A weathered fence or deck rarely needs replacing. Most of the time the wood underneath is sound, and what you are looking at is a gray, dingy surface layer of mildew, algae, and ground-in dirt. Cleaning it the right way lifts that layer off and brings the natural color back, often making the whole structure look years newer in a single afternoon.
The Neighbor's cleans wood and composite fences and decks across Madison and Rankin Counties, including Madison, Ridgeland, Brandon, Flowood, and the greater Jackson metro. We clean with low pressure that is safe for the grain, we tell you up front what cleaning will and will not fix, and we keep you off the ladder and out of the mildew. Request a free quote and hear back within one business day.
How much does fence or deck cleaning cost?
Fence and deck cleaning is priced by the size of the structure and its condition, not by the hour. A small deck or a short fence line costs less than a wraparound deck with railings or a long privacy fence. Wood that has gone years without a cleaning takes more work on the first pass, but once the gray is lifted, keeping it bright is far easier.
We give you the full price before any work starts, with no surprise add-ons on the invoice, and homes on a recurring plan pay a reduced rate on every visit. For an exact figure, request a free quote and we will price your fence or deck and show you the one-time rate and the plan rate side by side.
How often should you clean a fence or deck?
For most wood in this climate, about once a year keeps mildew from setting in and keeps the surface from graying out between finishes. Shaded, tree-covered, or north-facing wood stays damp longer and does better more often. And any time you plan to stain or seal, clean first, so the finish goes onto sound, bare wood.
- Most fences and decks: about once a year
- Shaded, tree-covered, or north-facing wood: more often, since it stays damp longer
- Before you stain or seal: always clean first
Why wood goes gray so fast here
Central Mississippi is hard on outdoor wood. High humidity, heavy rain, and shade keep fences and decks damp, and that moisture feeds the mildew and algae that turn wood gray and slick. Boards that sit under trees or face north hold the growth longest. Pollen and dirt settle into the grain on top of it, and within a couple of seasons a deck that was warm and golden reads as old and tired.
Why high pressure is the wrong tool for wood
This is the part that matters most. Wood is soft. High pressure gouges it, raises and furs the grain, and leaves permanent stripe marks that no amount of staining fully hides. We clean fences and decks with low pressure and the proper cleaning solution, so the grime comes off and the wood does not. Composite and vinyl decking is even less forgiving of pressure, so we treat it gently and by the manufacturer's rules. The cleaning solution does the work of lifting the growth, which is why the result is even and the wood stays sound. For which method each surface needs, see soft washing vs pressure washing.
What we clean, and what we do not
We clean wood and composite fences, deck boards and railings, pergolas, and other exterior wood structures. We clean and brighten only. We do not strip, sand, stain, or seal as part of this service, though a fresh cleaning is the right first step whenever you are ready to have that done.
We are honest about scope. Heavy staining or wood that is already failing gets assessed up front, and we tell you straight what cleaning will and will not fix. A cleaning brings back color and lifts growth. It does not rebuild wood that has already rotted.
Why homeowners put fences and decks on a plan
Cleaning a fence or deck on a schedule is the difference between maintaining the wood you have and replacing it sooner than you should.
- Protects the wood. Mildew and algae hold moisture against the boards, which is what breaks wood down over time. Clearing them on schedule keeps the structure sound longer.
- Safer footing. A mildew-slick deck or step is a real fall risk. Clean boards have grip.
- Brings back the look. Lifting the gray surface layer restores the natural color and makes the whole space inviting again, no stain required.
- Cheaper than replacing. A wash is a small fraction of the cost of rebuilding a fence line or a deck that was allowed to rot.
- Sets up a good finish. When you do decide to seal or stain, clean wood is the starting point that makes the finish last.
While we are already there
Most fence and deck customers have us handle a few other things on the same visit, since the truck and the team are already on the property. We also clean windows, wash siding, clean driveways and concrete, clear gutters, and wash roofs. A deck and a house wash on the same trip is a natural pairing, because together they refresh the whole backyard and the back of the home. Ask about adding services when you get your quote.
Serving Madison and the surrounding metro
We are based in the area and serve Madison and Rankin Counties, including Madison, Ridgeland, Brandon, Flowood, Pearl, Canton, and the greater Jackson metro. Locally owned and fully insured. We treat your home the way we would want ours treated, because the people we clean for are our actual neighbors.
Ready to bring your wood back?
Request a free quote and we will get back to you within one business day with a clear price, the one-time rate and the plan rate side by side. No pressure and no surprises on the invoice. Lift the gray and bring the color back, the safe way.