At FloriFence, we love vinyl fencing for many reasons. It always looks sharp and is a long-term investment for homeowners because it usually lasts a lifetime. However, over time vinyl will start to look worn and weathered like any other fence. If you’ve had your vinyl fence for several years and want it to look good as new, there are a few simple steps you can take to fully restore it.
Follow this step-by-step guide to make your vinyl fence look good as new in an afternoon:
Step 1: Mix a homemade cleaning solution
Vinyl fencing needs a good scrub from time to time to remove dirt and grime and to restore color if it’s yellowing. We recommend a solution of water and vinegar or gentle soap; however, you can use bleach on a white fence if you notice mildew starting to grow. Use this solution in a spray bottle to wipe down the entire fence.
Step 2: Pressure wash
Once you’ve loosened up any dirt, mildew, or grime that was on the fence, you can pressure wash to bring back the shine. This should remove any stick-on residue, but if not you can move to step 3 for the final touch.
Step 3: Spot clean
If you have a spot on your vinyl that is particularly difficult to clean, you may have to go back and spot clean to fully restore. Below are some specific solutions you can use for different types of spots and stains:
- Yellowing fence – Mix one part water, one part laundry detergent, and a splash of bleach for white fences. Skip the bleach if your fence is powder coated a different color.
- Mold and mildew – Use a bleach and laundry detergent solution for white fencing, and a non-acidic all-purpose cleaner such as Lysol for color fencing.
- Graffiti or accidental paint splatter – Lacquer thinner works for most spray paint or regular paint, but be careful and test out the area of fencing before using too much. It can sometimes tarnish the powder coat finish.
- Grease or tire marks – Grease and tire marks can be tricky, but you can remove most marks with mineral spirits or a lacquer thinner.
We hope you love your vinyl fence and want to help you keep it looking new for as long as possible. For more questions about cleaning and restoring your vinyl, contact us!