Removing Iron Stains from a Vinyl Fence

Vinyl fencing is perhaps one of the most popular choices among homeowners for fencing in their yards. This is a fairly easy to understand considering how long lasting, durable, and fairly easy to clean this material is. There is one type of stain though that can be pretty difficult to remove, and that is iron stains. Luckily, removing iron stains from a vinyl fence doesn't need to be overly difficult. While it may be tedious at times, if you use the methods listed here you will be able to get the job done in relatively short order.

One word of warning before you begin using these methods. Keep in mind that some of them are not exactly ecologically friendly. This means that you need to be particularly careful when you start to clean, otherwise you may cause some pretty nasty damage to your lawn or yard.

• Acetone. Acetone is the major ingredient in most brands of nail polish remover and can remove just about any kind of stain. When using this type of cleaner, apply a small amount to a soft cotton cloth (such as a t-shirt). Rub, wipe, and scrub at the stain, reapplying the nail polish remover as needed until the stain has disappeared. Use only as limited an amount as possible since the acetone may damage the grass or other foliage around your home. When finished, rinse off the fence to get rid of anything that remains.
• Bar Keeper's Friend. This cleanser can be found in most grocery stores. Simply follow the directions on the back of the product and you will soon have a perfectly clean vinyl fence. One thing to remember, though, is that when scrubbing the fence you will want to use something that won't scratch the fence too much since gouged and scratched material is easier to stain.
• Radiator cleaner. The same type of cleaner that you use on your radiator, you can also use to remove rust stains from vinyl fencing. Simply apply a small amount of cleaner to a soft bristled brush and then scrub away the stain. Make sure you move the brush in a circular motion, as this limits the chances of damaging the fence.
• Magic eraser. One of the greatest inventions to come out of Mr. Cleans' laboratories in a long time can be used to remove just about every kind of stain there is. To remove rust stains from your vinyl fencing you may need to use several of these, depending on how large of an area of your fence is stained. Simply wet the sponge, and scrub!