How to clean your vinyl fence — 4 simple methods

One of the best things about vinyl fence is how little maintenance it requires. Unlike wood, you’ll never need to paint, stain, or seal it. That said, anything exposed to the elements will collect dirt over time, and a vinyl fence is no exception. A little routine care goes a long way toward keeping it looking bright and new for years.

Here are four methods, starting with the easiest, for keeping your vinyl fence clean.

Method 1: Garden hose rinse

The simplest and most effective routine maintenance you can do is a quick rinse with a garden hose every month or two. Attach a spray nozzle, give the fence a thorough spray, and surface dirt rinses right off before it has a chance to build up. This takes just a few minutes and makes everything else on this list much less necessary.

Method 2: Mild cleanser with a soft cloth

For dirt spots that a hose doesn’t budge, apply a mild bleach-based cleanser directly to the spot with a soft cloth or soft brush. Brands like SoftScrub and Mr. Clean work well.

Important: Always use a soft cloth or soft brush — never a stiff brush, which can scratch the vinyl surface.

Method 3: Magic Eraser

The Magic Eraser is a convenient alternative to a cleanser and cloth. Just dampen it and work it over stubborn stains. It’s safe for vinyl and works well on tougher dirt spots without any additional cleaning products.

Method 4: Pressure washer

If your fence has been neglected for a while and a hose isn’t cutting it, a pressure washer is a good option. The higher water pressure removes built-up dirt and stains more effectively than a standard spray nozzle.

Removing mold and mildew

In humid parts of the country, mold and mildew can appear as dark spots on vinyl fence — especially in sheltered areas that don’t get much rain, like under eaves or deck enclosures. Two widely available products work very well for this:

• Wet and Forget Outdoor — Great for mold, mildew, and algae on vinyl. It requires no scrubbing: simply spray it on and let it work over the following days and weeks as rain rinses it away. Available at Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, and Amazon.
• 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner — A great option if you want faster results. It works on contact and typically shows same-day improvement. Also widely available at major home improvement and hardware stores.

For either product, apply with a soft cloth or soft brush while wearing gloves, and follow the instructions on the label. Always use a soft brush — never a stiff one, which can scratch the vinyl surface.

Tip: With a little routine care, your vinyl fence will stay looking great for many years. Questions? Call our team at 877-778-5733 — we’re happy to help.