How to Remove Green Algae From Your Wood Fence

Your wood fence has been standing tall for some years now. It's withstood several harsh Minnesota winters, and you hope it makes it through plenty more. 

The structural integrity of your picket or privacy fence seems okay, but you notice a green tinge to it. This is not a good sign; that green tinge is actually an algae buildup. Not only is the green algae on your wood fence an eyesore, but it also accelerates the deterioration. You will find green algae in areas with plenty of moisture and little sunlight. 

Don't fret just yet! Even though you may inevitably find green algae on your fence, removing it is fairly simple. Here's how to remove green algae from your wood fence!

Prep Cleaning Area

If you have a flower bed or garden near or running along your wood fence, it would be a good idea to cover any area exposed to cleaning with plastic sheeting. Just because you're removing green algae from your wood fence doesn't mean you have to remove your perennials, too!

Mix Cleaning Solution

To efficiently eat away the algae occupying your wood fence, you will need to make a simple chemical solution. Mix one part bleach and two parts warm water. Before you begin cleaning, make sure you have some rubber gloves handy!

Scrub Away!

Once your solution is made and you dress properly, it's time for the elbow grease! Apply your chemical solution to the fence and scrub it down with a brush. Eventually, you will see the green algae spots begin to wipe away when you work the solution into it.

Wait About 30 Minutes to an Hour

After scrubbing the entirety of your fence, it's best to let it sit for 30-60 minutes. This allows the bleach to soak in and target the green algae. After a half-hour, you can rinse the solution off the wood fence. 

Pressure Wash

To really give the algae a send-off party from your wood fence, use a pressure washer to blast the last of algae particles clinging for dear life. Make sure the fence is thoroughly rinsed, and use a lower power setting so you don't indent, warp, or damage the wood. Stay at least 2 feet from the surface and keep your sprays in even and long strokes for the most efficient cleaning practice.

Let Your Fence Dry

After the washing is done, you need your fence to dry completely for the final step. No paints or stains can be applied until the fence is fully dried out, and while it can be helpful to remove some of the excess moisture with deck cloths, it can take between 24 and 48 hours for the wood to reabsorb its natural oils.

Stain Your Fence

To prevent algae from forming on your wood fence in the future, put a fresh coat of waterproof stain and sealant on it! Stains are best applied between 50 and 80°, and you need to make sure that there's no rain expected within 24 hours of completing it. Do a thorough inspection, make necessary repairs, and fill in imperfections with wood filler before starting. 

While a brush is the best method to get in the smaller spaces, you can use a roller or a sprayer, but just be sure to add extra applications to have total coverage. A coat of sealer will weatherproof it and give you extra coverage for recesses or grooves that may have been missed.

Contact KNO Woodworks for Custom Wood Fences

When you follow our expert tips, you can keep your fence free of green algae and increase its lifespan! If you're planning new construction or would like to update with a custom deck, pergola, or wood fence, our team has been a trusted name in Minneapolis since 2012, and there's a reason our customers love us!

When you need trusted wood fence installation, repair, or maintenance, start your project online or call our KNO Woodworks local office at 612-226-5172 today!