Whether you’re preparing to stain your fence, or just want to remove the buildup of dirt, mold and mildew, cleaning your cedar fence doesn’t have to be difficult. Depending on the time you want to invest in cleaning the fence and how much buildup you have to remove, you can choose to use a pressure washer, or clean by hand. Let’s take a look at how methods for cleaning your cedar fence so you can determine which method is best for your fence.
Key Takeaways
- Cleaning your cedar fence often helps it look like new.
- Simple methods, like using simple dish soap and water, can make your fence shine.
- Knowing when to replace a fence instead of cleaning it can save you time and effort.
Benefits of Cedar Wood
Cedar wood is highly valued due to its natural resistance to rot, ensuring long-lasting fences. Its pleasant aroma and attractive appearance blend well with nature, and its thermal properties help regulate temperature and humidity, making it a popular choice for homeowners seeking to enhance outdoor spaces. Cedar can be left untreated or stained for a unique look.
Importance of Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for maintaining cedar fences, as the accumulation of dirt, mold, and mildew can damage the wood and cause decay. Aim for a clean fence at least once a year, using mild cleaner and water rinse. Regular inspections for signs of damage or wear are essential to catch problems early and avoid costly repairs.
Preparation for Cleaning
Before we start cleaning our cedar fence, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials and take steps to protect our surrounding plants and grass. Being prepared helps ensure the cleaning process goes smoothly and effectively.
Gathering Necessary Materials
To clean our cedar fence properly, we need the following materials:
- Soft-bristled brush: This will help us scrub the surface without damaging the wood.
- Bucket: We’ll use this to mix our cleaning solution.
- Mild detergent: A simple dish soap mixed with water works well to cut through dirt.
- Garden hose: This is essential for rinsing the fence after we’ve scrubbed it.
- Pressure washer (optional): For stubborn stains, a pressure washer can provide a deeper clean.
We should mix our detergent with warm water in the bucket. This solution will aid in loosening dirt and grime. It’s important to test any cleaner on a small area first to make sure it won’t harm the wood.
Protective Measures for Plants and Grass
Before we begin cleaning, we need to protect our plants and grass from any cleaning solution we use. Here are some steps to follow:
- Cover nearby plants: We can use plastic sheeting or tarps to shield our plants from splashes. This is crucial, as many cleaning agents can harm them.
- Soak the grass: Watering the grass around our fence helps dilute any cleaning solution that might drip onto it.
- Choose a calm day: A day without strong winds reduces the risk of our cleaning solution blowing onto unintended areas.
By taking these precautions, we not only care for our environment but also ensure our cleaning efforts are effective and safe.
Cleaning Process
We will guide you through the steps needed to clean our cedar fence effectively. This process will help restore its natural beauty and increase its lifespan.
Prepare the Fence
Before we start cleaning, we need to prepare the fence. First, remove any large debris like leaves, dirt, or branches that may have gathered on the surface.
Next, check for any loose boards or nails. Fixing these will not only make cleaning easier but also prevent further damage during the process.
It’s best to work on a dry day when rain is not expected. This ensures that the cleaning solution we apply will work effectively without being diluted by moisture.
Lastly, if the fence has heavy mold or mildew, we might want to tackle those areas first with a little extra care.
Mix Cleaning Solution
Next, we will mix our cleaning solution. A common cleaning solution involves mixing three quarts of warm water, one quart of oxygen bleach, and ¼ cup of non-ammonia dish soap.
Next, Apply the cleaning solution and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Scrub the Fence
Now it’s time to scrub the fence. Starting from the top, we will apply our cleaning solution using a brush.
Using a brush with stiff bristles helps us work the solution into the wood grain.
It is essential to scrub in the direction of the wood grain to avoid any damage. Spend extra time on areas that appear more stained or dirty.
Depending on the size of the fence, we should also consider dividing the cleaning process into sections, making it more manageable.
For very tough spots, we can let the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.
