How to Pressure Wash a Fence to Bring It Back to New
This intensive cleaning method will up your curb appeal in no time
- Electric-powered pressure washer
- Green, 25-degree nozzle
- Black, detergent nozzle
- Bristle brush
- Goggles
- Wood cleaner
- Drop cloth
- Duct tape
Pressure washing can quickly and efficiently remove stains and dirt from a number of outdoor features, including your fencing. Before getting started, though, it’s important to know about the dos and don’ts of using such a power tool, including what you need to do to protect your fence from damage and keep yourself safe from pressurized splashback. The following guide will show you exactly how to pressure wash a fence, but if you’re short on time hiring a power washing service near you can free you up to focus on other home tasks.
Prepping to Pressure Wash a Fence
How you prep for pressure washing is arguably the most important step in the whole process. In order to prevent damages or bodily harm, there are a few things you absolutely must do before getting started.
Begin by removing any nearby obstacles or objects that may become damaged from splashback (like garden furniture, for example). Cover anything you can’t move with a drop cloth or plastic sheet and seal to prevent waterlogging with duct tape.
Next up, make sure your machine is set to the right pressure. Pressure washers can emit anywhere from 500 to 3,500 PSI (or pounds per square inch of pressure). Wood can only handle so much pressure before it begins to crack or splinter, so you’ll need to make the necessary adjustments to prevent that from happening. In general, stay between 500 and 800 PSI when working on softwood, and no higher than 1,300 PSI on hardwood. On the flip side, fences made from materials like vinyl and wrought iron can handle much more pressure—up to 2,000 PSI for the former and the latter up to 2,300 PSI.
From there, you’ll need to pick the appropriate pressure washer nozzles for applying and rinsing a cleaning solution. A black, soap nozzle is designed only for spraying soap, and a 25-degree, green nozzle is what’s typically suggested for rinsing wood—both hard and soft. For vinyl or wrought iron, you can also use a 15-degree, yellow nozzle without causing damage, but never use a zero-degree, red nozzle in any case because the pressure is too extreme.
Finally, gear up with goggles and ear protection to protect your eyes and ears from splashback and noisy machinery and check the direction of the wind. If it’s blowing towards you when standing in front of the fence, you’re going to get more splashback than usual, so it might be better to plan on doing such a task on another day.
Set Up the Machine
Set the machine in a place where you won’t trip on it while working. Attach it to a garden hose and make sure the gas tank is full or plug into a water-safe outlet or GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter). Then fill the tank with water and two or three ounces of detergent per gallon and attach black, soap nozzle.
Remove Loose Debris and Apply Cleaning Solution
Photo: Hel Fei/Wirestock / Adobe StockUse a broom or brush to clear away large debris (like dust and bugs) before using the pressure washer. Then, working from top to bottom and left to right, apply the cleaning solution to your fence panels. If you’d rather not do it all at once, work in sections until the whole fence is accounted for. Let the solution soak for 5 to 10 minutes before moving on to the next step.
Change Nozzle and Rinse Cleaning Solution
Photo: RoschetzkyIstockPhoto / iStock / Getty ImagesRinse the water tank until all the cleaning solution is removed and the water runs clear. Switch to a green, 25-degree nozzle and rinse the fence in sections, this time working from bottom to top and left to right. Continue until the entire fence is rinsed.
Scrub Any Remaining Problem Areas by Hand
Photo: Asobinin / iStock / Getty ImagesUse a bristle brush and cleaning solution mixed with warm water to scrub away any remaining blemishes that you couldn’t remove with the pressure washer.
Let Dry and Repeat If Necessary
Photo: Yesim Sahin / iStock / Getty ImagesIt takes between 24 and 48 hours for a wood fence to dry fully depending on the weather—expect a faster dry time on warmer days and a slower one in colder or more humid conditions. Then repeat the previous steps if your fence still needs some extra attention.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
The cost to pressure wash a fence is slightly lower if you choose to go the DIY route—just $90 instead of $150. However, you may still want to hire a pro if you don’t feel confident using a pressure washer, because this power tool can cause serious harm if you don’t know what you’re doing. Plus, hardware stores often have long wait times for such rentals, so turning to a pro might be the best option if you need a quick solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve looked at power washing before and after photos, you might be wondering if this option isn’t the better cleaning solution for a wood fence. In fact, it just might be, especially if you’re struggling with issues like mold or embedded dirt. Keep in mind that the only difference between these two methods is that power washing uses hot water and pressure washing doesn’t, but sometimes such a small distinction can have a huge impact.
The cost to pressure wash a house ranges from $200 to $400 and unfortunately does not include fencing. That service will be an additional charge of between $150 and $350, depending on the size of your fence and the type of material it’s made of. This also applies for other services like pressure washing a patio or deck.
