One wrong nozzle really can fur up timber fibres in seconds. But when it’s done properly, pressure washing can strip away mould, salt and grime and actually help your fence last longer.

So, can you pressure wash a fence at your place? Yes… but not every fence, and not with the same approach. In this guide, Get Wet Cleaning Services team will walk you through when pressure is safe, when soft washing is better and how to protect your fence, gardens and surfaces.

When Can You Pressure Wash a Fence and When Should You Avoid It

In simple terms, you can pressure wash many fences, but the method depends on the material and condition. A healthy hardwood or Colorbond fence in good condition will usually tolerate controlled pressure. A weathered, cracked or freshly painted fence often won’t.

On the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, fences cop a lot of salt air, storms, subtropical humidity and mould. That build-up is exactly what pressure washing is good at removing. The secret is matching pressure, detergents and technique to the fence in front of you, rather than treating every job the same.

If you’re standing in the backyard wondering, “Can I pressure wash my fence myself or should I call someone in?”, the rest of this page will help you decide what’s genuinely safe and what’s better left to a pro.

What Type of Fence Do You Have?

Before you even turn a machine on, identify what you’re working with. Different fence materials react very differently to pressurised water.

Timber Fences (Treated Pine, Hardwood, Cedar and More)

Timber is beautiful but vulnerable. Too much pressure can raise the grain, cause splintering and drive water deep into the boards, setting them up for rot. On older pine fences, the fibres are already soft from years of sun and rain, so aggressive blasting can chew out the surface quickly.

A safer approach is a controlled, lower-pressure clean or a professional soft wash that uses specialised detergents to do the heavy lifting. If the timber is very weathered, flaking, or already splintering, it’s usually better to avoid pressure altogether and focus on gentle cleaning and future sealing instead.

Colorbond & Metal Fencing (Steel, Aluminium)

Colorbond and metal fences around Brisbane and the Gold Coast handle moisture better than timber, but they still have weak spots, such as seams, laps, caps and cut edges.

The risks of careless pressure washing include:

• Forcing water into laps and joints where it can sit and promote corrosion
• Stripping away protective coatings, exposing bare metal
• Creating streaks or patchy, dull sections on oxidised panels

Vinyl/PVC Fences

Vinyl and PVC are common around pools and modern properties. High pressure can cause:

• Cracking or snapping of brittle panels
• Chalking or dulling of the surface
• Visible “tiger stripes” where the jet has overlapped

These fences respond best to a soft wash, gentle pressure paired with the right detergents, followed by a light rinse. That’s usually enough to lift sunscreen residue, algae and general grime without stressing the material.

Brick & Rendered Fence Pillars and Walls

Rendered front fences look great, but they can be surprisingly delicate. Too much pressure can:

• Etch the render or mortar joints
• Open up pores so the wall holds more moisture
• Drive water into hairline cracks where it’s hard to dry out

Professionals often use low pressure and tailored solutions to break down mould and pollution stains without chewing into the surface.

Chain Link & Wire Mesh Fences

Chain link and wire mesh are structurally strong but easy to bend and deform with the wrong technique. High pressure at close range can:

• Push debris deeper into the weave
• Bend or distort the mesh
• Blast soil and mulch all over nearby paths and gardens

These are best cleaned with targeted passes, moderate pressure and careful control of overspray, so you don’t splatter muddy water and debris over nearby paving, plants or neighbouring property.

Painted & Coated Fences

If your fence has paint, stain or any decorative coating you want to keep, aggressive pressure is risky. It can strip patches, leave lap marks or expose raw substrate. If your goal is to preserve the existing finish, make sure the technique is chosen with the coating’s condition, age and long-term appearance in mind.

Signs Your Fence Can Be Safely Pressure Washed

Before you answer your own “Can you pressure wash the fence safely?” question, run through these checks:



• The material is robust and intact: no obvious rot, crumbling mortar, brittle vinyl or visibly oxidised metal.
• Coatings are sound: paint or stain isn’t flaking, chalking heavily or peeling off.
• Fixings feel solid: posts aren’t wobbly, rails aren’t sagging and panels feel secure when gently shaken.
• There’s somewhere for water to go: drainage won’t push dirty runoff straight into pools, ponds or your neighbour’s yard.
• Electrical and fixtures are protected: nearby outdoor power points, intercoms and sensors are safely covered or avoided.

If your fence fails any of these checks, soft washing or a low-pressure, professional approach is usually safer.

Situations When Pressure Washing Isn’t the Right Choice

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your fence is not fire up a high-powered machine. Avoid pressure washing when:



• The fence is old, soft timber that’s already greyed out, splintering or cracked
• You have a painted or coated fence and you want to keep that finish intact
• Posts, rails or panels feel loose, rotten or unstable when you press on them
• The fence is very new, or has been recently stained, sealed or painted
• Overspray will hit delicate landscaping, freshly mulched gardens or neighbours’ windows
• There are exposed nails, screws or rust patches that could worsen with heavy water
  

Benefits of Pressure Washing Your Fence

When it’s done correctly for the fence type and local conditions, pressure washing (or soft washing) can be a smart part of your exterior maintenance routine:



Cuts Through Mould & Grime

Pressure cleaning lifts mould, mildew and grime off the surface before they can eat into timber fibres or coatings.

