Although any type of fence requires occasional maintenance and cleaning, a wood fence often needs a bit more TLC to maintain its looks and prevent it from cracking and warping. To help you keep your fence looking its best, Holman Fence, the leading contractor in Greensboro, NC, offers some tips below to safely and thoroughly clean your wooden fence.

The Best Way to Clean a Wood Fence

1. Use a Garden Hose or a Low-Setting Pressure Washer

First, hose down the fence to remove surface debris. To avoid damaging the wood, use a regular garden hose with a sprayer nozzle or a pressure washer rated at 2,700 PSI or below. In either case, use a wide-angle spray (approximately 45 degrees) instead of an intense stream. You don't want to strip the finish or leave marks on the surface.

2. Keep the Sprayer Head 18 to 24 Inches From the Fence

When spraying the fence, keep the sprayer head at least 18 to 24 inches away from the wood. Moreover, keep the hose moving steadily over the surface of the fence without letting it stay in one spot for more than a few seconds. If you hold the nozzle closer than a foot away and leave it trained on a single spot, the spray could gouge the wood or peel away wood fibers.

3. Apply a Fence Cleaner

Use a brush with firm bristles to apply a cleaner formulated for wood fences. Give the cleaner time to activate, usually 15 or 20 minutes, before scrubbing and spraying the fence clean. This should remove any accumulated grime, dust, and mildew and leave your fence looking nearly new.

Holman Fence, the leading repair and installation company in Greensboro, NC, can help you choose the perfect wood fence for your yard or keep the one you have in top condition. Visit their website to view a gallery of their products, or call (336) 337-9828 to discuss your options with a friendly, knowledgeable representative.