Chloe Zhang
Plastic fences are low-maintenance and long-lasting, but they still need to be cleaned from time to time to get rid of dirt, debris, and tougher stains like mould, mildew, and algae. Regular cleaning not only makes your fence look nicer, but it also protects its durability. Luckily, there are several easy ways to clean a plastic fence, and you may already have some of the necessary tools and supplies at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning tools | Garden hose, pressure washer, soft cloth, soft-bristled brush, sponge, microfiber cloth, wire brush, plastic scraper, putty knife |
| Cleaning agents | Water, dish soap, vinegar, bleach, laundry detergent, oxygenated bleach, commercial vinyl fence cleaner, Wet & Forget Outdoor, white vinegar, gel-based graffiti remover, paint remover |
| Cleaning process | Spray down fence with water, apply cleaning solution, scrub gently, rinse with water, dry with cloth |
| Stains | Dirt, mud, mildew, mould, algae, grease, food, bird droppings, grass clippings, graffiti, paint |
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What You'll Learn
Using a pressure washer
Pressure washers are a great way to clean a plastic fence, as they provide more power to remove tough dirt and grime than a garden hose. However, they can be dangerous, so it's important to take precautions and use the correct technique.
First, ensure the area is clear of any hazards. Pressure washers emit a jet of water at high speed, so it's important to remove any nearby obstacles or objects that may become damaged from splashback, such as garden furniture. Cover anything that can't be moved with a drop cloth or plastic sheet, and seal it with duct tape to prevent waterlogging. Put on goggles and ear protection to shield your eyes and ears from splashback and the loud noise of the machinery. Check the direction of the wind; if it's blowing towards you, you may get more splashback than usual, so consider doing the job another day.
Next, set up your machine and select the right pressure. Pressure washers emit anywhere from 500 to 3,500 PSI (pounds per square inch of pressure). Plastic fences can handle much more pressure than wood, but too much force can still damage the fence, so it's important to adjust the settings accordingly. In general, vinyl fences can handle up to 2,000 PSI, but it's recommended to use a washer with around 2,000 to 2,800 PSI to clean a vinyl fence effectively.
Once your machine is set up and you've selected the appropriate pressure, it's time to pick the right nozzle for applying the cleaning solution. Before applying any cleaning products, use a broom or brush to clear away large debris, such as dust and bugs. Then, working from the top to the bottom and left to right, apply the cleaning solution to your fence panels. You can use a basic cleaning product or a specialised fence cleaner to loosen dirt and remove mould or lichen. Apply the cleaner at low pressure with a soap nozzle or foaming dispenser. Allow it to sit and work for a few minutes. If you're using a mildew or lichen treatment, you don't need to rinse it off. The residue will kill the growth over time, and the weather will remove it. For other cleaning products, rinse with moderate, not high, pressure.
Finally, it's time to pressure wash the fence. Hold the pressure washer nozzle at a 45-degree angle and maintain a consistent distance from the fence. Move the wand evenly along the length of the fence boards, overlapping each part slightly. Work in manageable sections to ensure a thorough clean. Once you're done, rinse the fence with clean water, making sure to remove all traces of the cleaning solution.
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Removing mildew
To remove mildew from a plastic fence, you can use a variety of methods and cleaning solutions.
Firstly, it is important to note that prevention is better than cure. Regularly spraying down your fence with a garden hose will prevent mildew from building up.
If mildew has already accumulated, you can try using a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle to dislodge the mildew. Alternatively, a pressure washer can be used, but be aware that too much force can damage vinyl siding.
If the mildew is proving difficult to remove, you can try using a cleaning solution. A mixture of vinegar and water is an effective, eco-friendly option. The ratio of vinegar to water can vary, but a common recommendation is 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar to 1 gallon of water. You can also add laundry detergent to the solution for extra cleaning power. Before applying the vinegar solution, pre-wash the fence with a hose to knock off loose dirt and grime. Then, use a soft brush or garden sprayer to apply the solution, working from the bottom up to prevent streaking. Rinse the solution off as you work.
For more stubborn mildew, you can try a stronger cleaning solution. A mild, non-toxic soap can be added to the vinegar and water mixture. Alternatively, a few drops of dish soap can be added to a bucket of warm water, and a soft-bristled brush can be used to gently scrub the affected area. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
If the mildew is still not coming off, you may need to use a bleach solution. Bleach can break down vinyl if not used correctly, so it is important to correctly dilute the bleach.
Always check your fence warranty before using any cleaning solutions, as some products can remove the protective sealer.