Rinse Thoroughly
After scrubbing, rinsing our fence thoroughly is the next step. If you want a quick solution, a hose-end cleaner can provide a light cleaning. They are generally available at your local hardware store. Simply attach it to your hose and working from top to bottom spray down the fence. Allow it to soak in and then rinse with water. Of course, follow the directions on the product packaging.
If you want a deeper clean, or you want to avoid the chemicals we listed in the section above, consider power washing your fence. Power washing is going to be the most effective cleaning method for heavily soiled fences. To effectively power wash your fence, you need to use a soft method that will prevent any further wood damage. We recommend keeping the water pressure around 1500 psi and keeping the wand 12 inches away from the fence.
Once you’re ready to power wash, stand about a foot and a half away from the fence and spray the entirety of the fence evenly. Keep in mind that if you spend an excessive amount of time in one area of the fence and not the others, you will be left with an uneven pattern. One of the best parts of power washing is that the natural grey color that untreated cedar forms over the years will be washed away, and its naturally bright and fresh color will be exposed again.
Allow to Dry
After you’ve cleaned your fence and allowed it to dry completely, we recommend protecting it from future damage with a fresh coating of stain. Cedar fences should be stained every 3 to 5 years to protect against rot and UV damage.
Additional Tips
To keep our cedar fence looking its best, we need to adopt some practical cleaning habits and protective measures. Addressing specific issues like mildew can also help prolong the life and beauty of our fence.
Frequency of Cleaning
We recommend cleaning our cedar fence at least once a year. Regular cleaning helps remove dirt, grime, and allergens that can accumulate over time.
In spring or early fall, when the weather is mild, is an ideal time for this task. If our area experiences heavy rainfall or high humidity, we might need to clean it more frequently.
During the cleaning, we can use a mix of water and gentle cleaning solutions. A soft brush works well to scrub without damaging the wood. Regular upkeep will maintain the fence’s appearance and enhance its durability.
Protecting the Fence
To protect our cedar fence, applying a good waterproof sealant is essential. This creates a barrier against moisture and prevents damage from the elements.
We should choose a sealer that is specifically designed for cedar wood for the best results. Application typically requires a brush or sprayer and should be done every 1-3 years, depending on weather conditions in our area.
Additionally, we can avoid placing plants too close to the fence to minimize moisture buildup. Keeping vegetation trimmed back reduces the likelihood of contact, which can lead to faster deterioration.
Dealing with Mildew
If we notice mildew on our cedar fence, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage.
A mixture of distilled white vinegar and water can effectively combat mold and mildew. For tougher spots, we can use a soft brush along with this solution for better results.
After scrubbing, it’s vital to rinse the area thoroughly with water to remove all residues. If the problem persists, we may need to consider commercial cleaners designed for cedar. Regular inspections will help us catch and address mildew before it spreads.
When to Replace Your Cedar Fence Instead of Cleaning It
There are times when cleaning your cedar fence is not enough. We need to recognize the signs that it’s time for a replacement.
Signs to Replace Your Cedar Fence
- Severe Damage: If the wood is rotting or falling apart, repairs may not be effective.
- Warping: A warped fence can no longer stand straight, affecting both looks and function.
- Pests: Termites or other pests can severely weaken wooden structures. If we see signs of infestation, it may be time to replace.
- Faded Appearance: If the wood is significantly faded and cannot be restored through cleaning or staining, a new fence may be needed.
Considerations
When deciding to replace, we should consider the following:
- Cost of Repairs vs. New Fence: Sometimes, repairs can be just as costly as a new installation.
- Age of the Fence: An old fence is more likely to have multiple problems.
By paying attention to these factors, we can make an informed decision. Maintaining the integrity of our property is essential. If cleaning won’t do the job, we should think about upgrading our fence for better longevity and appearance.
Conclusion
By cleaning our cedar fence consistently, we can prevent damage and keep it looking great. That being said, you don’t want to spend your valuable time and money on a fence that may actually need replacing. Inspect your fence closely as sometimes the damage can be hidden. If you find it’s time to replace, Sierra Fence can help you find the perfect replacement. We pride ourselves as a fair and honest fencing company. Give our fencing experts a call today.
