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DIY, Eco-Friendly Tips For Cleaning Your Vinyl Fence

As a homeowner, you most likely understand the reason for periodic maintenance, cleaning, and repairs on your house. From protecting your home's appeal to ensuring it remains valuable over the years, maintaining its interior and exterior is essential. Unfortunately, you may not be placing enough emphasis on your protecting your home's vinyl fence. While most vinyl fence manufacturers offer a warranty of 20 or more years, cleaning is still necessary to protect its beauty, function, and structure. Using this guide on pressure washing and natural solutions, you can maintain your vinyl fence in an eco-friendly, safe, and affordable manner.

PSI

Pressure washing your fence is smart since it cleans a large area in a short time. However, you must choose the correct amount of PSI, or pounds per square inch, of water pressure for your vinyl fencing.

Since vinyl is such a durable material compared to wood, an excessive amount of water pressure is not necessary. A light-duty pressure washer, which offers up to 2,000 PSI, is sufficient for an all-purpose cleaning of your vinyl fence.

Rent, borrow, or purchase the pressure washer and attach its hose to your outdoor water spigot. Stand a few feet away from the vinyl surface and hold your spray nozzle at an angle. Begin spraying the top of the fence using a side-sweeping motion. Work your way across, washing down the entire perimeter of your fence. Be sure to wash off the opposite side, as well.

Natural Cleaning

In most cases, the water pressure will wash away light dirt, dust, and debris.  Unfortunately, the outdoor environment and various weather conditions can discolor your vinyl fence. In these situations, a more involved cleansing is necessary.

In an outdoor pump sprayer, combine 3 gallons of water with 2 cups of baking soda. Shake the container to mix before spraying on a discolored section of your fence. When the baking soda hits the surface, it creates carbonation. This bubbling and fizzing sensation will dissolve away stubborn residue and tough stains without the use of strong chemicals. Rinse off the baking soda solution and leftover dirt using your pressure washer.

Mold Removal

If you live in a warm, moist climate, you may develop patches of mold, mildew, and algae. These dark green or black patches of growth are not only unattractive, but they are also dangerous to your health. Removing the growth is imperative, but you do not need to use harsh chemicals.

You may assume bleach is your best option for killing this growth on your vinyl fence, but chlorinated bleach will also kill trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass surrounding your fence. In addition, chlorinated bleach can irritate your skin and eyes while causing respiratory issues. Thankfully, vinegar offers a safer, non-toxic option for removing mold, mildew, and algae from your vinyl fence.

Although working outdoors, wearing safety goggles, rubber gloves, and a respiratory mask is smart. This will prevent mold spores from affecting your skin and eyes while also stopping them from entering your airway.

In your outdoor sprayer, combine the following:

  • 2 gallons of water
  • 2 gallons of white vinegar

Shake to mix before dousing on patches of growth. Allow the vinegar to soak the patches for 30 minutes before rinsing with your pressure washer. If necessary, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub stubborn patches off your fence.

Due to its strength, versatility, and attractive nature, vinyl fencing is a great investment for your home. However, proper cleaning and maintenance is essential to upholding its function, value, and appeal. Using these simple tips, you can clean and maintain your vinyl fence without stress or toxic ingredients. For more information, check out a company like Ben's Cleaner Sales.


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