Will Bleach Wreak Havoc on a White Vinyl Privacy Fence?

Vinyl fences have become the talk of the town in recent years, and with good reasons at that. Weather resistance, convenience, and low maintenance are just some of the many reasons behind the immense popularity of these fences. These fences can be a great choice for someone who doesn’t want to waste time scraping, painting, and sanding their fences. However, there is one downside of a white vinyl privacy fence. It is that they easily catch dirt and become spotty over time.

So, you need to find a suitable way to keep your fences in pristine condition, right? However, you also need to ensure that the material is not damaged due to any cleaning elements. Here arises the question, will bleaching damage the vinyl fences on direct application? This is exactly what we will be discussing here.

White vinyl privacy fence: Maintenance

Many homeowners choose vinyl fences over conventional fencing materials mainly due to their durability and elegance. Vinyl fences are fire-resistant, temperature resistant, and even resistant to harsh weather conditions. In addition, these fences won’t rot, crack, or warp.

Despite all these advantages, there is one issue that hinders these fences. A vinyl fence, in spite of being a low-maintenance one, you need to clean up algae, stains, and dirt that accumulates over time once or twice a year.

Fortunately, vinyl is a non-porous material, which is why there is no dust build up. Even if there are stains or patches, the problem can be solved by washing off the fence with soapy water and a garden hose. However, you might need some hard chemicals to clean the vinyl surface if there are stubborn stains. This begs the question, which chemical is best suited for the purpose?

While some recommend bleach as the best option for cleaning vinyl fences, some say that bleaching damages the vinyl. So let’s find out what the matter is.

Bleaching a vinyl fence

A high-pressure wash is the best way to remove even the worst dirt on the vinyl surface. However, unprofessional handling can damage your fences beyond repair. On the flip side, bleaching should only be considered when you have to remove lingering stains that are resistant to soap or white vinegar.

You should remember that white vinyl privacy fences are not chemical-sensitive. However, the fact of the matter is that bleaching, only when applied in concentrated amounts, will destroy the integrity of fencing, make the fences look dull, or obliterate the surface layer. So, as you can well understand, diluting the bleach solution in adequate proportions is crucial to ensure that the fences aren’t damaged.

Bleaching the right way

Cleaning white vinyl privacy fences with bleach is never the first solution. You should always start with soap and water and use bleach only for obstinate, heavy stains. There is a common misconception that bleach would wreak havoc on a white vinyl privacy fence. The truth is that bleaching can restore the shine in ugly, yellow, and old vinyl fences. Diluting the bleach in appropriate proportions is the key. An adequate bleach solution will clean the fence with zero side effects.

Another excellent solution that you can try out for fence cleaning is:

• Take around 9 liters of water.
• Take about a quarter cup, i.e., 60 mL of bleach
• A spray bottle
• Laundry detergent (about 80 mL)
• Soft clothes and a sponge

First, stir the ingredients thoroughly, make a solution, and pour it inside a bottle sprayer. Allow the solution to stand for up to five minutes, and remove the bleach with the help of soft clothes and a sponge. After that, rinse off the surface with plain water. It is highly advisable to wear protective gloves like rubber gloves to safeguard yourself from the harmful effects of bleaching.

Here, you should note that bleach application is only limited to a white vinyl privacy fence. Don’t use it on colored fences, which can fade the colors.

Conclusion:

A white vinyl privacy fence is directly exposed to harsh weather conditions and thus witnesses severe physical damage. So, they will accumulate dirt and become moldy over time. However, regular cleaning becomes extremely important to ensure they last a lifetime.

Various cleaning detergents on the market can clean vinyl fences effectively and efficiently. You can clean a white vinyl privacy fence with bleach, but you should never go for this method right the first go. It is advisable to bleach these fences when removing stubborn stains or a dilapidated white fence.

Final Take:

Although many fencing choices exist in the market, only vinyl fences are ideal because of their low maintenance and durability. A high-quality vinyl fence can last 30 years without repairs or professional maintenance. Moreover, a vinyl fence with a transferable limited lifetime warranty is a great choice. Lastly, ask the manufacturers to use a fencing calculator for an accurate estimate. Book your free consultation today and get all your answers directly from the fence manufacturer and supplier.