By Lakeland Fence Pros | Your Local Polk County Fence Specialists

Central Florida’s warm climate, heavy rains, and nearly year-round humidity create ideal conditions for algae, mildew, pollen, and grime to build up on fence surfaces. In areas like Lakeland, Winter Haven, Mulberry, and Auburndale, mineral-heavy well water and dense vegetation make fences even more prone to staining and discoloration.

Pressure washing is one of the fastest and most effective ways to bring a fence back to life — but only when it’s done correctly. Too much pressure, the wrong nozzle, or harsh cleaners can permanently scar wood, damage vinyl coating, or push water into places it doesn’t belong.

This guide from Lakeland Fence Pros breaks down how to clean your fence safely, effectively, and with the proper Florida-specific techniques. You’ll learn correct pressures, cleaning solutions, environmental protections, maintenance routines, and when it’s smarter to call in a pro.

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✅ What You’ll Learn

• The right type of pressure washer for each fence material

• Safe PSI ranges for wood, vinyl, and metal

• Approved cleaning solutions for Florida’s climate

• How to protect plants, soil, pets, and storm drains

• Post-wash steps for long-term fence protection

• When professional help is the safer option

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🌟 Understanding Pressure Washing Basics (Polk County Edition)

Before turning on the machine, you need the right gear — and a clear understanding of how pressure affects different materials.

Types of Pressure Washers

➤ Electric (0–2,000 PSI)

Best for vinyl and light cleaning
Low risk, easy control, ideal for homeowners

➤ Gas (2,000–4,000+ PSI)

Better for tough buildup
Can easily gouge or etch wood if used incorrectly

The machine itself can’t guarantee safety — your settings and nozzle choice matter most.

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PSI & GPM — What They Mean

• PSI (pounds per square inch): The “force.”

• GPM (gallons per minute): Water volume and rinsing ability.

A lower PSI with a higher GPM = efficient, gentle cleaning.

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Nozzles & Spray Angles

For most fences, 25° or 40° is the safest.

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Cleaning Solutions

• Oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate): Ideal for algae/mold; plant-friendlier

• Biodegradable detergent: Good for general dirt

• ❌ Avoid household chlorine bleach — it harms landscaping and corrodes metal hardware

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🪵 How to Pressure Wash a Wood Fence (Safely)

Wood fences are the easiest to damage — especially older boards common in Lakeland’s established neighborhoods.

1. Inspect & Prep

• Tighten or replace loose boards

• Remove decor and nearby items

• Cover delicate plants if necessary

2. Set Safe Pressure

• Aged or soft wood: 500–800 PSI

• New or pressure-treated wood: Up to 1,200 PSI

• Always test first in a hidden corner

3. Apply Cleaner

Use a wood-safe cleaner or oxygen bleach.
Allow 5–10 minutes of dwell time, but never let it dry.

4. Rinse Properly

• Hold 18–36 inches away

• Use a 40° nozzle

• Spray with the grain

• Keep the wand moving to avoid “tiger stripes”

5. Let the Wood Fully Dry

A minimum of 24–48 hours before staining or sealing.

6. Seal or Stain

Use a UV-resistant product designed for Florida’s high sunlight exposure.

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🧼 How to Pressure Wash a Vinyl Fence (Damage-Free)

Vinyl may be low-maintenance, but improper pressure can warp or crack it.

Best Practices

• Use 800–1,200 PSI

• Use a 40° nozzle

• Apply mild cleaner or vinyl-safe detergent

• Rinse from top to bottom

• For stubborn algae, an oxygen bleach solution works well

Avoid abrasive brushes; they scratch the protective finish.

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🔩 Aluminum & Metal Fences — Special Care Steps

Lakeland’s humidity and frequent rainstorms mean metal fences must be protected from corrosion.

Key Tips

• Use low-to-medium pressure

• Inspect and replace rusty hardware

• Avoid acidic cleaners that may pit the finish

• Rinse salt or fertilizer overspray quickly

Metal is durable — but the hardware is often the first to fail.

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🌎 Environmental Protections (Florida-Compliant)

Florida’s drainage systems flow into sensitive wetlands. Responsible cleaning matters.

Drain Protection

• Keep detergents out of storm drains

• Redirect runoff onto grass where soil can filter it

Plant Safety

• Pre-wet landscaping to dilute chemical exposure

• Shield fragile plants with plastic if needed

Pet & Family Precautions

Keep everyone away during the wash and until surfaces are dry.

Lead Paint Warning

<p>EPA — Lead Paint and Pressure Washing Guidance. <a href=”https://www.epa.gov/lead” rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank”>EPA Lead Safety Guidelines</a></p>

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♻️ Eco-Friendly Cleaning Options

• Oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate)

• Low-impact biodegradable detergents

• Hand cleaning small areas to reduce runoff

These options reduce chemical load on Polk County’s environment.

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🧰 When It’s Time to Call a Professional

Contact Lakeland Fence Pros if you notice:

• Thick algae or mold growth

• Wood rot or unstable sections

• Vinyl panels popping loose

• Lead-based paint concerns

• High fences or tight areas you can’t safely reach

• Plans to stain or seal after cleaning

Professional equipment + proper technique ensures zero damage and long-lasting results.

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🕒 How Often Should You Clean Your Fence in Central Florida?

Climate matters — here’s what we recommend:

• Vinyl: 1× per year (more in shady, damp yards)

• Wood: Every 12–24 months

• Metal: Annual rinse + hardware inspection

• After major storms: Rinse away debris, dirt, and salt

Helpful Resources

<li>USDA Forest Products Laboratory — Wood cleaning and moisture guidance (useful for wood fence care). <a href=”https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>USDA Forest Products Laboratory</a></li>

<li>National Fence Manufacturers Association — Maintenance and care best practices. <a href=”https://www.nfma.org” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>NFMA Guidelines</a></li>
</ul>

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🔧 Post-Wash Care — What You Should Do Next

• Ensure wood dries completely

• Apply a top-quality stain or sealer

• Touch up damaged areas

• Reinspect hardware annually

Routine care prevents early replacement and preserves property value.

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❌ Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

Avoid these to prevent long-term damage:

• Using extremely high PSI

• Spraying too close

• Relying on chlorine bleach

• Ignoring stormwater rules

• Skipping the patch test

• Washing unstable or rotten areas

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🗣️ Local Testimonials — Polk County Residents

“Our wood fence in South Lakeland was covered in algae. Lakeland Fence Pros cleaned it carefully and sealed it afterward. It looks brand new.” — Marlene P., Lakeland Highlands

“Very impressed. They avoided damaging our vinyl fence and protected our plants. Everything looks bright and clean again.” — Robert J., Winter Haven

“We called after DIY pressure washing left streaks and fuzzy wood. They fixed the damage and gave us great maintenance tips.” — Julie S., Auburndale

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🌟 Call to Action

Call For Your FREE Estimate Today — and let Lakeland Fence Pros handle your pressure washing, repairs, and protective staining with confidence and care.

Your fence protects your property — we’ll help you protect your fence