How to clean a fence in South Florida without damaging it.

By Florida Fence Solution · October 20, 2026

In Broward County, mildew and green algae can show up on a fence a few months after it is installed, especially on the shady side. The good news: most of it washes off with mild products and a soft brush. The wrong products, or a pressure washer held too close, can do more damage than the dirt.

Before you start

• Pick a cloudy morning so the cleaner does not dry on the fence.
• Wet nearby plants with plain water first and rinse them again after.
• Test any cleaner on a small, hidden spot.
• Check for loose posts, cracked panels or rot while you are close to the fence.

How to clean a vinyl (PVC) fence

1. Rinse the fence with a garden hose.
2. Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap. For mildew, add one part white vinegar to three parts water.
3. Scrub with a soft brush or sponge, top to bottom.
4. Rinse well. If you use a pressure washer, keep it on a low setting with a wide fan tip and at least 2 feet away.

Avoid abrasive pads, solvents and harsh chemicals: they dull the finish and make the panels attract dirt faster.

How to clean a wood fence

1. Sweep off loose debris and cobwebs.
2. Use an oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) wood cleaner mixed as the label says. It removes mildew without eating the wood like chlorine bleach can.
3. Let it sit 10 to 15 minutes, scrub with a stiff nylon brush along the grain, and rinse.
4. Let the wood dry for at least 48 hours, then apply a sealer or stain to slow down the next round of mildew.

Pressure washing wood at high pressure raises the grain and leaves marks. If you use one, stay on low pressure and keep moving.

How to clean an aluminum fence or Durafence

Powder-coated aluminum only needs mild soap, water and a soft cloth or brush. Rinse well. Never use steel wool, scouring powder or acid cleaners, because they scratch the coating that protects the metal.

How to clean a chain-link fence

Hose it down, scrub stubborn spots with soapy water and a brush, and rinse. On black vinyl-coated chain-link, use the same gentle approach as aluminum.

How often should you clean a fence in Florida?

Once or twice a year is enough for most homes. Fences in full shade, near sprinklers or close to the beach may need it every few months. A quick rinse after heavy pollen season also helps.

When cleaning is not enough

If cleaning uncovers soft or rotten wood, leaning posts, cracked vinyl or gates that no longer latch, the fence needs a repair, not a wash. See our fence repair service, or if the fence is past its life, compare PVC vinyl and aluminum, which need the least upkeep in Florida.