How to Remove Mold and Lichen from Your Wooden Fence in Blue Bell, PA.
Mold and lichen on your fence and exterior parts of your home can make your home look dated and neglected.
This problem usually occurs in damp places, especially in shaded areas. Fortunately, there are several methods for cleaning fences and eliminating this annoying organic growth.
In this article, we will share some tips and steps on how to get rid of lichen, mold, and stains from your fence in Blue Bell, PA.
Using a High-Pressure Cleaner To Remove Mold and Lichen
Step #1: Clear the plants.
Prune some and tie the rest.
Step #2: Cover fragile plants.
Cover them with inverted canvas sheets or buckets. Remove any other obstacles.
Step #3: Set your Pressure washer.
Set it to low pressure, such as 100 to 135 bar.
Step #4: Clean the fence.
Stand 50 cm from the fence and start cleaning it using a low-pressure nozzle.
You can get closer to treat heavily soiled areas, but do not maintain high pressure on the same spot for too long.
Step #5: Let the wood dry.
If the lichen and mold are gone, let the fence dry. If there are still stains, go to the next step.
Step #6: Scrub the stains.
If traces remain after high-pressure cleaning, scour them.
Mix one part of bleach and two parts of water in a bucket.
You need not shake them.
Dip a scouring brush in the solution and use it to scrub the stains.
Clean the areas you have scoured again with the pressure washer.
Step #7: Gently sand the rough parts.
Step #8: Drive in any protruding nails or screws and repair the damaged wood.
Step #9: Treat the wood.
Once the fence is dry, apply waterproofing, wood stain, or paint to prevent mold and lichen from recurring.
Scrub the Fence By Hand
If you don’t have a pressure washer, this second method can come in handy–you will need a little more elbow grease.
Step #1: Protect the plants.
Cover them with inverted canvas sheets or buckets.
Step #2 Prepare A Cleaning Solution.
Mix one part of bleach and two parts of water in a bucket.
Step #3: Add Detergent.
Add mild soap, which you can safely mix with bleach.
Use one teaspoon of detergent per liter of solution.
Step #4: Scour the Fence.
Scrub the dirty parts with a scouring brush dipped in the solution.
Step #5: Rinse.
Rinse it thoroughly with clean water. You can use a garden hose.
Step #6: Let the wood dry.
Step #7: Repair Your Fence
Repair any damaged parts, drive in protruding nails or screws, and gently sand rough surfaces.
Step #8: Paint.
Consider painting the fence with anti-mold and anti-lichen paint.
Bonus Tips
• If you prune the plants near the fence to expose it to more sun and air, mold and lichen may leave naturally.
• Test the pressure washer on a small, inconspicuous part of the fence to see if it marks or damages the wood.
• Look at what is on the other side of the fence and protect it before starting the cleaning operation.
Need Help Restoring Your Fence?
If your fence has extensive mold and lichen growth, simple DIY cleaning might not help restore it.
In fact, if not well handled, mold can sometimes spread to other parts of the unaffected fence or even exterior house siding.
If you need professional help to clean your fence, eliminating mold and lichen, and repainting or re-staining your fence, our team at Aspen Painting can assist.
We have years of experience in exterior painting and staining with a long list of happy customers in Ambler, Dresher, Ft. Washington, and Blue Bell.
Call us today on 215-773-8422 for a FREE estimate to get started.
Ray is an inspiring leader with a strong work ethic stemming from his exemplary upbringing in a caring and loving family environment. His parents modeled the importance of integrity and hard work to him and his siblings, values which Ray now instills in his teenage daughter. As the owner of Aspen Painting & Wallcovering, Inc., he leads by example by expecting nothing but the best from himself and his employees. His primary goal is to provide superior service and quality craftsmanship to each of his clients so that they become enthusiastic ambassadors for the company. Ray is a passionate team player who always strives to exceed expectations.