What this guide covers: How to pressure wash fences and gates made from timber, composite and metal — including the correct technique for different materials, why treating timber after washing is essential, and how to handle rust on metal gates.
Fences and gates are easy to overlook when it comes to outdoor cleaning — the gradual greening from algae and weathering happens slowly enough that it becomes the new normal. A pressure wash brings timber fencing back dramatically, and on metal gates it removes the surface contamination that accelerates rust and coating failure. What you do after washing matters as much as the wash itself.
What material is your fence or gate?
Pressure-treated softwood — most common UK fence material; fan nozzle across the boards, moderate pressure; apply fence treatment or wood preserver after full drying. Hardwood timber — denser, more tolerant of pressure; work across the grain; oil or hardwax treatment after cleaning penetrates better than standard fence paint. Composite fencing — non-porous, no treatment required after washing; standard domestic pressure with fan nozzle. Metal gates — standard fan nozzle; avoid directing pressure at rusted or chipped coating areas; treat bare metal immediately with rust inhibitor after washing.
What you need
- Pressure washer — V-TUF V3 covers all fence and gate materials
- Fan nozzle (25° or 40°)
- Outdoor or fence cleaner with biocidal action
- Fence treatment, wood preserver or decking oil — for timber fencing after drying
- Rust inhibitor touch-up — for bare metal on steel or iron gates
How to clean
Apply fence cleaner and allow 10–15 minutes dwell time. Use the fan nozzle, working across the boards from top to bottom. Keep the nozzle moving at a consistent distance — holding it still on timber at any pressure causes surface damage. Allow timber to dry fully before applying treatment (24–48 hours). Two thin coats of treatment give better penetration than one heavy coat.
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