How to Pressure Wash a Fence

Pressure washing is a great way to clean the grunge and grime from the wood, stone, brick and concrete fencing. By using a pressure washer properly, you can make the fences that surround your property shine like new.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• Water Source
• Pressure Washer
• Power source (electric or gas)
• Pressure washer accessories
• Eye protection
• Pressure-washer approved chemicals (as needed)

Instructions

1. Assess your project and develop a plan for cleaning that considers the drainage pattern and whether there is access available to allow both sides of the fence to be pressure washed. Plan to work toward the drainage point to avoid a build-up of water.

2. Select a nozzle, or tip, for the project. The smallest angle, or opening, will deliver the most power. Most manufacturers suggest a lower PSI of 2000 or less for wood fences; other materials may require higher pressures. Most pressure washers come with nozzles specifically for cleaning different types of surfaces; consult the owner's manual.

3. Attach any accessories when you connect the nozzle. A brush attachment is often helpful for cleaning painted wood or vinyl fencing.

4. Put on protective eyewear and gloves before starting your pressure washer. Also, check that all connections are tight; a loose nozzle can become a projectile that can hurt people or damage property when you power up.

5. Start the pressure washer and test the spray. Begin by spraying away from the fence and then slowly point the wand toward it from 3 to 4 feet away. Make a few passes and then stop for a moment to see if the surface is clean. If not, move closer. Make slow, methodical passes to rinse the fence of all dirt and other debris using water only.

6. After turning the pressure washer off, add a chemical for treating the fence surface. The correct chemical will vary according to the surface material; consult the owner's manual. Add the chemical using the injector or special nozzle on the pressure washer. If you won't be applying a chemical solution to the surface, proceed to step 9.

7. Start the pressure washer and test the spray. Begin by spraying away from the fence and then slowly point the wand toward it from approximately the same distance as when you rinsed it. Make slow, methodical passes to coat the fence evenly with the chemical solution.

8. After waiting 5 to 10 minutes to let the solution work, pressure wash the fence again using water to rinse away the chemical.

9. Allow the fence to dry for 48 hours before painting, staining or sealing. (See Related eHows.)

Tips & Warnings

• Work from the high point to the low point to avoid streaking surfaces you've already cleaned.

• Point the pressure-washing wand at a slight downward angle to avoid spraying the surface at a direct angle; this will mitigate the force of the pressure reducing the likelihood of damage.

• Keep your distance. Because fences don't afford clearance in some spots, it's easy to get too close and risk damaging the fence. It may not be possible to use a pressure washer on some sections of fencing because of limited access.

• Use only pressure washer approved, biodegradable chemicals. Consult your owner's manual about what chemical to use on a particular surface. Non-approved chemicals can damage your pressure washer and non- biodegradable chemicals, such as bleach, will damage the environment.

• Pressure washers are powerful. Never point them at people or animals; they can cause serious injury.

• Be aware of what is on the other side of the fence that you're pressure washing to avoid causing injury or damage.