure can warp the wood.If you're looking for a pressure washer with a strength between 1500 and 2000 psi, steer clear of models with an engine.
Step 5: Use a 25-degree tip.
The pressure washer will fan out the water if it has a 25-degree tip.Attach the tip to the end of the sprayer.If you own or rent a pressure washer, you should have a variety of colored tips.
Step 6: Stand two feet from the fence.
It is a powerful tool regardless of the tip you use or the strength of your pressure washer.Stand at least 2 feet away from your fence to prevent damage.
Step 7: The water should be sprayed in long strokes.
Standing 2 feet away, use long strokes to spray off debris and bring your wood fence back to life.Slowly move the spray tip 1 foot closer to the surface and spray the length of the fence using even strokes until the wood looks better.
Step 8: You can vary the areas you concentrate on.
If you spray too long in one spot, you will damage your wood fence.You need to change the area you spray frequently.Move over to the next set of fence posts after you have brightened several of them using long, even strokes.
Step 9: Add cleaning by using an 18-degree tip.
If your fence isn't coming as clean as you'd like, change the pressure with an 18-degree tip.Remove the 25-degree tip and replace it with an 18- degree tip.It should be enough to clean your fence without damaging it.
Step 10: Oxygenated bleach can be used on a fence.
According to the manufacturer's instructions, mix together an oxygen bleach powder.After applying the mixture to the fence, leave it for 15 minutes and then scrub the surface with a plastic bristle scrub brush.The mixture should be washed with a garden hose.
Step 11: Chlorine bleach can be used to remove mold and algae.
If you want to get rid of green mold, mix two parts water to one part chlorine bleach.If you want to get extra cleaning power, add a dash of dish soap and use a bristle brush.Use elbow grease on the stained areas.After you scrub the fence down, rinse it off thoroughly.
Step 12: You can use a commercial wood cleaner.
You can use a pre-mixed cleaning solution to clean your wood fence.Look for a cleaner specifically for wood at your local hardware or home improvement store.They are usually focused on wood fences and decks.Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 13: White vinegar can be used to remove mildew.
To remove moss from a gallon of warm water, mix 2 cup (120 mL) of white vinegar with one gallon.Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then scrub your fence with a bristle brush.Afterwards, rinse the garden hose thoroughly.