Algae often seize the opportunity to spread across fences during the chilly, damp winter months, turning into a nuisance on wooden barriers if not addressed promptly. Many garden enthusiasts opt for the charming aesthetic of a rustic wooden fence, which not only matches the natural surroundings but also offers greater privacy than its metal counterparts. Yet, the charm comes with a challenge: algae tend to flourish on wood over time, and neglecting this growth can cause the material to decay or rot.

While some may resort to costly, chemical-laden products that risk harming adjacent plant life, or even attempt to cover up the issue with paint, there's a far more effective and eco-friendly method available. Michael, a cleaning expert from Advantage patio cleaning service, has shared a thrifty and eco-conscious solution to fend off algae using a simple concoction of vinegar and baking soda, reports the Express.

Michael advises: "Vinegar and baking soda are a natural answer to the question of how to clean a wooden fence without pressure washing. Vinegar is a mild acid, so it's good for removing mildew and mould, and baking soda is abrasive, so it helps to scrub off dirt.". For best results, it's suggested to blend white vinegar, baking soda and hot water in a container, then apply the mixture to the fence with a paintbrush or spray it on using an empty spray bottle. If you leave it be for a bit, the green algae stains should clear up.

To clean the fence, grab a scrubbing brush or a stiff outdoor broom and give it a good scrub before hosing it down thoroughly to ensure all traces of algae are banished from the wood. Michael has some top tips for wooden fences that are particularly ravaged by algae. He remarked: "If it's been a while since you've done any cleaning and maintenance on your fence, there might be a fair amount of dirt built up, but if your fence is still in good shape, there may be an alternative to scrubbing.

"Most of the muck is just sitting on the wood's surface, so why not think about sanding the fence rather than washing away the grime? " he suggests. For this task, you'll need an orbital sander, and Michael assures your fence "will look as new" after the job. But be cautious - sanding down fences is a last resort, with a max of two go-overs, or you risk wearing down the boards, especially if the algae infestation is severe. Prevention is key for long-term algae management, and Michael staunchly supports painting your fence with weatherproof outdoor stain paint once it is pristine again.

Michael explained the next steps: "Once you have finished cleaning your fence completely, and it's had a couple of days to dry completely, use a good quality exterior deck and fence paint or stain to cover the whole fence. You might need to apply more than one coat as the paint or stain soaks into the wood. However, once this is done, next year, you won't have to scrub again, and you can simply hose and touch up the stain.".