How to Clean a Fence Before Staining

How to Clean a Fence Before Staining

As mentioned above, there are 2 main methods to cleaning your fence before staining it.  The first and fastest one is a pressure washer.  But, how do you clean a fence WITHOUT a pressure washer?  Don’t worry, we will cover the sure fire way to clean up that fence good as new with some elbow grease. 

Pressure Washing Your Fence Before Staining 

Staining a fence is one of the best ways to refresh your outdoor space and add lasting beauty. But before you slap on that stain, you’ve got to start with a clean surface. Taking the time to prep your fence properly (especially with power washing) makes a huge difference in how professional your finish will look.

Pressure washers are a versatile tool that do more than just clean fences; they’re great for driveways, removing old paint from houses, or even furniture projects. You can easily buy one online, and it’s an investment that pays off in many ways.

Whether your fence is brand new or already stained, cleaning it first is a must. This ensures the stain adheres properly and lasts longer. If you’re refreshing a previously stained fence, cleaning is just as important to remove dirt, mildew, and old residue.

Next up, let’s dive into how to power wash your fence effectively, including some handy tips to get it looking fresh and ready for staining.

Supplies for Power Washing Your Fence 

Get the following things together before you get started on your fence. 

1. Work Clothes (water resistant if you’ve got them) 
2. Power Washer  
3. Long Enough Extension Cord (if needed) 
4. Proper Tips for Spraying your Fence (25 degree is fine, the green tip) 
5. Bucket 
6. Rags 
7. Long Enough Garden Hose 
8. Safety Goggles 
9. Gloves 

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Prepping the Area

Before you start cleaning, make sure to prep the area around the fence. Move any outdoor furniture or plants away from the fence, and cover any nearby surfaces, such as decks or patios, with plastic sheeting to protect them from the cleaning solution.

Steps to Cleaning Your Fence with a Pressure Washer 

First things first.  Get that safety gear on.  Attach your garden hose to your power washer.  Then attach the high-pressure hose that goes from the washer to your spray wand.  Fill your power washer with water before turning it on.  

he key is to keep your pressure washer below 2000 PSI. Higher pressure can damage your fence by blasting the wood fibers apart. You want to use the lowest pressure that still effectively removes dirt and grime from the wood.

Start at the top of your fence. Spray a small section at an angle from about 12 to 24 inches away. Using a steady downward motion, work your way from top to bottom on that section. Keep the wand and water moving—don’t let it stay in one spot too long or you risk damaging the wood.

After cleaning the section, check to see if it’s clean enough. If not, repeat the process until you’re satisfied. Then move on to the next section and keep going until your whole fence is ready for staining.

You’ll likely see some debris and gunk washed off near the bottom of the fence. Collect this in a bucket and either compost it or throw it away.

The best Guide on Youtube to Prepping, Cleaning and Power Washing your Fence.  It’s long, but, its an awesome How To Guide.

Clean Green Algae From Your Wooden Fence 

Now, if you have green algae, mold or mildew on your fence you will have to take extra prep steps.  While power washing your fence removes a ton of gunk, those 3 things can grow into the pores of your wood, slowly rotting the wood and keeping your stain from deeply penetrating the surface.   

You’ll need to kill algae, mold and mildew before you start staining.  Get yourself a bucket, water resistant work clothes, some gloves, goggles and a stiff wire brush, with the option to attach it to a broom handle is best.  Please be careful of any plants or your grass, the solutions below could damage them.  Cover them where possible to keep them looking great. 

How to Remove Green Algae, Mold and Mildew from my Fence? 

So, what do you use to clean a wooden fence? There are several ways to remove those 3 nasty things from your wooden fence and deck.  You can use homemade fence cleaner, the best wood fence cleaner, or bleach your fence before staining.   

What Do You Use to Clean a Wooden Fence: Homemade Fence Cleaner 

Everyone has these common ingredients in their home.  Don’t let being stuck inside limit your DIY.  You can clean your fence to pass the time (it’s basically free!) and get a head start on the summer! 

Grab the following ingredients and supplies to get started making your homemade fence cleaner. 

1. Bucket 
2. Stiff Brush  
3. Gloves 
4. Safety Goggles 
5. Hose 
6. White Vinegar 

Now mix 1 gallon of water to 1 cup of vinegar and some dish soap in your bucket.  Add more vinegar if you like.  Stir it around with your wire brush to make sure its fully mixed and get scrubbing! 

What Do You Use to Clean a Wooden Fence: Best Wood Fence Cleaner 

We really love Mold Armor Fence, Deck & Patio Wash.  It’s a bleach based wood cleaner that kills mold & mildew.  It comes in a gallon size and helps to restore your weathered or discolored fence. 

What’s awesome about some store bought cleaners is you can attach a hose to the container and spray it directly onto your fence.  Saves you some time!

What Do You Use to Clean a Wooden Fence: Bleach Fence Before Staining 

Diluted bleach is effective for cleaning algae, mold, and mildew from wood. Mix 2 parts water with 1 part bleach—that’s strong enough to kill any growth on your fence.

Always wear safety gear like gloves and eye protection when handling bleach or any chemicals.

After scrubbing your fence with the bleach solution and a brush, be sure to rinse it thoroughly with a power washer or garden hose to remove all residue.

How Do You Clean a Fence Without a Pressure Washer? 

Without a power washer, you are going to have to use a lot more elbow grease and time to get the job done.  Grab yourself a helper and it won’t be a problem!  The supply list is basically the same as using a power washer, minus the washer. 

1. Work Clothes (water resistant if you’ve got them) 
2. Bucket 
3. Stiff Bristle Brush (preferably with a handle) 
4. Rags 
5. Long Enough Garden Hose 
6. Safety Goggles 
7. Gloves 

Mix up one of the above fence cleaner recipes, or buy one online.  Starting from the top of your fence slats, dip you brush into your bucket full of cleaner and start scrubbing.  Try to scrub as lightly as possible to remove the buildup.   

Minimal pressure from the brush will ensure that your wood doesn’t get damaged.  Hose of each section of fence as your done cleaning it.  Move onto the next section and so on, until finished.  Let your fence sit until dry and then apply the rot protector and stain. 

Final Steps After You’ve Cleaned Your Fence 

Once your fence is clean, wait for it to dry completely before starting repairs. Depending on the weather, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day.

Before staining, you may need to make some repairs. This step will help extend the life of your fence by years.

Repairs can include patching damaged wood, fixing nails and screws, tightening loose boards, and gluing broken pieces back in place. Don’t skip this part—you’ll be thrilled with how fresh and new your fence looks afterward.

Applying a product to prevent rot is also a smart move, especially for areas that touch the ground, tend to stay wet, or are in humid and rainy environments.

Conclusion 

How to clean a fence before staining is important knowledge to guarantee your staining work turns out so well, that your neighbors and family will envy your backyard all summer. 

By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your fence is clean and ready for stain, which will help your stain adhere better and last longer. Remember to wear protective gear, use the right tools, and take your time to ensure that your fence looks its best.

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