A good majority of homeowners in Ottawa, ON, have wood fences at their home for maximum security and protection. Wood fences are popular due to their customizable options and visually appealing aesthetics. However, wood fences are susceptible to harbouring dirt and unappealing grime, which can ruin their look and overall stability. There are many ways to clean and maintain your wood fence, including power washing techniques and manual labour. If you have recently added a wood fence to your home, be sure to read the following article when it comes time to clean your fence.
Power Washing
Power washing has become the go-to solution for homeowners needing to clean their fence because it is so easy and quick to do. We recommend that homeowners take a wire brush prior to power washing to remove tougher stains and dirt that may be caked on. After you’ve scraped off dirt with a wire brush, use your garden hose to rinse off loose dirt and grime. Following this, prepare your power washer and ensure that it’s psi is between 1500 and 2000. Stand about 2 feet away and apply long strokes to your fence until you no longer see dirt or grime falling off. Do not keep the active power washer on the same spot of your fence for too long as the pressure may ruin a section of your fence.
Washing Your Fence by Hand
Hand washing a wood fence has remained the status quo for decades, and much of this is because power washers haven’t been as accessible as they are nowadays. Yet, it remains the preferred cleaning solution for many homeowners due to their ability to control the process. To begin with, the hand-cleaning process, be sure to wipe down stuck on mud and dirt with a wire brush and then rinse the loose dirt off with your garden hose. Afterwards, blend oxygenated bleach mixed with water and use a paintbrush to spread it amongst the surface of the fence – allow it to sit on your fence for 15 – 20 minutes. After sitting for 15-20 minutes, use a brush with plastic bristles to scrape off dirt and grime. Following this, rinse off all remaining chemicals from your fence with your garden hose.
Your wood fence needs to be maintained on a routine basis to ensure its stability and visual aesthetic. If you decide to work with the fencing professionals at Fence All, we will ensure you have a clear understanding of how to accurately care for your fence. For more information, contact Fence All today!
