Fence Cleanup Mistakes Texas Homeowners Make
We’ve seen Texans make fence cleaning mistakes so many times. Someone checks the weather forecast, spots a bright sunny day, and thinks, “Perfect time to clean my fence!” But a quick rinse-and-go can sometimes do more harm than good. We know that sounds odd, but we really try to educate our clients because when they make an investment to make the value of their home increase, like fences, then it’s important that they get the most our of their investment. This is one of the many reasons Tharp Fencing and Staining is one of the best fencing companies in Texas.
Here’s some quick information regarding the info in this blog.
Key Elements
- Over-Soaking Danger: High-pressure water can damage older wood.
- Wrong Cleaning Solutions: Harsh chemicals might discolor your fence.
- Skipping Repairs Before Washing: Loose boards or nails can worsen under pressure.
- Minimal Dry Time: Sealing a damp fence leads to trapped moisture and decay.
- Professional Help: Saves frustration and ensures even cleaning.
1. The Over-Soaking Issue
Texas weather can be unpredictable, which tempts homeowners to go all-in with the pressure washer. If you push too much water into the wood, it can cause warping or micro-cracks.- What Goes Wrong: Wood fibers swell with excess moisture, leading to eventual splitting.
- Our Tip: Keep the pressure moderate—around 1,500 PSI—and maintain a steady distance of about a foot. If your fence is really old or delicate, you might want to check out our Fence Power Wash Services (manually link this text) to avoid irreversible damage.
2. Using Harsh or Incorrect Solutions
It’s tempting to grab the strongest bleach-based cleaner you can find. But some chemicals strip away more than grime—they can eat into the protective layers of the wood or even stain it.- Spot Testing: Always test a small patch before going all-in.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Biodegradable or oxygen-based cleaners often do the job without harming your fence or nearby plants.
3. Neglecting Pre-Wash Repairs
Before we wash any fence, we look for loose nails or rotted boards. If you skip this step, the pressure from water might make a small crack much bigger.- Simple Checks: Run your hand along the boards, feel for any give or wobble, and secure them. If something looks severely damaged, consider using our Wood Staining Services after repairs for a fresh finish.
4. Zero Dry Time Before Staining or Sealing
Some folks think they can wash in the morning and stain by sunset. In reality, the wood often needs at least a full day—maybe two—to dry thoroughly.- Why It Matters: Stain locks in moisture if the fence isn’t dry, which leads to peeling or mold growth beneath the surface.
- What We Do: We typically recommend waiting 24–48 hours, depending on humidity and temperature.
5. Post-Cleaning Debris Left Behind
After washing, it’s easy to assume the job’s done. But if you sprayed off mulch, leaves, or small chips of wood, they might stick to the fence as it dries.- Easy Fix: Give the fence a quick inspection once you’re done. Brush off any clinging debris.
- Why Bother?: Stuck-on residue can create blotches if you plan to stain or seal.
6. High-Pressure Close-Up Blasting
Ever see those satisfying power washing videos where grime peels off in neat strips? That’s great if your fence can handle it. For many Texas fences that have weathered storms, going too close with the nozzle can gouge the wood.- Distance Matters: Keep the wand at least 12 inches away from the boards. Move in smooth, overlapping strokes.
- Check for Soft Spots: If the wood is spongy, it might be rotting. Blasting that area will tear it up quickly.
7. Choosing the Wrong Day or Time
Texas heat can dry the fence too quickly, leaving behind streaks or residue if you’re using soap. A super windy day can blow dust right back onto a freshly washed fence.- Ideal Timing: Early morning or late afternoon, when the sun isn’t at its peak. Avoid extremely windy days to prevent swirling dust.
- Seasonal Pointers: Spring or fall often have milder conditions, giving you better results.
8. Forgetting About Hidden Corners
Most fences have corners, edges near bushes, or spots behind that storage shed. Missing these spots leaves an uneven look.- Our Technique: We always walk around the entire perimeter, bending low or checking behind shrubs. If something’s in the way, we might suggest trimming or temporarily moving obstacles.
9. No Inspection for Mold or Mildew Afterward
You might remove surface dirt, but mold or mildew can lurk beneath. If you see greenish or blackish patches reappearing, it’s time for a deeper clean or a specialized solution.- Long-Term Fix: We sometimes add a mild fungicide if the fence is prone to mildew. That extra step can keep your fence clear for months.
10. Not Rinsing the Equipment or the Nearby Area
You’d be surprised how many homeowners leave a soapy residue on the fence or the ground below. That residue can cause slippery walkways or damage to plants if it seeps into the soil.- Quick Rinse: After washing the fence, rinse it with plain water to remove leftover soap. Do the same for any paths or planters.
11. Skipping Protective Gear
Yes, it’s just water, but at a high PSI, it can cut skin or fling debris. Wear eye protection, sturdy shoes, and maybe even earplugs if your power washer is loud.- Our Approach: We never skip safety. It takes a few seconds to put on goggles but can save your eyesight if a pebble ricochets off the fence.
Summing Up the Biggest Pitfalls
- Going Overboard on Pressure: Damages wood fibers.
- Wrong Cleaning Solutions: Could discolor or degrade the wood.
- No Pre-Wash Repairs: Leads to bigger structural issues.
- Rushing the Drying Process: Traps moisture, leads to staining or mold issues.