How to Clean Your Vinyl Fence and Keep It Looking As Good As New

If a low-maintenance fence is what you are looking for, then vinyl is your answer. In fact, once you learn how to clean your white vinyl fence to prevent mold and dirt buildup, it requires hardly any upkeep at all beyond using the best vinyl fence cleaner to keep it bright and attractive. It has the ability to retain its original color for many years, and unlike wood fencing, staining and repainting are not required. For this reason, vinyl is a great option for anyone looking for cost-effective fencing that gives your home a ranch-style look.

Before we get into how to keep your vinyl fence clean, let’s look at the benefits of vinyl fences.

The Benefits of Vinyl

Vinyl is almost five times as strong as wood. This low-maintenance fence material doesn't decompose, rust, or attract pests, making it extremely durable and long-lasting. Since vinyl doesn't absorb moisture, it also isn’t susceptible to the damage that wood is, making it a great option for the cold and wet winters in the High Desert.

Vinyl fencing can also be a great option for large properties. It will be much easier to maintain on a larger scale than wood fencing. So, if you’re wondering how to clean your white vinyl fence when it accumulates dust and dirt or how to prevent mold on your vinyl fence, it should be easy with our tips below. 

As mentioned before, a ranch-style vinyl fence with rails will also give a large property the look of a farm or ranch. The common options are 2-rail, 3-rail, or 4-rail fences, depending on your budget and requirements. 

No matter which type of fence you have, using the best vinyl fence cleaner is key to keeping these features looking good.

How to Clean a Vinyl Fence

Once you have decided on a vinyl fence installation for your home, it is important to know how to keep it in pristine condition. While vinyl is an ideal material for low-maintenance fences, it does need to be cleaned to keep it looking great, because it will pick up dirt over time from dust and dampness in the air.

Over time, algae can grow on vinyl due to exposure to sunlight or dampness, giving it a green or yellow tinge, and the rails can get dirty from the wind and dust. Here are some easy-to-follow steps:

• Vinyl fences only need to be cleaned once a year. If, however, you mow your lawn near your fence, try to hose down the fence immediately after mowing so as to prevent algae.
• The only tools you need when it comes to learning how to keep your vinyl fence clean are a garden hose, soap, and a bucket. For many homeowners, the best cleaner for vinyl fencing can be made at home with laundry detergent soap, and water. You may also need a brush with semi-soft bristles. This kind of cleaning solution is suitable for maintaining most low-maintenance fences.
• Mix the cleaning solution you made or a ready-made cleaning solution in the bucket. Use the correct amount of water to dilute the solution, then wet a section of the fence with a garden hose. Apply a cleaning solution on your brush or rag and scrub any areas of the fence that look stained or dirty. 
• Once you have thoroughly scrubbed all parts of the fence, use a garden hose to rinse off the soap and any other residue. Your low-maintenance fence will safely dry in the natural sunlight and is good to go until next year—that’s how easy it is to clean your vinyl fence.
• This process can be repeated all over the length of the fence. If you make sure to hose down your low-maintenance fence regularly, you can reduce the amount of dirt that builds up and prevent mold from growing. 

Save on Cleaners

Due to the minimal cleaning required, vinyl has become a popular option with busy homeowners, and vinyl fencing looks great on most properties. Still wondering how to clean your white vinyl fence and what to use? Remember, you don't always need to buy a cleaning solution from the store, as you probably have the ingredients at home. For many jobs, the best cleaner for vinyl fencing can be made with a tablespoon of dish soap. A good dish soap will cut through grease, dirt deposits, mold, and bacteria. Wear gloves when working with such a mixture. Oftentimes, you can use the same car soap you use to wash your vehicles to wash your ranch-style vinyl fence.

Get An Estimate on Your Fence

These cleaning tips should help you keep your fence looking great all year round. Some properties, of course, may have special requirements. If you have any questions about vinyl fencing, how to keep your vinyl fence clean, or how to prevent mold from growing on your vinyl fence, call the pros at All American Fence, the top fence company in the High Desert.