How to pressure wash fence

Preparing for pressure washing

It is a wise choice to prepare the right tools in advance, which will increase the speed and smoothness of the cleaning process.

1. Selecting the right pressure washer and accessories

• Types of pressure washers: For fence cleaning, both electric and gas pressure washers are suitable. Electric models are quieter, generally lighter, and are suitable for light to moderate fence cleaning, but you will need to be careful about the length of the power cord. Gas models have high GPM output, require no electricity, and are better suited to handling larger or dirtier fences, but they are noisier and require more maintenance. 2-3 GPM pressure washers will run out of water quickly, make sure you are close to a hose or water source.
• Pressure settings: A pressure washer with 1200 to 2000 PSI is usually powerful enough for most fences without causing damage. A PSI of 500 to 800 for softwoods should be adequate to keep your fence clean.
• Choosing nozzles and cleaning agents: The wrong nozzle can cause serious damage to your fence. A wider angle (25-40 degrees) nozzle is typically best for fences as it disperses pressure over a wider area, reducing the risk of damage. For cleaning solutions, opt for detergents specifically formulated for BISON pressure washers and suited to your type of fence material.

2. Assessing the condition of the fence

Fences are made of different materials, be it wood, vinyl, or metal, so each material has specific cleaning requirements and tolerances.

Address any repair needs prior to washing to prevent worsening conditions under high pressure.

All issues that need repair must be addressed before cleaning to prevent deterioration under high pressure. Inspect carefully first for damage such as cracks, rot (in wood), discoloration (in vinyl), or rust (in metal).

3. Implementing safety precautions

• pressure washer user manual: Be familiar with its specific operation and safety features, and know the location of the emergency on/off switch.
• Protective equipment: Always wear protective gear including gloves, goggles, and sturdy boots.
• Prepare the area: Clear the surrounding area of ​​debris (such as leaves and branches) and cover any fragile items such as nearby plants, electronics, and glass with tarps or plastic sheets.

Steps to pressure wash a fence

#Step 1: wetting the fence

Start by using a low-pressure spray to dampen the entire fence evenly. This base layer of water will act as a barrier, diluting the cleaner, and making it less potentially harsh. Softening built-up dirt and debris makes cleaning easier.

#Step 2: applying cleaning agents

This is not necessary and is only for fences that are heavily soiled or have mold.

Spray the wood cleaner with a spray nozzle that is usually black, with a 65-degree tip. Spray from bottom to top to avoid streaking and allow the cleaner to sit on the fence for 5-10 minutes to penetrate and loosen the dirt, but do not let it dry, as this can be harder to rinse off. You can wash it in sections, apply detergent alternately, and finish washing before drying.

#Step 3: cleaning technique

Start by finding a small, hidden area and cleaning it with a low-pressure nozzle to test how the fence responds to the water pressure. Once you confirm it doesn’t damage the surface, switch to a higher setting suitable for your fence type. Maintain a consistent distance of about 2-3 feet from the fence and use a smooth, sweeping motion. Move the stream horizontally and systematically from one end to the other. Combine a pressure washer rotating brush with your pressure washer wand if running into troublesome areas or deep stains. There are two points to note during the cleaning process:

• Angle and direction: Hold the nozzle at a 45-degree angle to effectively lift and remove dirt without driving it deeper into the material. Starting from the top and moving to the bottom prevents dirty water from dripping over already-cleaned sections.
• Even cleaning: Make sure to clean all areas evenly to avoid patchy cleaning marks, also known as “zebra stripes.” Keep the nozzle moving; concentrated water pressure may damage the fence.

#Step 4: rinsing the fence

After thoroughly scrubbing the fence with the cleaner, rinse the surface with clean water using a higher pressure setting. Rinse thoroughly using a top-down motion to prevent residue from being left behind when rinsing, which attracts dirt and can cause surface degradation.