Simple Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Vinyl Fence

July 15, 2014

Now that summer is here and storm season is winding down, many people will be turning their attention to grooming their yards and gardens for another summer of fun and outdoor activity. One important step in this process is maintaining your fence. While wood fences might need repainted or re-stained, not to mention replacement for any warped or damaged boards, a vinyl fence makes your summer maintenance program easy.

It’s a well-known fact that having a strong, sturdy fence around your yard can boost your property values. The exact percentage of the value boost is based on a number of factors; for instance, your home’s value will go up more if you’re in a neighborhood where most of the other houses already have fences.


Of all fencing types though, the kind that holds and displays its value the best is a quality vinyl fence. What makes vinyl superior to other types of fencing?

Cleaning Your Vinyl Fence

Vinyl fences are incredibly tough and keep their appearance for many years – but they still get dirty. Strong Texas winds and spring rains can kick up a lot of dirt and debris, at least some of which will end up on your fence. Fortunately, cleaning a vinyl fence is a relatively simple activity.

Clear the Area

Before cleaning your fence itself, it’s important to make sure the area around your fence won’t interfere with your maintenance. If you have trees or shrubs planted near your fence, this is a perfect time to trim them back to ensure they aren’t touching or growing against the fence. A rubbing branch can wear down your vinyl fence over time, and leaves and branches growing against the fence can cause damage or unsightly wear.


You’ll also want to clear away any leaves, fallen branches, or other material resting against the base of your fence. Wood and leaves rot, and they can leave ugly stains on your vinyl fence if they’re allowed to sit for too long. By clearing these materials away you ensure your fence will keep looking brand-new for years.

Spray it Down

After clearing away the debris from around your fence, it’s time to start cleaning. Most people will use a garden hose and a simple cleaning solution to wash dirt and other material from their fence. A hose will be able to remove most of the marks and debris that are on your vinyl fence, but in the event that some remain, you might have to use a cleaning solution.


There are a variety of cleaning solutions you can use on a vinyl fence. They include:



  • Soap and water: The simplest way to clean a vinyl fence is often just with a little dish soap and water, along with a cleaning cloth or non-abrasive pad. You’d be surprised how much dirt and grime a little bit of soap can take off.
  • Bleach and water: If your vinyl fence has more stubborn stains, such as mud, grass stains, or mildew, you may need a stronger cleaner. A diluted mixture of bleach and water is an effective cleaner for stubborn stains on vinyl fences. Mix approximately 4 to 5 parts water to one part bleach, and then apply it to the fence using a cloth or non-abrasive scrubbing pad. Make sure to wear rubber or vinyl gloves while working with this cleaner, too, as bleach will quickly harm your skin. Also, if your fence is colored (as opposed to white) you will want to test an inconspicuous area of the fence first, to make sure the bleach will not affect the color.
  • Other cleaning solutions: Sometimes a vinyl fence gets stained by something that you can’t remove with simple household products. This can include tar, paint, wood stain, or driveway sealant. If you get any of these products on your vinyl fence, and you can’t get the stain out with household cleaners, give us a call and we’ll help you find a solution to get your fence back to top condition.

Power Washing a Vinyl Fence

Instead of using cleaning solutions, some people choose to use power washers or pressure washers to clean their fences and other outdoor equipment. In the right hands, a pressure washer can be a great way to save time and labor, but they also require considerable care. Improper use of a power washer can severely damage your fence.


To power wash a vinyl fence, you’ll want to choose a spray tip that has a wider, cone-shaped spray and a lower PSI, around 300 or so. If you use a higher pressure spray tip or too much water pressure, you run the risk of denting or cracking the vinyl. At that stage, the only option is to replace the damaged fence – not an ideal solution.


Remember also to not get too close to the fence as you’re washing. The ideal distance for using a pressure washer on a vinyl fence is about 3 feet between the nozzle and the fence. If you get too close, you could cause dangerously high pressures that could easily lead to damage. Keep a little distance and stay safe. If there are any areas that you can’t get to from further away, use a regular hose and some cleaning solution instead of risking damage to your fence.

How We Can Help! 

