Fence Cleaning in Vancouver, WA

Clark County rain and shade are hard on fences. The shady side of a wood fence can turn green or gray as algae and mildew settle into the grain, especially along tree lines and side yards. Vinyl fences pick up a dirty band along the bottom, where soil, sprinklers, and plant contact leave a film that does not rinse off in the rain.

High pressure is the wrong tool here. Wood is soft, and too much pressure can gouge or splinter the boards. Vinyl does not need to be blasted either. We use a soft wash approach: a cleaning solution at low pressure to break down the growth, then a careful rinse. That is the same method we use on siding and other delicate surfaces. See soft washing in Vancouver, WA. For how we choose a method, see pressure washing vs. soft washing.

The photo on this page is from one of our vinyl fence jobs. The left side has been cleaned; the right side still shows the dirt line along the bottom.

How We Clean Wood and Vinyl Fences

For wood fences, including stained fences, we stay at low pressure so the wood isn’t torn up. Dakota will look at the condition of the wood and any existing stain and tell you what to expect before we start. If you plan to restain or seal the fence, cleaning first gives you a fresh surface to work with. We do the cleaning only; we don’t stain or seal.

For vinyl fences, we clean the dirt, algae, and grime off the panels, including that stained band near the ground.

Fence cleaning is often added to a house soft wash or to patio and deck cleaning, so the house, fence, and backyard surfaces look consistent.

Most fences in this area do well with a cleaning once a year, often in spring after the wet season. Shady runs that stay damp, or bottom boards that sit in soil and sprinkler spray, may need attention sooner. Dakota can tell you what makes sense for your fence when he comes out.

Before We Arrive

You don’t have to be home, as long as we can get into the yard and reach an outdoor water spigot, but we prefer a quick walk-through together before and after the job. Let us know ahead of time about gates, pets, or any codes we will need. Move belongings away from the fence line if you can, and tell us about any sections you want left alone.

Protecting Your Plants and Garden Beds

Fences often sit right against shrubs, beds, and lawn. We protect your landscaping on every job. We pre-wet plants before we start, keep them rinsed while we work, and rinse them again when we finish.