How to Clean a Cedar Fence?
Cedar wood fences are a great addition to any home. They provide privacy while adding a touch of rustic charm to your property. But they do require some care and maintenance in order to keep them looking their best.
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One of the most common problems that people have with their cedar fences is mold and mildew. Fortunately, these issues can be quickly and easily remedied without damaging the fence. In fact, the only thing that you will need to do in order to remove them is to mix a solution of white vinegar and water, apply it to the moldy areas of your fence, and then rinse it off.
Bleach Your Fence
Oxygen bleach is a great solution to clean your fence, especially if it has a lot of mold or mildew on it. Simply spray it on your fence and let it soak in for a few minutes, then scrub it with a brush. Once the fence is clean, you will need to rinse it off to ensure that it is free of any remaining bleach.
Power Wash Your Fence
Pressure washing your cedar fence is another option to remove mold and mildew. However, you should be aware that power washing your fence can damage the surrounding bushes and plants if you are not careful. So, you will want to start with a 25-degree tip and work your way down the fence as you spray.
Stain Your Fence
Staining your cedar fence can help to prevent the wood from fading and warping from exposure to moisture and the sun’s UV rays. The oil in the stain will also penetrate the wood and protect it from the elements, allowing the wood’s natural color and grain to shine through.
You can re-stain your fence about once every three years to maintain its appearance. Make sure to select an exterior semi-transparent oil stain that contains ultraviolet inhibitors and a mildewcide so that your fence stays protected for years to come.
Scoop Up Heavy Debris Using A Wire Brush
If you have a wire brush on hand, this will be handy for removing heavy debris from your cedar fence. You can use it to loosen clogged-up twigs or branches that you haven’t been able to get out with a rake or garden fork. You can purchase a wire brush at a hardware or home improvement store.
Sand Your Fence
If your cedar fence is starting to look a little dull, you can give it a makeover with a few simple tools. The best method to sand your fence is with a belt or orbital sander. This will take some time, but it will remove a lot of dirt from the fence and make it look good as new.
A sanding kit can be purchased at most home improvement stores. It will have different grits of sandpaper on it, and you can choose a grit that suits your needs.
You can also use a steel wire brush to remove stuck-on dirt and grime on your fence before you paint it. This brush is very useful for removing caked-on dust and dirt from painted fences, but you should be careful not to scratch the paint too deeply.