Do you have more questions about care for your vinyl fence? Or perhaps you’d like to know how you can get one of these low-maintenance fences for yourself? Contact Future Outdoors located in Dallas, Texas to get the answers you need! We’re the number one provider of vinyl fences and structures in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with years of experience helping customers get the right fence or shade structures for their homes. Our friendly representatives are waiting for your call!

Recent Posts

Why to Hire Professionals to Install Your Vinyl Fence

May 13, 2025
There is plenty of information on the internet about building and installing your own vinyl fence. However, that doesn’t always mean it’s a good idea to do it yourself. There are a few advantages that you get from working with a professional fence installer like Future Outdoors. Advantages of Professional Fence Installation Time Savings One of the biggest advantages of having your fence installed professionally is saving time versus installing it yourself. Fence installations can be tricky and time consuming, especially if you don’t have much experience. However, our experienced fence crew can install a new fence in just a day or two – and you won’t have to do any of the work yourself. Financial Savings Another major advantage of working with a professional fence installer is that you can actually save money. Depending on the type of fence you want to install you will need to buy materials, tools, and hardware such as screws, nails, or brackets. You will also need to factor in the costs of material delivery and the removal of any waste or old fence materials. In contrast, the cost of a professional fence install takes all of these factors into account. Plus, professionals have the tools and equipment they need already, and can buy materials in bulk at a discount. These savings are factored into your costs, so you often end up paying less than you would when you install on your own. Higher Quality Fence installations can be tricky. It’s important to make sure all the posts are set deep enough, totally secure, and standing straight and level. The panels need to be secure, level, and properly lined up. Corner angles must be measured correctly, and gates need be be secure and strong. If you don’t have the necessary skills or experience, it’s likely you could make a mistake that affects the quality of your finished fence. Professional fence installers, on the other hand, do have the necessary skills. They can install your fence quickly and without mistakes, and even guarantee the quality of your new fence with a warranty. In other words, you don’t just get a higher quality fence – you also get peace of mind. Less Stress Along with ensuring a higher quality result, having your fence installed by Future Outdoors also ensures you don’t need to worry about it. Installing your fence yourself can be stressful, especially if you are trying to get it done quickly or do it in your free time. When you get your fence installed, you don’t need to worry about the process and simply get to enjoy the result. No Code Violations Finally, getting your fence installed ensures you won’t suffer from any legal problems. Codes and permits can be big obstacles to DIY fence installations, especially if your home is part of an HOA. You will likely need to provide plans to your local permit office and get the necessary permits for your area. When you work with Future Outdoors to have your fence installed, though, you don’t need to do any of this work. We take care of all the permits for you, and ensure your fence is built according to code. Call Future Outdoors Today If you’re interested in getting a new fence at the best price, without the stress of installing yourself, give us a call today at Future Outdoors. We can help you choose the best fence for your needs and get it installed easily. Call (972) 576-1600 today or visit us on Facebook to see pictures and read reviews from previous customers.

A Guide To Creating The Perfect Backyard In Dallas For 2020

April 14, 2020
Everyone dreams of having the perfect backyard. The house that has the perfect garden or the go-to spot for all the cookouts and pool parties. Whether you just moved to the Dallas Ft. Worth Metroplex or you want to make some renovations to increase your property value, this will be your roadmap for landscaping in 2020! Future Outdoors is the go-to outdoors expert in the DFW area here in Texas.

5 Things to Consider When Buying a Pergola

September 3, 2018
One of the biggest considerations is what material you want your pergola made from. Many pergolas these days are made of wood, but that doesn’t mean wood is the best choice. A wood pergola has all the same problems that a wood deck or fence has. Namely, wood pergolas need regular upkeep and maintenance, and they are vulnerable to moisture, insects, and time.

How Do I Know if a Fence is Priced Right?

By Website Admins • July 4, 2018
A new fence is a big investment for a home. Fences last many years, and in many ways, they define the look of the property. If you’re considering getting a new fence, price is one of the biggest factors you’ll have to consider – but how do you know if your contractor is giving you a good price?

Should I Build a New Fence Before I Sell My House?

June 11, 2018
When it comes time to sell a house, one of the first things many people do is start thinking about improvements that could help it sell faster or at a better price. Many people opt for common jobs like new kitchen cabinets or a bathroom remodel, but a new fence can actually be a great way to help your home sell faster.