How to Clean a Vinyl Fence With Paint Thinner or Acetone

Paint thinner and acetone should only be used to clean a vinyl fence when all other methods have failed. Both chemicals will eat into and soften the vinyl if left on too long. Always try water and a mild dish detergent first to clean the fence. If you are trying to clean enamel or oil-based paint from the fence, you may need to use paint thinner or acetone. Test a small area before proceeding, and always rinse the fence thoroughly with clean water afterward.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Towel
• Garden hose with spray nozzle
• Paint scraper

1. Dampen a corner of the towel with the acetone or paint thinner. Dab it onto the area of the vinyl fence you are trying to clean.

2. Scrape the area with the scraper to remove as much of any raised stains as possible. This works for stains that sit above the surface of the vinyl and have not absorbed into it.

3. Spray the fence down with the garden hose to rinse away all the paint thinner or acetone. Repeat the entire process once more if the stain is still apparent.

Tips & Warnings

• You can clean stains from white vinyl fences with bleach.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with paint thinner.

Resources

• Clean a Variety of Stains from Vinyl Fencing