Fence chemistry, not fence violence.
A typical South Florida vinyl fence holds three things: algae (the green wash on the south-facing side), mildew (the grey-black spots on the shaded side), and rust runoff (orange streaks where sprinkler droplets land on the picket tops). None of them yield to a pressure wand.
The right method is soft-wash chemistry, applied at the correct dilution for the material, rinsed at low pressure.
What changes by material.
Vinyl. Most forgiving. Standard soft-wash mix (around 1.5–2% sodium hypochlorite), 5-minute dwell, low-pressure rinse. Restores original white or almond color completely.
Powder-coated aluminum. Same chemistry, slightly lower concentration. The powder coat is durable but we don’t want to risk haze on dark colors. Soft brush helps lift bonded organic growth without abrading the finish.
Wood (PT, cedar, ipé). Different approach entirely. Sodium percarbonate plus a wood brightener. No bleach — discolours cedar and grays ipé. Low-pressure rinse only. Optional brightening pass restores natural tone before sealing.
Chain-link. Soft-wash mix, gentle rinse. The hardest part is the foliage usually growing through it; we work around it carefully.
Pricing.
- Standard rate: $0.85/linear ft (most vinyl/aluminum fences)
- Wood fence rate: $1.10/linear ft (extra brightening step)
- Minimum charge: $99 (covers short runs, gates, pool surrounds)
- Both sides (with neighbor consent): +50%
- Hand-detail at posts and lattice tops: +$0.25/linear ft
- Stain or seal (wood only, return visit): $1.20–1.95/sq ft
Common bundle: house soft wash + fence + driveway = 15% off the package total.
Frequency.
Vinyl and aluminum: every 12–15 months stays presentable, every 18 months is when neighbors start to notice the contrast.
Wood: every 6–9 months for cleaning if it’s stained, every 12 months if it’s left to grey naturally. Re-staining every 3–5 years depending on exposure.
What we won’t do.
We don’t pressure-wash wood fences — even at 1,500 PSI, you raise grain and create splinters. We don’t bleach cedar. We don’t power-wash chain-link with foliage growing through it (we’d destroy the foliage and miss half the metal).
