Are There Black Or Green Streaks On Your Fence? Here's How You Can Remove Them

Black or green streaks on your fence are not just unsightly — they're an indicator that you have a mold or mildew problem. To remove these problematic streaks, you'll need some common household staples. For a vinyl fence, you can use a vinegar hack that will have your dirty vinyl fence looking like new. Mix eight parts water and one part white vinegar, fill a spray bottle with this mixture, and spray liberally on the streaks. You can use a rag or towel to remove new mold and mildew, but you might need a soft-bristled scrub brush to take care of older stains.

If you have a wooden fence, you'll need a stronger solution to combat mold or mildew issues, since wood is significantly more porous than vinyl. You can easily restore your wooden fence with chlorine bleach to remove pesky black and green streaks. Mix one gallon of water with a quart of chlorine bleach, then thoroughly spray the affected areas, scrubbing with a scrub brush (make sure you wear gloves and safety goggles for this).

No matter the type of fence you have, it's important to first spray your fence down with a hose to remove any dirt and debris. Anything you can rinse away with a hose is less work for you to remove by hand, and hosing the fence down also exposes the mold and mildew, making it easier to tackle.

Knowing how to remove mold and mildew growth from your fence is important, but knowing how to prevent it in the first place is also key. Failing to perform regular maintenance is one of the top mistakes everyone makes when buying a new fence. Since mold and mildew can cause both surface damage and structural damage if left for too long, regular upkeep is crucial to protecting your investment.

The type of preventative maintenance required to combat mold and mildew depends on your fence type. If you have a vinyl fence, make sure to clean it with dish soap and water at least once a year. If your fence tends to get a lot of shade, you should also take time to give it a quick rinse every month to avoid mold and mildew growth.

Wooden fences can be protected from excess moisture by applying a stain or sealant. This should be re-applied every two to three years, depending on the climate in your area. Even if you protect the fence by staining or sealing it, you should also clean it with a bleach and water mixture to remove any mold spores once per year. Mix three parts water with one part bleach, spray on, then rinse away with your garden hose to keep it clean.