Fencing contractors recommend periodically washing a fence over the years to keep it clean and prolong its lifespan.
Whether a homeowner chooses to have their fence company wash it or do it themselves, it is an important step that will prevent mold damage and keep the fence looking its best.
Is there a technique that is better in terms of the use of hand washing or power washing?
Most fencing companies find either to be suitable as long as they are done the right way.
Hand Washing A Safe Fence Cleaning Method
The simplest way to wash any type of fence is by hand using brushes or sponges, depending on what the fence is made from.
Fencing contractors find that the biggest challenge with doing it this way is the work involved.
On the positive side, hand washing using brushes, a hose, and a mild soap or cleaner avoids the possibility of damaging the fence in any way, as it can sometimes happen using a pressure washer.
Power Washing A Preferred Method
For homeowners looking for an easier and faster way to handle their fence washing, fence companies themselves typically use power washing for the job.
Power or pressure washing involves washing the fence with pressurized water to quickly blast dirt, grime, and mold off its surfaces.
In most cases, water alone is enough to clean the surface, though a mild detergent or a little bit of bleach can also be used with the power washer for effective cleaning.
This is the method that most fencing companies use when hired to do fence washing, as it is quick and thorough, leaving a beautiful fence that looks as clean as the day it was put up.
Power Washing Should Be Done With Care
The most important factor stressed by fencing contractors about power washing is that it must be done carefully to avoid damaging the fence.
Water pressurized too highly can crack certain types of PVC, peel paint off of metal fences, and carve lines in wood fences.
So while power washing is great for any type of fence, fence companies warn that it should be done at only 1800 PSI or lower to avoid this damage.
Since power washing can be especially damaging to older wooden fences, a fencing company might also recommend hand washing in those cases to minimize damage.
In most other cases, power washing can quickly remove layers of dirt as well as grime and improve the appearance of the fence in minutes when done carefully.
Keep Fences Clean With Hand or Power Washing!
Though fences made by fencing contractors require minimal maintenance, occasional hand or power washing to remove dirt and grime should be one of those tasks.
Most fences can be carefully washed with a power washer, while fence companies recommend that older wood fences be hand washed to avoid damage.
Homeowners without a power washer or who simply do not have the time or capability to do the job themselves can hire a local fencing company to do the washing for them.
In either case, periodic washing to remove grime and mold, especially before applying a new coat of stain or paint, is great for any type of fence!
