Fence & Deck Cleaning
Bring weathered, grey wood back to life. Our fence and deck cleaning removes years of grime, algae, and oxidation — prepping your wood for a fresh seal or stain.
What Is Fence & Deck Cleaning?
If you have a wood deck or fence in North Carolina or South Carolina, you've watched it happen: the warm, rich wood you started with slowly turns grey, then dark, then green in spots. That's not just aging — it's a combination of UV damage breaking down the wood's surface fibers, algae and mildew taking hold in our humid climate, and oxidation turning the exposed wood grey. The good news is that almost all of it is reversible. Underneath that grey layer, the original wood color is still there, waiting to be brought back.
Cleaning wood is different from cleaning concrete or siding. Use too much pressure and you gouge the soft grain, raise splinters, and leave a fuzzy, damaged surface that looks worse than before. Use too little and the deep grime and algae don't come off. The right approach is a careful balance: a wood-appropriate cleaner that breaks down algae and oxidation, a brightener that restores the natural pH and color of the wood, and a low-pressure rinse that lifts the grime without damaging the fibers.
For Carolina homeowners, a professionally cleaned deck or fence is the essential first step before staining or sealing. Stain applied over grey, dirty wood won't adhere properly, won't last, and won't look right. A clean, brightened surface lets the stain penetrate deeply and evenly, which means a richer color, better protection, and a finish that lasts years longer. Even if you're not staining right away, a clean deck is safer to walk on, looks dramatically better, and extends the life of the wood by removing the organisms that cause rot.
Why It Matters
Restores Natural Wood
Remove the grey oxidation layer and reveal the warm, rich wood tone beneath — often a stunning before-and-after difference.
Prep for Stain
A clean, brightened surface is essential for stain and sealant adhesion, color accuracy, and long-lasting protection.
Removes Algae & Mildew
Eliminate slippery, unsightly algae and mildew growth that makes decks dangerous and accelerates wood rot.
Gentle on Wood
We use the right pressure — low, not high — to clean deeply without etching the grain, raising splinters, or fuzzing the surface.
Extends Wood Life
Regular cleaning removes the organisms and buildup that cause rot, decay, and premature wood failure — extending the life of your investment.
Boosts Curb Appeal
A restored deck or fence transforms your outdoor space and makes your whole property look freshly maintained.
How We Get It Done
A proven, step-by-step approach that protects your property and delivers spotless results — every time.
Wood Assessment
We evaluate the wood type, age, condition, and current finish to choose the right pressure, cleaner, and brightener for your specific deck or fence.
Pre-Treat
We apply a wood-specific cleaner that breaks down algae, mildew, and the grey oxidation layer, giving it time to work before we rinse.
Low-Pressure Clean
We rinse at low pressure — high enough to lift the grime, low enough to avoid gouging the grain or raising splinters — using a wide fan pattern.
Brighten
We apply a wood brightener that restores the natural pH of the wood, opens the grain for stain penetration, and brings back the original warm color.
Dry & Inspect
The wood needs to dry thoroughly — typically 48 hours — before any stain or sealer is applied. We inspect for any missed spots and flag any boards that need repair.
Ready for Finish
Your deck or fence is now clean, bright, and ready for stain, seal, or just to enjoy as-is. We can handle staining too — just ask.
Surfaces We Clean Safely
We match the method and pressure to the surface — protecting your property while delivering a deep, lasting clean.
Safe For
- Pressure-treated pine (most decks and fences)
- Cedar and redwood
- Hardwoods like ipe and mahogany
- Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech, etc.)
- PVC and vinyl fencing
- Wood railings, posts, and pergolas
Clean With Care
- Aged or fragile wood — we reduce pressure and test a small area first to avoid splintering
- Previously stained wood — old stain may lift unevenly; we assess whether stripping is needed first
- Softwoods like pine — we use the lowest effective pressure to avoid gouging the grain
- Composite with wood grain texture — we avoid high pressure that can damage the texture pattern
- Wood with loose boards or rot — we flag repairs before cleaning so you know
Time to Call Gates?
If you've noticed any of these around your property, it's probably time to schedule a cleaning.
Your deck or fence has turned grey or dark from its original color
Green or black algae growing on the surface, especially in shaded areas
A slippery film on the deck when it's damp or after rain
The wood looks dry, cracked, or splintering
Your existing stain is peeling, fading, or wearing unevenly
You can see mildew in the gaps between boards or along the railings
You're planning to stain or seal and need a properly prepped surface
It's been more than a year since the wood was last cleaned
How Often Should You Schedule This?
For most decks and fences across the Carolinas, we recommend professional cleaning once a year, with staining or sealing every 2–3 years depending on sun exposure and product quality. Decks in full sun may need staining more often; shaded decks may need more frequent cleaning to stay ahead of algae. The best time to clean and stain is late spring or early fall, when temperatures are moderate and there's less rain to interfere with drying. Always wait 48 hours after cleaning before applying stain or sealer.
Fence & Deck Cleaning FAQ
Fence & Deck Cleaning Across the Carolinas
Book fence & deck cleaning in your area — we serve all of North Carolina and parts of South Carolina.
Ready for a Spotless Property?
Join hundreds of NC & SC homeowners and businesses who trust Gates for spotless, guaranteed results. Get your free quote today.