Remove algae, mold, and oxidation from vinyl, aluminum, and wood fences — restoring original appearance and protecting your fence from long-term damage throughout Southwest Florida.
Fencing in Southwest Florida faces a constant battle with humidity, organic growth, and UV exposure. White vinyl fencing — the most common fence type in the region — turns green within a season as algae colonizes the slightly textured surface. Aluminum fencing develops oxidation and biological staining in the Gulf's salt-air environment. Wood fencing collects mold and mildew along the grain, accelerating rot and making the wood look grey and weathered long before its structural life is over.
The problem with neglected fencing is that biological growth is not merely cosmetic — algae and mold actively degrade fence materials. Mold on wood fencing accelerates moisture penetration and rot. Oxidation on aluminum corrodes the finish. Algae on vinyl fencing, left untreated for multiple seasons, can cause surface pitting that becomes permanent. Regular professional cleaning extends fence life significantly and prevents the much more expensive cost of early fence replacement.
Rain Exterior Home Service provides fence cleaning throughout Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, and surrounding communities. We clean vinyl, aluminum, wood, and chain-link fencing using pressure and technique appropriate to each material. Vinyl fencing is cleaned at lower PSI with a biodegradable solution that dissolves algae before washing. Wood fencing is treated with care to avoid raising the grain. We detail posts, caps, and gate hardware that a standard spray misses.
For homeowners planning to paint or stain wood fencing, professional cleaning 48 to 72 hours before painting removes the biological growth and loose material that causes paint to peel prematurely. For HOA communities with standards on fence appearance, we can document the cleaning for compliance records. Ask about our whole-exterior cleaning packages that combine fence cleaning with house washing and driveway cleaning in a single visit.
Results
How It Works
We walk the fence line and identify the material — vinyl, aluminum, wood, or chain-link — note any loose panels, damaged sections, and the extent of algae or mold growth.
A biodegradable cleaning solution is applied to dissolve algae, mold, and oxidation before washing. This is especially important for white vinyl fencing where biological staining has set into the surface.
Vinyl and aluminum fencing is cleaned at lower PSI (800–1,200) to remove growth without warping panels or forcing water behind fence post caps. Wood fencing requires controlled pressure to clean without raising wood grain.
Fence post caps, base rails, and gate hardware are cleaned by hand. A final rinse washes all residue from the fence surface and away from nearby landscaping.
Common Questions
Yes, when done at the correct pressure. Vinyl fencing is cleaned at 800 to 1,200 PSI — significantly lower than concrete cleaning. High pressure on vinyl can force water behind cap strips, warp panels, or cause stress cracks over time. We always use the correct tip and standoff distance for vinyl. A cleaning solution applied before washing helps dissolve the green algae film that builds up on white vinyl, reducing the pressure needed.
In Southwest Florida, most fences develop visible algae or green film within one to two years of the last cleaning. White vinyl fencing shows this most visibly and typically needs professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months. Aluminum fencing may need cleaning every two years. Wood fencing benefits from cleaning every 12 to 18 months, especially before applying a fresh coat of paint or sealant. Chain-link fences with rust staining may need specialized rust treatment in addition to standard cleaning.
Yes. Wood fencing requires lower pressure than concrete and careful technique to avoid raising the wood grain, which leaves a rough texture and accelerates future staining. We use fan tips, appropriate standoff distance, and biodegradable cleaning solutions formulated for wood surfaces. For wood fences being cleaned before painting or staining, we recommend allowing a full 48 hours of dry time before applying any coating.
Yes — and cleaning before painting is essential. Painting over a fence with algae or mold on the surface traps the biological growth under the paint layer, which causes premature peeling and paint failure. We clean and allow the fence to dry completely before any coating is applied. If you plan to paint or stain your fence, schedule cleaning at least 48 to 72 hours in advance to allow thorough drying.
Yes. The green film on white vinyl fencing is algae that has colonized the slightly porous or textured surface of the vinyl. We apply a cleaning solution to break down the algae before washing. In most cases, professional cleaning restores white vinyl fencing close to its original appearance. Very old, chalky, or UV-degraded vinyl may have absorbed staining that will not fully clean out — we will advise you honestly before starting the job.
What Homeowners Say
"Our white vinyl fence had turned completely green — you could barely tell it was white. Rain Exterior Home Service cleaned the entire fence line and it looks bright white again. They were careful around the garden beds too."
"We have a long aluminum fence around the property and it was covered in oxidation and algae. Looks great now. They noticed one panel was loose and pointed it out before they left — that kind of attention is hard to find."
Serving Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, and all of Southwest Florida. Most jobs quoted within 24 hours.
Rain Exterior Home Service
We Regularly Serve Homeowners in Southwest Florida: