PVC/Vinyl Fence Easy Fixes

Here are some products that may help in the removal of any foreign material that may accumulate on your fence. Colored fence should be treated with caution. Please use these products in a test area first before proceeding on the entire area.

A simple bleach and water solution (25%-50%) usually stops and clears up most mildew, mold or algae accumulations. This can be applied with a high-pressure washer or by brush. Experiment with what concentration is needed in a small area before attempting to “wash” the entire area experiencing this phenomenon. A bleach solution may damage vegetation if the solution is mixed fairly strong.

Any “Household Cleaning Product” that doesn’t exclude use on vinyl. There are numerous products available at grocery, hardware stores, drugstores, etc.

“CLR” – a product found in most hardware stores, it is primarily used to remove rust, scale and “hard water” type residue from various types of material. Follow label instructions.

“Vinyl Siding Washes” – Products marketed by various companies to wash vinyl house siding. They generally mention mold, mildew and algae retardation in their advertising. They are generally applied by using a garden hose with attachments and are available in most “chain-type stores.” Any of the vinyl cleaners found in auto supply stores can be used on vinyl fences.

“Whink” – a product used to remove mineral deposits caused by hard water. Works well on larger jobs, follow label directions.

All of the previous products generally work with high pressure washers and if used following the manufacturers’ recommended procedures are not harmful to PVC vinyl products.

“Insta-Gon” – used to remove “stubborn stains” from various types of material. Available in most “chain stores.” Only economical on small areas.

“Lacquer Thinner” – available in most hardware stores. Used to remove paint, grease, scuff marks, ink, tar, etc. Wipe the area in one continuous motion with the lacquer thinner on a clean rag. Always use a clean portion of the rag for additional swipes to prevent smearing. Wash area with soap and water.

“Fingernail polish remover” – A “last resort” option on stains not effected by previous methods. Works on small areas by swiping area with a clean rag. Wash area immediately with soap and water (try to use a product without “acetone” in its ingredients).

Removing paint from vinyl. Lacquer thinner saturated on a clean cloth works on most paints. You need to always use the clean surface of the cloth and make a single swiping motion (don’t try to scrub). Newer acrylic spray paints are much harder to remove. You can try to use “acetone” but note: this may damage the surface. Great caution must be used!! Try it on a test area not plainly visible before attempting to clean affected area.

“Dunrite Lime Solvent with WG17” – Marketed by Dunrite Inc. works quite well at removing hard water residue. Spray it on, let it sit, and wipe or wash solution away.

“Most toilet bowl cleaners” – work to remove rust and hard water scale.

For additional information on any of the above Easy Fixes, please call (863) 425-3182 or email Sales@Daniellefence.net