How much does FENCE CLEANING Cost

How Much Does Professional Fence Cleaning Cost?

Your fence is most likely the first thing people see when they visit your home, and we all know how important first impressions are. Unfortunately, your fence can quickly become dirty if it isn’t properly maintained and cleaned regularly. Additionally, dirty fencing can eventually start to grow mold and mildew while also attracting unwanted pests. These problems will only get worse over time. However, you probably have a pretty busy schedule. We get it – who has time for mainitaing and cleaning their fence?

With that in mind, it might benefit you to hire a professional company to clean your fence. It will save you time and energy, while also leaving your fence looking brand new. Depending on the material of your fence, it can also eliminate mold and mildew that has started to grow. 

But, how much does something like that cost? And how long will it take? Do professionals use the same method for every type of fence? What factors go into determining cost?

These are all valid questions to have. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of fence cleaning, along with the benefits and costs associated with hiring a professional. 

Cost and Method by Fence Material 

It may sound like a big commitment, but hiring a professional to clean your fencing doesn’t have to break the bank. Actually, it’s one of the cheaper home maintenance services on the market. The average 500 square foot fence typically costs between $100 and $350, averaging around $225. Alternatively, you could rent a pressure washer and do it yourself. Pressure washers usually cost around $90 to rent or between $200-500 to purchase. 

If you don’t want to DIY, you can always hire a professional to clean your fence for you. Most companies calculate cost based on the material of your fence since this determines how much water pressure is needed in pounds per square inch (PSI). They will also use the required gallons per minute (GMP), or rate at which water is released from a pressure washer, to provide a fair quote. This measure indicates how long a job might take them to complete. If your fence is extremely dirty or suffers from significant staining, then the cost might go up slightly more. 

Here is a list of the most popular fencing materials along with how the material impacts cost:

  • Softwood
    • Withstands around 500 PSI
    • Softwood materials are easily damaged by a force of pressure, so they require extra time and therefore generate a higher cost
  • Hardwood
    • Withstands 1,300 PSI
    • Hardwood materials allow for more pressure which is quicker and includes a lower cost
  • Composite
    • Withstands up to 1,500 PSI
    • Composite materials allow for more pressure, reducing time needed and lowering the cost
  • Aluminum
    • Withstands up to 1,800 PSI
    • Aluminum is porous and cleans quickly, reducing time and cost
  • Steel
    • Withstands up to 2,000 PSI
    • Steel is porous, like aluminum, allowing it to be cleaned quicker and therefore cheaper than other materials
    • Can tolerate abrasive cleaning products
  • Vinyl
    • Withstands up to 2,000 PSI
    • Despite withstanding a lot of pressure, vinyl can be more expensive because of excessive dirt buildup on the vinyl
  • Wrought Iron
    • Withstands up to 2,300 PSI
    • Wrought iron allows for intense pressure, making it the cheapest fence to clean

Material isn’t the only factor that impacts the cost of professional fence cleaning services. If you’d like gentle or eco-friendly products, need mold removal, or want to have a sealant applied, your quote may increase. 

Gentle cleaning products are much better for your health and the environment. They are also preferable if your fence is made of material that can’t tolerate harsh chemicals. However, these products could cost slightly more than your average fence cleaner.

Likewise, mold growing on your fence might require more extensive cleaning techniques or products. You can check for mold yourself before you call a professional cleaning company; however, if they notice any signs of mold, they will let you know in advance. 

Finally, sealant is a great way to protect your fence from the elements – water, mold, bacteria, and even damage from unwanted pests. However, it is a labor-intensive job. A professional will will need to cover every square inch of your fencing from top to bottom. Therefore, if you would like a sealant applied after cleaning, which is highly recommended, you will see an uptick in your service bill. 

Professional Fence Cleaning vs. DIY

Of course, a professional will do the produce the best results, but if you’re on a tight budget, you might be interested in doing it yourself instead. The process is very labor intensive and can take a lot of time, depending on what equipment and cleaning solutions are available to you. However, doing it yourself is very effective and can save you a lot of money in the long run. 

