Guide to Cleaning Vinyl Fences

For those looking for a durable fencing material that will stand up to the elements this winter, vinyl fencing is just the thing for you. Resistant to everything from high winds to even direct impact, vinyl fences are growing in popularity for just this reason.

At Utah Fence Warehouse, we have a great selection of vinyl fence options for you to choose from. We’re also here to help you keep vinyl products well-maintained and long-lasting, and a big part of that is properly cleaning them. Here are some basic tips on cleaning a vinyl fence, from the materials you need to a basic checklist to follow.

Materials Needed

The basic materials you’ll need to clean your vinyl fence panels:

• Basic cleaning product – either store-bought or homemade (we’ll go over some steps for the latter in our next section)
• Gallon bucket (or larger)
• Garden hose with adjustable nozzle (if your fence hasn’t been cleaned in a long time and has significantly built-up dirt and grime, you might consider a power washer instead of a hose)
• Scrub brush with stiff bristles, preferably nylon

Making a Home Cleaning Solution

If you choose to make a homemade cleaning solution for cleaning your fence, it’s actually very simple:

• Fill up 1/3 cup of powdered laundry detergent or Dawn dish soap
• Fill up 2/3 cup of trisodium phosphate cleaner, found at any basic store
• Mix these with one gallon of water

Cleaning Steps

• Mix your cleaning solution into the bucket. If you use a store-bought cleaner, ensure it’s right for vinyl materials – for instance, bleach is not acceptable in this case, as it could damage both the fence and any plants near it.
• Wet a section of the fence using your hose, generally on the mist setting.
• Soak your scrub brush in your cleaning solution. Do not use a wire brush, as this could damage the fence and cause scratches. Firmly scrub any areas that show stains or caked dirt. If needed, rinse the scrub brush off multiple times as you hit tougher areas.
• Rinse of both soap and residue using the hose or power washer. This is a time where the spray feature of the hose is generally most effective – or the jet setting for tougher buildups that standard spray won’t get rid of.
• Repeat this as needed until you get the pristine fence you were looking for. Make sure you’re properly rinsing cleaning materials off with each repetition, so as to avoid a film building up on your fence that might create a whole new host of cleaning issues to face.

For more on cleaning a vinyl fence or any other fence material, or to learn about any of our fencing supplies or installation services, speak to the staff at Utah Fence Warehouse today.