Cleaning a wood fence is a tough job. If you have restrictions, do not worry. Let me show you how to clean a wood fence without pressure washing
A wood fence is a type of fence made of vertical wooden boards. It is an alternative to using a concrete structure to form a wall.
Fences made from wood help not just to separate but also to protect your compound or garden as they are impenetrable. It is flexible as you can create any shape you want in your compound or garden.
When treated, wood fences can provide nice protection for your yard, as well as a natural look.
Keeping your wood fence clean is a hard task. the longer, your wooden fence can be dirty and overgrown with mildew. So, you should do something about it.
Many people use pressure washing to keep it good and free from dirt. Yes, pressure washing gives you the best option to clean the word fence. It is easy to use and makes your cleaning time quicker. However, you don’t need to have pressure washing to clean the wood fence. Learn how to clean a wood fence without pressure washing. You can use your simple home equipment to clean the wood fence and still get the best results.
Contents
Why using pressure washing is not always good for the environment
Pressure washing uses high-pressure streams of water to remove dirt and grime. However, these streams of water are harsh on wood and if used often enough, the wood can actually rot without you realizing it at first.
It works by blasting potentially thousands of gallons of high-pressure water per minute, which can damage a fence because of the high-speed water. This can result in splinters, warping, rotting, and even cracking.
While you may think that pressure washing your fence is a good idea, it actually costs much more water to do so.
I know water is free. But, in some areas, you might need to consider that water is limited. If you live in areas with unlimited water resources, there will be no problem. But, if you don’t, I suggest you do not use this machine.
Also, you’ll end up getting a higher electricity bill because it takes a lot of energy to pump the pressure washer.
Preparation to clean the wood fence without pressure washing
1. Always wear protective gear
When cleaning your wood fence, do not forget to always wear protective gear. This gear should include a mask, some sort of protective cover for your eyes (preferably goggles), and gloves on both hands.
The dirty wood fence could contain dirt, mild, or stains that are dangerous for your body. You might get skin irritation if you have an allergy. Also, inhaling the dirt could also lead to serious bad effects on your body.
Protection for your body is a must.
2. Wet your wood fence with water
The first method is to spray water on your fence. Depending on whatever is most convenient, you can use a yard hose or a huge bucket. I prefer to pour water all over the fence with the garden hose. This will loosen the dirt and grime, making the cleaning process easier.
How to clean a wood fence without pressure washing
1. Mild liquid soap
Mild liquid soap is a great choice to clean a wood fence. The soap gets rid of the dirt and grime on the surface of the wood making it look much better. Mild soaps are a great choice since they clean without damaging the wooden surfaces.
Prepare the following materials:
- water
- a bucket
- Castile liquid soap
- a soft brush
- an old toothbrush
Before the cleaning process, do not forget to wet the fence with water or a garden hose. Then, we just need to mix it with a bucket of water to create soapy water.
Then, damp the soft brush to the mixture and scrub the wood fence gently. Do this for the whole wood. To clean hard-to-reach areas you can use an old toothbrush. Last, rinse the wood fence with water in order to remove any residue left on it.
2. Castile liquid soap
A great alternative to clean wood fences is Castille liquid soap. It’s natural, free of chemicals, and environmentally friendly.
You can also use it to clean other kinds of surfaces such as plastic, metal, or ceramic.
Prepare the following materials:
- water
- a bucket
- Castile liquid soap
- a soft brush
- an old toothbrush
First, wet the fence with water. You can use the hose to make this step easier. Mix the Castile soap with a bucket of water so that you make a soapy solution.
Then, soak a soft brush for a few seconds in the mixture and scrub the wood fence vigorously. An old toothbrush can be used to clean difficult spots. Last but not least, give the wood fence a good rinse to get rid of any remaining residue.
3. Vinegar
Vinegar is another option for cleaning the wooden fence. Cleaning the mold and mildew area with vinegar is the best option. The vinegar’s acidity will readily break down the mold, clean the surface, and neutralize the odor.
Prepare the following materials:
- 100 ml of water
- 100 ml of vinegar
- a soft brush
- a spray bottle
- an old toothbrush
First, mix 100 ml of vinegar and 100 ml of water in a spray bottle. Shake them well on the bottle.
Then, spray the mixture on the affected area with mildew. Wait for 10 seconds and scrub it away with a soft brush. The vinegar will kill all bacteria and fungus on the surface and loosen the dirt stuck on the surface. You can use an old toothbrush if the spot is difficult to reach. Then, rinse everything with water.
4. Commercial wood cleaner
My last option to clean a wood fence without pressure washing is using a commercial wood cleaner.
The commercial wood cleaner is a type of wood cleaner that can be purchased and used in order to clean wood surfaces, such as fences. It is safe to use because it keeps the wood grain in great shape even after numerous cleaning.
To apply this solution, do not forget to read the manual instruction and follow it carefully.
How to maintain the wood fence quality
1. Clean it regularly
The number one tip to maintain the wood fence is always clean it regularly. By doing this, you keep the treat away and make the appearance. Clean it at least once every three months if you live in a rainy environment. If you reside in a hot climate, you should clean it at least once every six months.
2. Use a protective seal
Using a protective seal on the wood fence is great to tips make the wood fence last longer. It assure the surface is free from mildew and makes it safe from rotting. Using a protective seal will also make the color of the wood more attractive so that it provides added aesthetic value to your home.
3. Never use a wire brush
A wire brush is an abrasive cleaner. It destroys the wood’s surface, making it rough. It’s best to avoid using it when cleaning your wood fence because it can diminish its lifespan.
Conclusion
A wooden fence is an attractive choice for your home, garden, or yard. This will give the impression of being natural and friendly with nature. However, cleaning a wooden fence is a chore. Especially if you don’t have pressure washing, cleaning it will take time and effort.
Learn how to clean a wood fence without pressure washing
- Wash it with mild liquid soap
- Castile liquid soap is a fine alternative
- Vinegar is great to remove the mildew
- Commercial wood cleaner gives a good shot to cleaning the wood fence
