Remove Mildew and Algae from a Wooden Fence

Over time, wooden fences can get covered in algae and mildew. The growth generally occurs in shaded, moist locations. There are several ways you can clean the algae and mildew off a fence so that it looks better.

Steps

Using a Power Washer to Remove Mildew and Algae from Wood Fencing

  1. Trim and tie back plants.
  2. Cover tender plants with a tarp or invert buckets over them. Remove any other obstructions.
  3. Set the power washer on a lower pressure setting such as 1500 to 2000 psi.
  4. Stand about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} away from the fence and hose it down. You can move closer in for heavily stained spots but don’t keep high pressure on any spot for too long. Move the sprayer in a slow, sweeping pattern.
  5. Let the fence dry if the mildew and algae disappear from the fence. If stains remain proceed to the next step.
  6. Scrub the stained areas on the fence if some stains remain after power washing.
    • Pour a solution of one part household bleach to two parts water into a bucket. There is no need to stir.
    • Use a scrub brush to clean the remaining stains with the solution. Be careful not to get bleach solution on your plants.
    • Repeat the power washing on the stained areas you scrubbed.
  7. Check the fence and sand any rough areas.
  8. Sink any protruding nails or screws and repair any damaged wood.
  9. Apply wood preservative, stain or paint to the fence after it dries prevent future algae and mildew growth.

Hand Scrubbing to Remove Mildew and Algae from Wood Fences

  1. Cover plants with tarps or inverted buckets.
  2. Mix a solution of one part household bleach to two parts warm water in a bucket.
  3. Add a teaspoon of a mild soap that is safe to mix with chlorine bleach to each gallon or liter of water in your bucket.
  4. Scrub the stained areas of the fence with a scrub brush, being careful not to get the solution on plants.
  5. Rinse the fence with clean water. You could do this with a garden hose.
  6. Let the fence dry.
  7. Repair any damaged areas, sink protruding screws or nails, and sand rough areas.
  8. Consider painting the fence with a paint that has an algae and mildew preventative in its formula.



Tips

  • Trimming plants away from the fence to expose it to more sun and air may naturally “heal” the fence.
  • Sometimes a garden hose with a “power wash” nozzle will have enough power to clean mildew and algae off a wood fence.
  • Test a small, inconspicuous area of your fences first to see if the power washer leaves ridges or damages the fence.
  • Remember to think about what might be on the other side of the fence and protect it from damage before cleaning the fence.
  • Some people consider the algae and mildew part of the aged and weathered appeal of a wooden fence.

You may use a floor scrub brush with a handle or a deck brush to make it easier for reaching higher or lower areas.

Warnings

  • Don’t set the pressure on a pressure washer too high or it will damage the fence.
  • Don’t let the pressurized water stream hit plants; even the trunks of large trees could be damaged.
  • Very old, rotting fences cannot be power washed without ruining the fence. You may have to replace older sections of fence that are badly mildewed or algae covered.
  • Keep children and pets away from the fence while you power wash it.

Things you’ll need

  • Power washer
  • Scrub brush
  • Buckets or tarps to cover plants
  • Household bleach
  • Mild soap that’s safe to use with bleach
  • Tools to repair fence if needed, hammer, screwdriver, etc.
  • Sandpaper
  • Paint, stain or wood preservative

Sources and Citations

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