Can I Use Carpet Cleaner on a Wood Fence? A Brief Guide
Leave the carpet cleaner for your rug and log these wood fence cleaning tips instead
Carpet cleaner will strip and damage your wood fence.
Mild detergent or a commercial fence cleaner are better options.
When diluted, bleach or vinegar can tackle tougher stains.
Carpet cleaners are an excellent way to breathe life back into your fabric flooring, but they’re not a good choice for wood fences. Most cleaners contain chemicals that, when used incorrectly, can be disastrous to wood. Keep reading to learn more about how to clean your wood fence without damaging its integrity.
Choosing which type of wood to use in your fencing project can be difficult due to factors such as climate, aesthetics, and budget. Consider contacting a pro for advice on which is best for your home.
Can I Use Carpet Cleaner on a Wood Fence?
Carpet cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage all types of wood fences and leave behind a sticky residue that attracts dirt and bugs, making your fence look even worse after cleaning.
That being said, you can use a carpet cleaner to spot-treat extra-tough stains, especially if you already have a carpet cleaner handy, as long as you properly dilute it. But, there are better options to clean your fence that you may also have on hand that don’t pose a risk to the high cost of installing a wood fence.
How to Clean a Wood Fence
The most efficient way to clean a wood fence is to use a pressure washer.
Use a mild detergent. Buy a wood fence cleaner or dilute bleach or vinegar with water for a mild cleaning solution. You can also use dish soap and water for general cleaning.
Apply the solution. Use your power washer to apply the cleaning solution all over your wood fence.
Scrub difficult stains. Use a soft bristle brush or rag to spot-treat stains.
Rinse. Wash the cleaning solution off your fence using a low or medium setting on your pressure washer. Make sure to flush the cleaning solution out of your pressure washer first.
But the best fence cleaning method depends on what kind of fence you have. For example, cedar vs. pine fences have different cleaning methods and frequencies. While cedar fences are naturally rot-resistant, pine fences need to be pressure-washed frequently to keep decay away.
Wood Cleaning vs. Wood Restoration
Cleaning is simple and typically reserved for mild issues or spot treatment. But if your fence is dirty or has started showing signs of mold and mildew, you must use tougher chemicals.
The process of restoring a wood fence includes washing, sanding, sealing, and staining. In some cases, bleach or other harsh chemicals may be OK, but you may do more damage than good without the proper tools and technique.
To avoid the high cost of installing a new fence yourself due to excessive damage, hire a professional fencing company to do the job for you.
If you don’t have a pressure washer or simply don’t want to lug it out of storage, you can spot-clean your wood fence with a garden hose instead. Apply your mild detergent with a soft cloth, scrub with a broom or other soft-bristled brush, and rinse with a garden hose.
Bleach can damage a wooden fence if misused. It can break down the wood’s chemical structure, leading to discoloration or damage. To prevent these issues, dilute bleach before using it on a wood fence. Mix one quart of bleach with every gallon of water, applying in sections to avoid overuse or drying.
You should also spot-test an area first to double-check your mixture and application.
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