Brings Back Fence Colour

Washing away built-up dirt and growth instantly freshens the colour of your fence and boosts kerb appeal.

Primes for New Coatings

A clean, decontaminated surface helps stains, sealers and paints stick better and last longer.

Helps Prevent Rot & Warping

By clearing out moisture-holding grime, cleaning reduces how long timber stays wet and lowers the risk of rot or twisting.

Deters Bugs & Fungus

Removing organic build-up takes away food and shelter sources that attract insects and fungal growth.

Lowers Future Repair Costs

Regular cleaning slows down decay and damage, helping you avoid early repairs or needing a full fence replacement.

Saves Time & Effort

A washer covers long boundary lines far faster than scrubbing by hand, especially on large or corner blocks.

Makes Outdoor Areas Healthier

Cleaning removes droppings, cobwebs and general grime, making spaces cleaner for kids, pets and everyday use.

Boosts Property Appeal

A fresh-looking fence helps your whole exterior present better at inspections, open homes, appraisals or rental viewings.

Supports Greener Cleaning

When paired with suitable detergents and controlled runoff, pressure washing can clean effectively with minimal environmental impact.

How Often Should You Clean Your Fence

Our humid, coastal climate means fences tend to get grubby faster than in drier parts of Australia. As a general guide on pressure cleaning frequency:

• Most fences benefit from a light clean once a year to stop mould, algae and traffic film from taking hold.
• Softwoods like pine and cedar, composites, are happier with gentle, annual cleans rather than hard blasting.
• Hardwoods can sometimes stretch to every 12–18 months, depending on shade, sprinklers and nearby vegetation.
  
• Vinyl and Colorbond may cope with 18–24 months between washes if they’re not visibly dirty or chalky.
• In shaded, coastal or very humid pockets of the Gold Coast and Brisbane, every 6–12 months is more realistic.
• After you stain, seal or paint, a mild wash at around 6 months keeps things looking fresh before you return to your normal routine.

Spot clean problem areas, like bird droppings, sap or mildew streaks as needed, and do a quick visual check each season for rust, rot or loose fixings.

Can I Pressure Wash My Fence or Should I Hire a Professional?

A lot of homeowners ask, “Can I pressure wash my fence myself?” The honest answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no.

DIY can make sense when:

• You’re dealing with a small, straightforward section of metal or vinyl fence
• You already own a suitable machine and know how to adjust pressure and nozzles
• There are no nearby power points, delicate gardens or tricky access areas

Calling a professional is usually smarter when:

• You have long boundary runs, tall fences or awkward slopes to work on
• The fence is timber and you want to restore it, not just blast it
• You’re preparing for staining or repainting and need consistent results
• There are kids, pets or neighbours’ properties close by that need protection
• You prefer soft-wash expertise and insurance-backed work for peace of mind
  

How Get Wet Cleaning Services Chooses the Right Method for Your Fence

When you book a fence clean with Get Wet Cleaning Services, we don’t just turn up and start blasting. There’s a clear process to keep your fence and surroundings safe.

On-Site Assessment

We start by walking the fence line with you, noting the material, age, previous coatings and problem areas like mould, algae, rust or flaking paint. We also look at access, drainage, nearby gardens, pools and any external power, intercoms or lighting.

Method Selection

Based on that assessment, we choose between controlled pressure washing, soft washing, or a blend of both. Nozzles, pressures and detergents are tailored to your specific fence.

Safety Precautions and Protection Plan

We protect the surrounding areas by:

• Covering sensitive plants and outdoor features where needed
• Avoiding or shielding electrical fittings and sensors
• Managing runoff so dirty water doesn’t flow into pools or neighbours’ yards

Our team is fully trained, police checked and works to professional safety standards at all times.

Aftercare Options

Once your fence is clean, we can talk you through aftercare: how soon you can paint or stain, how to spot early signs of mould or rust, and what cleaning frequency makes sense for your property.

Bottom Line

So, to answer the million-dollar question, “Can you pressure wash a fence at your property?” Yes, but only when the fence material, condition and surroundings are suited to it. The safest, most effective results come from treating each fence individually and choosing between pressure washing and soft washing with care.

If you’re unsure what your fence can handle, the easiest next step is to book a professional assessment. Get Wet Cleaning Services offers pressure cleaning for residential homes as well as commercial and body corporate/strata properties across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. We can inspect your fence, recommend the safest approach and carry out a thorough clean that protects your landscaping, finishes and peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

• Whether you can pressure wash a fence safely depends on the material and condition, not just the machine.
• Timber, oxidised Colorbond, brittle vinyl and failing coatings are all higher-risk and often better suited to soft washing.
• Good planning protects landscaping, fixtures and neighbours’ property from overspray and runoff.
• A professional service like Get Wet chooses between pressure and soft washing on a case-by-case basis, then backs the work with experience, insurance and quality equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions