- 10-May-2024
Anyone who owns their home or tries to maintain a property will agree that one of the toughest challenges that often arise is the maintenance and cleaning of parts in the compound. Most wooden fences remain an essential feature in the homes they are placed in, given that they ensure privacy, security, and aesthetic value. As time passes by, your fence may develop some discolouration, dirt accumulation, or damage when exposed to bad weather. Thus, you may ask, can I use carpet cleaner on a wood fence? Now, in this article, we will tell you all the positives and negatives associated with using carpet cleaner on wood fences and the other options for renewing the wooden wall.
Carpet cleaners are intended to clean carpets and rugs and, in the process, get rid of dirt, stains, and bad smells. Therefore, people feel that the same tools and chemicals can equally clean wood fences. Since both these surfaces can get stained and unclean, you might be tempted to use carpet cleaner for both purposes. Furthermore, when searching for carpet cleaners, people are often attracted by promises of powerful cleaning capacities, and thus, they would presume that the cleaners are capable of handling wooden fences.
1. Accessibility: A carpet cleaner is something that any home probably already has, and thereby, a viable option for washing a wooden fence.
2. Cleaning power: Some carpet cleaners can reach into the deep fibres and extract stains, and there are numerous attachments for ignitable hard-to-clean areas.
1. Damage potential: As much as cleaning appliances like carpet cleaners may sound convenient, it is recommended that they not be used on wooden fences since most cleaners contain chemicals that may irreversibly affect their appearance. There is also a possibility that some carpet cleaners you’ll choose to use have strong chemicals that will damage the natural honeycomb structure of the wood and make it sticky, faded, chipped or bent.
2. Ineffective cleaning: Carpets can be cleaned to remove dirt and stains, but not very well on wooden floored areas. Wood is not smooth, it can soak up the liquid, and the result is always inconsistent washing and staining.
3. Maintenance issues: The compounds found in carpet cleaners can result in your fence being coated with a layer that draws dirt and grime, meaning that if a time comes that you will be cleaning the wall, you will face a challenge.
4. High cost: There is always a price that you pay for the carpet cleaners, and if the cleaner you hired does not do a good job or, in fact, ruins your fence, then you will spend more money fixing the wall.
Instead of using a carpet cleaner on a wood fence, there are several safe and effective alternatives to consider:
1. Pressure washer: Another great way to clean your wooden fence is through a pressure washer which does not harm your fence. One important thing to bear in mind is to ensure you use low pressure and should not spray the wood directly in a way that can lead to splintering among those already in a warped state.
2. Wood cleaner: Nowadays, there are special wood cleaners to clean and revive any wooden surface on the market. These cleaners are mild, and work wonders on the furniture, and they come with additional brushes and rollers to make the job easier.
3. Dish soap and water: Just using warm water and mild dish soap will be sufficient to wash Your wooden fence. Do not use normal soap since it may cause discolouration of the surface when used on wood. Scrub the section of the wall with a soft-bristled brush, and then wash it with water from the garden hose.
4. Soft scrub pad and water: There are, of course, the occasional tough stains or dirt, which are best cleaned using a sponge and warm water. Use a minimum of pressure and circular motions as you scrub the surface of this fence, and always make sure to wash it down well.
5. Vinegar solution: For a natural cleaning option, you can use a solution made from equal quantities of white vinegar and water. Pour this solution over your fence and let it rest for a few minutes, then scrub the wall with a soft-bristled brush. Wash the surface of the wall with water at the wall with a garden hose once the cleaning fluid is applied.
To keep your wooden fence looking its best, make sure to:
1. Apply a wood preservative or sealer: A coat of wood preservative or sealer will protect your fence against various weather extremities and make it last longer.
2. Clean your fence regularly: The general consensus is that you should probably clean your fence at least twice per year, depending on where you live and what the climate is like where you are.
3. Avoid power washing: Most people consider pressure washers as essential cleaning equipment to use on their fences; however, they negatively impact if applied unsuitably.
4. Keep an eye out for potential damage: Check your fence on a regular basis and for the signs of rotting, splitting or warping and repair them immediately.