How much does Fence cleaning cost?

Based on 62 real quotes from businesses in United States.

$113

TYPICAL

$205

$433

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Yelp calculates estimated costs by gathering and analyzing real quotes provided to consumers by businesses on Yelp. Actual costs may vary.

Key takeaways

Hiring a pressure washer service is usually the best choice for fence cleaning
Total cost will depend on the type, size, and accessibility of your fence
You can sometimes save money by calling a handyperson, especially for a vinyl fence

A pristine new fence is a thing of beauty—for a while, anyway. But after spending every day exposed to the elements, fences invariably get dirty and show wear and tear.

Luckily, when that happens, cleaning is often all it takes to restore a fence’s original character. A good cleanup removes dirt, grime, mildew, and mold. And if that’s not enough to bring back a fence’s natural beauty, washing is also the first step before restoring, painting, or staining.

In most cases, the tool of choice for cleaning dirty fences is a pressure washer. These multipurpose tools consist of a portable generator with a high-pressure tank that holds water (sometimes mixed with a cleaning solution or bleach), and a wand or a gun with a nozzle that sprays in an even pattern. This allows for efficient and effortless cleaning of large areas—which is perfect for washing fences. (They’re also used for house siding, walkways, and driveways.)

Homeowners can rent DIY pressure washers at home-improvement centers for about $40–120 per day. But if you don’t have the experience and knowhow to use one correctly, you’re better off hiring a fence cleaning service. These pros can complete the job quickly—usually in half a day or less. And they know the best power washer settings, measured in PSI (pressure per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute), to prevent your fencing material from damage by a high-powered spray.

Learn more about beautifying your yard: Read Cost of landscape services and How to hire a professional landscaper.

Average fence cleaning costs

When access to the entire fence is easy—and without obstructions such as bushes and trees—the national average cost for fence cleaning by a pressure washing service is $110–300. That’s for a typical 500-square-foot fence (about 80 feet long and 6 feet high).

Many pressure cleaning companies charge by a fence’s total square footage, or by linear feet of fencing (depending on height). In these cases, expect an average price range of $.35–.90 per square foot—or $2.10–5.40 per linear foot for a 6-foot-tall fence.

Cost factors

The following elements will help determine where your fence washing project falls in the average price range:

Type of fence. Some fences are much easier to wash than others. A vinyl fence or metal picket fence, for example, can be washed by hand with soapy water, a scrub brush, and garden hose. You don’t need a pressure washing service for this—you can hire a handyperson to do it for about $40–80 per hour. If you have a large wood or metal privacy fence, on the other hand, it’s worth the cost of pressure washing, for the expertise and labor required to clean such a large surface area.

Access difficulties. If the terrain your fence covers is hard to reach with a pressure washer, or if access to the fence is blocked by bushes and trees, service providers may raise their price (or, in extreme cases, reject the job altogether).

Where you live. High-demand metropolitan areas typically command higher prices for all types of home services, including pressure washing. In rural areas, lower prices are common.

How to save money

Here are a few ways to reduce the cost of pressure-washing a fence:

Ask for a discount. Some mom-and-pop companies will give you a small price reduction if you’re a senior, first responder, or veteran—or sometimes if you just ask for one, because they’re hoping to get your long-term business. You can also find discount coupons for some service providers in value mailers or online.

Get a package deal. Companies may offer a discount for performing several services in a single visit, such as washing your walkways or siding, or gutter and roof cleaning.

Consider a handyperson. Although professional power washing companies are usually hired to wash a fence, a handyperson with a pressure washer can often do the job for less—figure 2–3 hours at $40–80 per hour. Keep in mind that they may have less experience and expertise, and make sure they’re licensed, bonded, and insured.

FAQs

How much does it cost to clean and stain a fence?

Most fence cleaning jobs cost an average $110–300. Washing prices also depend on accessibility of the fence, buildup of dirt and grime, and (sometimes) travel time by the service provider. Average cost of staining a fence runs $350–1,500, or $0.60–2.50 per square foot.

Should I pressure wash my fence?

Pressure washing is the most efficient method of fence cleaning. It’s also a necessary first step before painting or staining a wood fence. Be aware that some types of wood and other materials are less resilient, and should be washed at a low pressure setting, also known as a soft washing.

Is it worth it to stain a wood fence?

Wood can deteriorate and rot after exposure to the elements, but proper painting or staining provides a protective outer seal. That’s the best way to ensure that a wood fence will look good and perform well for many years.

Find a fence cleaning service in your area.

Related fence cost guides

Need other fence services? These guides can help you make the right purchasing decisions:

Can’t decide? Read How to choose a home fence.

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