If you don’t have a pressure washer, or don’t feel comfortable renting and using one yourself, but still want to DIY, you can follow these four simple steps to leave your fence looking brand new in no time:

1. Prep Your Fence

Give your entire fence a rinse with your garden hose to remove any loose debris that has collected over time. You can also use a dry rag to remove any cobwebs, sticks, or foliage. 

2. Apply Your Cleaning Solution

You can use a commercial product to clean with, but please follow the instructions carefully. Keep any harmful chemicals away from pets and children, and wear protective gear as necessary. 

If using a DIY solution, you can use an all-natural cleaning agent like vinegar or bleach depending on what material your fence is made from. Use a sponge to distribute the cleaning agent generously and evenly across the entire fence.

3. Scrub – Use Your Elbow Grease!

After you have allowed your solution to soak for at least 20 minutes, it’s time to scrub!

You can use a soft or hard bristle brush, depending on the fencing material. If your fence is made with wood, always scrub with the grain to avoid splintering the wood. Don’t be afraid to apply some pressure and spend extra time on the tougher spots!

4. Rinse

After your fence looks clean on the surface, rinse the area again to remove all cleaning solution. If you still notice some dirty spots, you’ll want to repeat steps 2-4 as needed until you are happy with the final result. 

Should I Have My Fence Professionally Cleaned? 

You should consider many factors when determining if you want to hire a professional, rent a pressure washer, or DIY entirely. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but the following should be considered.

If you don’t mind getting down and dirty and your fence is on the smaller side, you might want to consider cleaning your entire fence by hand. This option is also beneficial if you are looking to save some cash. While it requires less money, it does require more time and energy. If you have a busy schedule, an extra-large fence, or a bad back, you may want to consider another option.

Likewise, renting a pressure washer for a day is another great option for those that like to DIY. If you can’t complete the job in one day or less, you could end up spending more or the same amount of money renting a pressure washer as you would to have your fence professionally cleaned. Another thing to consider is if you are inexperienced with pressure washing. Improper technique or a PSI that’s too powerful could permanently damage your fence if you aren’t careful. Be cautious when using commercial grade machinery and use your best judgment. It is also important to look into local laws around disposing of pressure washer discharge. These rules can vary from community to community, but they can result in hefty fines if you aren’t careful.

The last option is to hire a professional company. This will most likely be the most expensive, but it will require almost no time or energy from you. Plus, you can be certain they will do an outstanding job! You won’t have to worry about using the pressure washer correctly or properly disposing of waste. Even more, you’ll be supporting a local business. It’s a win-win situation!

FAQs

Will pressure washing ruin my fence?

The short answer is no, it shouldn’t. However, if you aren’t using the proper technique or you use a PSI that’s too powerful for the fencing material, it could cause permanent damage. You could also remove the paint on your fence. It is important to only use a pressure washer if you are comfortable doing so to avoid damaging your fence. 

Can I pressure wash my metal fence?

Sure! You can pressure wash most fencing material. With fences made of steel or aluminum, it can be easier to cause damage than if your fence was made of wood, vinyl, or iron. So, be aware of the material your fence is made from and research the appropriate PSI for said material. 

Will a pressure washer remove mold from my fence?

Pressure washing will remove most dirt and debris from your fence; however, mold is another story. You’ll need special anti-bacterial cleaning products to effectively kill and remove any mold growing on your fence. Plus, you’ll want to make sure your cleaning solution is eco-friendly and safe for local wildlife. 

What’s better – DIY cleaning solutions or store bought?

Both cleaning solutions do an efficient job. While DIY options are more eco-friendly and less toxic, store bought supplies can be more effective in removing extra challenging dirt and debris.

Can I use bleach to whiten my vinyl fence?

We don’t typically recommend using bleach on vinyl fencing because the chemicals are so harsh. However, you can occasionally apply bleach to a white fence for a brighter finish.

Ultimately, you want to stay on top of keeping your fence clean. Not only does it look better and increase your home’s property value, but it also improves the longevity of your fence and saves you money in the long run. In addition, you don’t want to put your family’s health and safety at risk by allowing mold to flourish. Besides, you don’t want the first impression of your home to be a bad one. If you don’t want to DIY, you can always hire a professional to take care of it for you. Keep in mind, most fence cleaning services cost less than a trip to the grocery store.