Fences & Home Exterior

Surface Types 

Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is durable but prone to mold, mildew, pollen, and bird droppings. Clean it at least once a year and spot-clean as needed. 

Brick
Brick is low-maintenance and durable but still benefits from occasional cleaning to remove dirt, mold, and mildew. 

Wood Exteriors
Wood siding is beautiful but requires gentle care. Whether it’s painted lap siding, stained cedar, or pressure-treated planks, regular cleaning removes mold, algae, and dirt buildup while protecting the finish. 

Iron Fences
Iron fences are generally less prone to mold and mildew buildup, but areas with high humidity and moisture can still encourage growth. 

Tools & Cleaners by Surface Type 

Vinyl Siding and Fences 

Cleaners: 

• • Trisodium phosphate (TSP) 

• • Mild dish soap (½ cup per gallon of water) 

• • 1:1 vinegar and water (eco-friendly) 

Tools:  

• • Bucket, Soft-bristle brush, and Pole 

Brick 

Cleaners: 

• • Mild dish soap (½ cup per gallon) 

• • 1:1 vinegar and water 

• • Commercial brick cleaner (optional) 

Tools: 

• • Bucket, Stiff nylon bristle brush, and Pole 

Wood Siding and Fences  (Painted or Pressure-Treated) 

Cleaners: 

• • Mild dish soap (½ cup per gallon) 

• • 1:1 vinegar and water 

• • Wood-safe exterior cleaner 

Tools: 

• • Soft- to medium-bristle brush (deck or siding brush), Bucket, and Pole 

Iron Fences 

Cleaners: 

• • Mild dish soap (½ cup per gallon) 

Tools: 

• • Microfiber cloth, sponge or soft bristle brush 

Tip: Gently remove rust with sandpaper or a wire brush. Apply rust inhibitor for protection. 

Cleaning Steps (All Surfaces) 

Prep the Area 

Rinse the surface with water to loosen debris and keep it from absorbing cleaner 

Mix the Solution 

Use your chosen cleaner and mix in a large bucket (see ratios above) 

Scrub in Sections 

Work in manageable 5–10 foot areas 

Scrub gently with your brush and pole 

Let cleaner sit for 5–10 minutes on stubborn grime 

Rinse Thoroughly from top to bottom to prevent streaking 

Tip: For all-in-one cleaning, use a waterflow pole with a waterfed brush attachment. This allows you to wet the surface, scrub, and rinse using the same tool. 

Air Dry 

Let surfaces dry naturally—no towel needed 

Wait 24+ hours before applying any new paint or stain on wood 

Smart Maintenance Schedule 

Siding & Vinyl Fence: Clean once a year; spot clean as needed. 

Brick: Clean once or twice a year. 

Wood Siding & Fence: Clean annually; re-stain or seal every 2–3 years. 

Iron Fence: Clean every 6 months; address rust as soon as it appears. 

General Tip: Always check for and tighten any loose hardware.