Fence Washing

Restore wood, vinyl, and chain-link fencing — required prep before staining or painting

Typical cost

$100–$300

Job duration

1–2 hours

How often

Every 1–2 years

Fence washing removes algae, mildew, weathering stains, and general grime from wood, vinyl, aluminum, and chain-link fencing. The result is immediate and dramatic — especially on cedar and pine, where gray oxidation strips away to reveal fresh wood color. For wood fences, cleaning is the required first step before any staining or painting.

Cleaning Approach by Fence Material

Different fence materials tolerate different pressure levels and cleaning agents:

  • Cedar, pine, and pressure-treated wood: medium pressure (600–1,200 PSI) with a wood-safe cleaner or deck wash. Avoid raising the grain with excessive pressure.
  • Vinyl fencing: soft wash or very low pressure is usually sufficient — vinyl's non-porous surface releases dirt and algae easily with light chemistry.
  • Aluminum and powder-coated metal: low pressure with mild soap. These surfaces scratch relatively easily — no abrasives.
  • Chain-link: medium to high pressure is fine. Pre-treat rust spots with rust remover before washing.

Before Staining or Painting a Wood Fence

Stain applied to dirty or mildewed wood fails quickly — it bonds to the contamination rather than the wood. Professional cleaning is the only way to prepare the surface properly. Wait 24–48 hours after washing for the wood to dry fully before applying any finish.

Many fence companies offer wash-and-stain packages. Bundling is almost always cheaper than booking separately, and the timing is ideal — staining immediately after drying gives you the best adhesion. If your fence hasn't been refinished in 3+ years, plan both at the same time.

Common Questions About Fence Washing

How do I remove green algae from vinyl fencing?
Soft washing with a mild bleach-based cleaning solution removes algae from vinyl completely. Pressure alone removes loose surface dirt, but algae requires chemistry to kill at the root level. A 5–10 minute dwell time with a soft-wash solution, then a rinse, handles even heavy algae growth.
Can cleaning restore a gray, weathered wood fence?
Yes — this is one of the most dramatic results in exterior cleaning. Gray weathering is surface oxidation that strips away with a wood cleaner and light pressure, revealing the original wood color beneath. Severely weathered cedar or pine often looks nearly new after cleaning.
Should I clean my fence before winter?
Fall cleaning removes the summer's mold and algae growth and leaves the fence in better condition for winter. For wood fences, fall cleaning followed by a fresh coat of sealant before temps drop is ideal — it protects the wood through the freeze-thaw cycles that cause the most damage.
Free — No obligation

Get Free Fence Washing Quotes

Matched with up to 3 licensed local pros in 24 hours

1Your ZIP
2Your Details
Fence Washingselected

Related Services

House Soft Washing
Deck Restoration