Fences age in plain sight, and most people don't realize how much of the gray, mildewed look isn't the wood — it's a layer of biological growth and weathered debris sitting on top of the wood. Clean that off and the original color comes back, often dramatically.
Wood Fences
Wood fences need a gentle approach. We use low-to-moderate pressure (typically under 1,500 PSI) with a wide fan nozzle, working along the grain of the boards. A wood-specific cleaner applied before pressure helps break down the gray weathering layer and any tannin stains.
For badly weathered wood, a brightener applied after cleaning restores the natural wood color and pH-balances the surface so stain or sealer adheres better. After cleaning, allow 48-72 hours of drying time before any stain is applied.
Vinyl Fences
Vinyl is more forgiving than wood but picks up its own characteristic staining — green algae streaks on the shaded sides, dirt buildup at the base, and the gray-brown grime that collects in the texture of the surface. A soft-wash treatment kills the algae at the source and leaves the vinyl bright again. High pressure isn't needed and can flex thin vinyl panels in ways that damage them long-term.
Chain Link and Metal
Chain link and metal fences are simple to clean with moderate pressure. The main concern is rust — cleaning often exposes spots where the coating has worn through and rust is forming. After cleaning, those spots can be touch-up painted to extend the life of the fence.
Fences are a high-impact cleaning project for visual change. They're what your neighbors and visitors see most. A clean fence reads as a well-kept property the moment anyone looks.
What's Included in a Fence Wash
A typical professional fence cleaning includes both sides of the fence, top rails, and the bases where dirt accumulates most. If you're cleaning the fence as prep for staining or painting, let us know — we'll use a brightener and the right cleaning chemistry for that next step.
