How to Clean a Wood Fence With Bleach?
Cleaning a wood fence can be an easy, cost-effective way to improve your property’s appearance. However, if your fence has become home to algae, mildew, and mold, it may need more than just a bit of elbow grease to get rid of those stains.
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A bleach-based cleaner is a safe, low-pressure solution for removing these stains from your wood fence. It won’t destroy your fence or harm surrounding plants.
The first step is to spray your fence with a solution of water and bleach. You should use one part bleach to two parts water, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, allow the cleaner to sit on your fence for 30 minutes before scrubbing it thoroughly. Rinse it off after you’ve finished.
Bleach can be dangerous, so you need to wear proper safety gear. For example, a pair of gloves and glasses that block out UV rays is recommended.
You also need to be careful with your cleaning solution, as bleach can discolor painted fences. If you’re unsure, start with an inconspicuous area of the fence, and test the mixture before scrubbing it all over.
If you’re using a pressure washer, start at the lowest setting and move the nozzle closer to the fence as you go. It’s not necessary to use the highest setting, as it will cause your fence to become warped and indented.
Once you’ve sprayed the fence with the bleach-water mixture, leave it for 30 minutes before scrubbing it down thoroughly. Then, rinse the fence off with a hose.
Alternatively, you can use a commercial fence cleaner. Many big home improvement stores sell these products, which are specially formulated to remove the toughest of stains from your wood fence. Some of them can even kill mold and mildew.
Another option is to mix your own solution of chlorine bleach and water. You can also add a teaspoon of dish soap to the solution for extra cleaning power.
After mixing up your mixture, spray it on the fence and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it thoroughly with a brush. Then, rinse it off with a hose to remove all the dirt and stains from your fence.
Finally, you can apply a coat of oil-based stain or sealer to your fence to keep it looking its best for years. These coatings protect the wood from the elements and help prevent it from rotting, while also keeping it attractive.
Whether you opt for a DIY solution or hire a professional, cleaning your fence is an easy and inexpensive way to make it look brand new again. If you’re unsure, ask a local fence company to give you a quote. You can then weigh the cost of hiring a professional against the convenience of doing it yourself.
