A vinyl fence is a fantastic upgrade from wood as it is much lower maintenance.
However, vinyl isn’t exempt from dirt, grime, and organic build-up.
In this article, we’ll dive into how to clean white vinyl fencing with a pressure washer and other things you need to note before starting the job.
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Hey there, I’m Cody.
A decade of residential and commercial pressure washing led me to start JCS Refresh. Now I can share my knowledge with folks like you.
Reading from Washington State?
Our team will deliver an on-site quote and ensure your fence cleaning is fully hands-off.
Quick answer
Carefully follow the steps below to clean a vinyl fence with a pressure washer:
- Familiarize yourself with the machine
- Prepare and secure the area
- Spray the fence with water
- Apply the cleaner to your fence
- Spray the cleaner off
- Let the fence dry
Quick questions before starting
First, let’s answer some quick questions before we head into our main topic:
Can you pressure wash a white vinyl fence? Yes; you can pressure wash your white vinyl fence. However, if you encounter mold and mildew, you will need more than ordinary soap and water to do the job.
How difficult is this to do? It can be pretty easy if you’re just going to eliminate minor dust and dirt buildup, but contaminants on the fence require a particular solution to be eliminated.
Aside from that, you should also know the correct PSI setting. If you’re unsure, always reach out to an expert to ensure everything is done correctly.
How long does it take? Generally, it will take between two or three hours to pressure wash a 500 sq. ft. fence.
Items needed
Ensure that all necessary tools and equipment are prepared ahead of time.
Check out the list below to get an idea of everything you’ll need:
- Hose for Pressure Washer – $30 to $50 (depending on length)
- Fence Cleaner – $15 to $40
- Safety Glasses – $15 to $100
- Ear Muff/Hearing Protector – $4 to $100
- Drop cloth – $4 to $100 (depending on the size of the project)
How to clean a vinyl fence with a pressure washer
Now that you’ve secured all the things you need, let’s move forward with the step-by-step instructions below:
1. Get acquainted with your machine
We emphasize the importance of reading the machine’s manual, especially if you are a beginner.
2. Prepare your fence and area
Never skip preparing and securing the area to avoid any accidents.
If plants and essentials are immovable, ensure they are covered in a drop cloth to avoid getting soaked in water and/or chemicals.
3. Spray the fence with water
Use your hose and thoroughly wet the fence or use your pressure washer in the lowest setting. This step helps loosen up the buildup of dirt and debris.
When using the pressure washer, always stand a few feet away and spray your way across the fence until completion.
After loosening up dirt, stubborn stains and spots will be more visible. You can use a white vinegar solution by mixing 1 cup of vinegar into 2 gallons of water. Soak a rag in the solution and carefully rub it on the stubborn spot.
Then, wipe down any excess vinegar with the rag or spray it with the hose to avoid leaving residue.
4. Apply the cleaner to your fence
Ensure that the cleaner you use supports vinyl fences, although you can also apply a multi-purpose cleaner. You’re good to go as long as it’s advisable for vinyl materials.
Fill the pressure washer with the solution and work from bottom to top. Always work in sections, so the solution doesn’t dry on the surface. Let the solution sit for 3 to 5 minutes to loosen up the dirt.
Note that we strongly suggest using greener alternative solutions to protect yourself and the environment.
5. Spray off the fence with your pressure washer
After 3 to 5 minutes of letting the solution sit, spray it off using the green 25 degree nozzle. This nozzle is suitable for wood, fences, gutters, driveways, and more. It spritzes a wide spray, rinsing more area at once.
Vinyl materials can withstand up to 2,000 PSI. However, test out a small portion of the fence before operating in that setting so you can adjust the intensity as needed.
Note: You should still be working in sections alternating between applying the solution, letting it sit for 3 to 5 minutes, and then rinsing it off as you cover each board over time.
6. Let it dry
Before putting back all the plants or essential things against it, let it completely dry.
Safety considerations
Professional or not, it is crucial to practice safety when operating a pressure washer.
Follow the safety tips below to avoid any mishaps:
Stand 2-3 feet away from the surface you’re cleaning
Stand a few feet away from the surface you’re cleaning to prevent damage.
Choose the proper nozzle and PSI setting for the material
There are different types of nozzles and PSI settings for fences. Always use suitable tools and settings to avoid any irreparable damage to the property.
Frequently asked questions
Check out these frequently asked questions we’ve compiled:
How do I remove stains from a vinyl fence?
We recommend using a white vinegar solution; mix 1 cup of white vinegar into 2 gallons of water. Soak a rag on the solution and thoroughly rub the area. You can formulate a more robust solution depending on the extent of the stain.
Don’t forget to rinse off or wipe down the solution to avoid leaving residue and wear gloves.
How do I prevent mold on a vinyl fence?
White vinegar solution is also an effective way to combat future mold growth on a vinyl fence. As mentioned, mix 1 cup of white vinegar into 2 gallons of water and let it do its magic.
How do I restore shine to my vinyl fence after pressure washing?
A vinegar solution is a top tier for the job, but if you want to explore alternatives, you can apply a vinyl restoration product or a layer of vinyl-safe paint.
How do I clean algae from a vinyl fence while pressure washing?
Vinegar solution is an eco-friendly cleaner that kills specific contaminants such as algae, molds, and stains. After pre-washing the exterior, apply it thoroughly with a rag and rinse with a pressure washer.
Conclusion
Pressure washing your vinyl fence is easier than it seems in comparison to wooden fences. Just carefully follow the instructions above to ensure everything goes as planned.
If you still have trouble maintaining your vinyl fence, don’t hesitate to contact someone like us – especially if you’re reading from Washington State.
Thanks for reading!
