Algae on fences can be rather unsightly and, if left to fester, can end up damaging the wood. Removing it, however, can sometimes prove expensive and time-consuming, with pricey fungicides needing to be left overnight before you’ll be able to wipe down the fence.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be this difficult, though. The experts at knowoodworks.com have revealed one simple method for removing algae that requires just two items. They suggest a mixture of bleach and warm water, which can have your fence looking as good as new in just half an hour, all without damaging any nearby flowerbeds.
Remove algae from fences
Start by preparing the area around the fence. The experts suggest covering any area exposed to cleaning with plastic sheeting to protect your plants and ensure that you don’t kill them alongside the algae.
Once you’ve protected the surrounding plant life, it’s time to mix the solution.
The experts state: “Mix one part bleach and two parts warm water. Before you begin cleaning, make sure you have some rubber gloves handy.”
Then apply the solution to the fence in question and scrub with a brush. Eventually, the green algae spots will begin to disappear.
After the fence has been scrubbed, let it sit for half an hour to an hour. This will allow time for the bleach to sink in and soak the green algae. Once the time is up, then rinse the solution from the fence.
Once the algae has been removed, wait until the fence has finished drying completely before moving on to the next step.
The experts added: “No paints or stains can be applied until the fence is fully dried out, and while it can be helpful to remove some of the excess moisture with deck cloths, it can take between 24 and 48 hours for the wood to reabsorb its natural oils.”
Once the fence is completely dry, you can prevent the algae from forming again by applying a fresh coat of waterproof stain and sealant. Be sure to do this when no rain is expected within the following 24 hours.
The pros finish: “While a brush is the best method to get in the smaller spaces, you can use a roller or a sprayer, but just be sure to add extra applications to have total coverage.
“A coat of sealer will weather-proof it and give you extra coverage for recesses or grooves that may have been missed.”
