How Should I Clean My Vinyl Fence?

Even though vinyl fences are low-maintenance compared to wood, they still pick up grime over time. Things like dust, pollen, mold, mildew, algae, and general outdoor dirt can build up on the surface.

If you ignore that buildup for too long, the fence can look dingy and discolored . Additionally if left in shaded areas, it is common for mold and mildew to get worse if ignored.

What You’ll Need (Tools + Supplies)

Here’s a breakdown of what to gather before you start:

Tools

• Garden hose with a spray nozzle

• Soft-bristle brush or a microfiber cloth / sponge

Cleaning Solutions

Depending on how dirty your fence is, you have several options:

• Mild soap + water: Just a few drops of dish soap mixed into warm water works for general dirt.

• Vinegar solution: For mildew or green algae, mix about 1 part white vinegar to 8 parts water. Use a soft brush, let it sit, then rinse.

• Oxygen-based cleaner: More powerful for mold or tough grime.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Vinyl Fence

1. Inspect First Walk the length of your fence and check for cracks, loose panels, or any damage. If anything’s loose, fix it before cleaning.

2. Rinse Off Loose Dirt Use your garden hose to spray the fence from top to bottom. This helps remove the bulk of dust and debris.

3. Apply the Cleaning Solution

   • If you’re using soap or vinegar: dip your sponge or brush into the solution and apply it in sections.

   • If you’re using a pressure washer: fill the soap reservoir, and apply from bottom to top so the cleaner spreads well.

4. Scrub Gently For stubborn spots (mildew, algae), use a soft-bristle brush. Let the cleaner dwell for a few minutes, but don’t let it dry on the vinyl.

5. Rinse Thoroughly After cleaning, rinse off all soap or cleaner residue. Use a wide-angle spray on a pressure washer, or just a hose. Make sure no cleaning solution remains.

6. Drying Vinyl dries pretty fast on its own. If the fence is in a shady spot, you can wipe flat panels with a clean microfiber cloth to help dry.

   
   

Special Tips for Mold, Mildew, and Algae

• For mildew/mold, try an oxygen-bleach-based cleaner or the vinegar mix. Let it sit ~10–15 minutes before scrubbing.

• For green algae, many people recommend that vinegar solution because it’s non-toxic and effective.

• If you want to avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, stick with peroxide-based or eco-friendly cleaners.

How Often Should You Clean?

• Light maintenance: Rinse with a garden hose every few months (or more often if you live in a dusty or pollen-heavy area).

• Deep clean: Aim for a full scrub-down 1–2 times a year, especially in spring or fall.

• Mold/algae check: After very rainy or humid seasons, check for any growth and clean as needed.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t use strong solvents like acetone or lacquer thinner, they can damage vinyl.

• Don’t let cleaning solution dry on the surface, especially in direct sun. To avoid damage to the fence, rinse before it evaporates.