A wooden fence that’s stood all winter has taken a bit of a beating, especially if the winter was harsh. Even in milder climates, winter weather can take its toll. Here are ways to spruce up your wooden fence for spring and help it last for many more years.
Check Your Fence First
As with anything else in your yard, spring is the time to check your fence to see if there’s any damage to it. If it has damaged rails or posts, fix them, or replace them before doing anything else.
Clean Your Wooden Fence With a Garden Hose
You may be worried about using water on a wooden fence, but if it’s properly sealed, the water won’t hurt it. Just screw an adjustable spray nozzle to your garden hose, and sweep the fence from top to bottom. Use different types of spray settings for thorough cleaning. A full spray can get rid of most of the loose dirt, and a jet can be focused on an especially tough spot. If a spot is especially hard to remove, use a scrub brush along with the spray from the hose. Afterward, use the mist setting on the nozzle to apply a final rinse to the fence.
Use a Pressure Washer
Even a pressure washer can be used to clean a sturdy wooden fence that’s especially grimy or full of mildew or mold. A pressure washer blasts hot water at high pressures and may be just the thing to clean away stubborn areas of dirt. Note that using a pressure washer improperly can damage a wooden fence, so you might want to contact a professional to do it.
Use Bleach or Vinegar
You can also use bleach or white vinegar on tough areas of a wooden fence during spring cleaning. For the bleach solution, add one part of bleach to three parts of lukewarm water. Use a spray bottle or a sponge to attack the area of stubborn grime, then rinse it with clean water. A solution that’s half white vinegar and half water is also good for eliminating a tough spot. Allow the solution to sit for a few hours, and then rinse it off. You can also use bleach powder added to water and applied to the fence with a scrub brush. Lay some plastic sheeting around the fence if you’re worried about bleaching your plants.
Get in Touch With Us to Learn More About Caring for Your Fence
A well-cared-for fence not only delineates the boundaries of your property but also has its own aesthetic value. To find out the best ways to clean and take care of your wooden fence this spring, call our experts at Reagan Fence of Kansas City, MO.