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Cleaning with vinegar
Cleaning a plastic vinyl fence with vinegar is an effective and cheap way to remove dirt, grime, and mould. It is also an eco-friendly option for light buildup.
To clean your fence with vinegar, start by mixing a solution of vinegar and water. The ratio of vinegar to water can vary, with some sources recommending one cup of vinegar to two gallons of water, and others suggesting one part vinegar to three or four parts water. You can also add a few drops of laundry detergent or liquid dish soap for additional cleaning power.
Once you have mixed your solution, use a soft brush, cloth, or garden sprayer to apply it to the fence. Start from the top and work your way down, using circular motions with moderate pressure. Pay special attention to grooves, pickets, and post caps where dirt tends to accumulate. If there are any extra dirty spots, use a soft or bristled brush to scrub them clean. Rinse the brush frequently to avoid redistributing dirt.
After applying the vinegar solution, use a hose or pressure washer to rinse the fence thoroughly with clean water. Make sure to remove all traces of vinegar from the fence's surface, as it may eat away at the finish.
For tougher stains like paint, graffiti, or grease, you may need to use a commercial cleaner or a gel-based remover rated safe for plastics. Apply the remover in small sections and let it sit for a few minutes to soften the stain before gently lifting it with a plastic scraper, soft-bristled brush, or magic eraser. Avoid using metal tools as these can damage the vinyl.
By regularly cleaning your vinyl fence with vinegar and water, you can keep it looking clean and well-maintained while also protecting its durability.
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Removing paint
Fresh paint
If paint is still wet, address it immediately with a damp cloth. Wipe the paint off with a soft cloth dipped in warm, soapy water.
Dried paint
If the paint has dried, start by gently scraping it off with a plastic scraper or putty knife. If the paint does not come off easily, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or vinegar to soften it. Leave it for about 10 minutes, then try scraping again.
Once you have removed most of the paint, clean the area with warm, soapy water and rinse with a garden hose to remove any remaining residue. You can also use a mild dish soap solution for light tar or grease.
If simple soap and water don't work, you may need to use a stronger solvent. Try a gel-based graffiti remover rated safe for plastics, or a vinyl-safe degreaser. Avoid harsh solvents like acetone or lacquer thinner, as these can damage the surface of your fence.
For tougher stains, a pressure washer may be necessary. Start with a lower PSI of around 2,000 and gradually increase as needed. Always maintain a safe distance of at least three feet from the fence when using a pressure washer.
If you are concerned about the environmental impact of cleaning products, vinegar is a great natural alternative. A white vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) can work as an eco-friendly option for light paint residue.
Always test any new cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area of the fence first to check for discolouration or damage.
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Cleaning with soap and water
To clean a plastic fence with soap and water, you can start by mixing some mild dish soap with water in a bucket. The next step is to dip a soft-bristled brush or sponge into the solution and start scrubbing the fence in a circular motion with moderate pressure. Pay special attention to grooves, pickets, and post caps where dirt tends to accumulate. Work from the top of the fence to the bottom to prevent dirty water from running onto clean sections.
If you are dealing with greasy areas, add a few drops of dish soap to your cleaning solution and allow 5–10 minutes for the degreaser to break down the oily buildup before scrubbing.
Rinse the brush frequently to avoid redistributing dirt and ensure all soap and residue are washed away. Leftover chemicals can attract dirt. If the fence is in a shady area, you can wipe large flat panels with a clean microfiber cloth to speed up the drying process.
For light tar or grease, try cleaning with a mild dish soap solution first. Mix a few drops of dish soap in a bucket of warm water. Dip a soft-bristled scrub brush into the solution and gently scrub the affected area. Rinse thoroughly with clean water from your hose.
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Frequently asked questions
A pressure washer is one of the best tools to clean fences as they provide more power to remove tough dirt and grime than a garden hose. However, if you don't have access to a pressure washer, a garden hose will do the trick.
A mixture of vinegar and water is a great way to remove grime, dirt, and mould. You can also add some laundry detergent for extra cleaning power. Alternatively, you can use a mild dish soap and warm water solution.
Regular cleaning will keep your fence looking sharp and will also protect its durability. You can also cover the ground around the fence with plastic to protect plants and grass from any harsh cleaning products.
A mixture of 10 parts water to 1 part white vinegar is a great way to tackle mould and mildew. Apply it, wait a few minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive brush.
If the paint is fresh, wipe it off with a soft cloth dipped in warm, soapy water. If the paint has already dried, try gently scraping it off with a plastic scraper. If it doesn't come off easily, apply rubbing alcohol or white vinegar to soften the paint.
