Alright, so I finally got around to tackling the fence this past weekend. It was looking pretty rough, you know? Greenish stuff growing on it, dirt splatters from the rain – just generally tired. I figured it was high time for a good cleaning, and what better way than with the power washer, eh?

Getting Set Up

First things first, I had to haul the power washer out from the shed. Thing’s heavier than I remember. Checked the oil, topped it up with gas – don't want it conking out halfway through. Then came connecting the hoses. Always a bit of a faff, making sure everything’s tight so you don’t end up spraying yourself more than the fence.

Next up, clearing the area. This was probably the most annoying bit. Had to move:

• A couple of those big planters my wife loves.
• The kids' forgotten toys.
• Some garden tools I’d leaned up against it.

I also threw some old sheets over the nearby rose bushes. Didn't want to blast them into next week. Safety first, or at least, plant safety first.

Then I had to pick a nozzle. My machine came with a few. I went for one that’s sort of a fan spray, not one of those super-thin pinpoint ones. Learned that lesson the hard way a few years back on the patio – nearly etched lines into the concrete. You gotta be careful with wood, it’s softer than you think.

The Actual Blasting

Once I got the machine fired up – took a couple of pulls, mind you – I started on one end of the fence. My plan was to work from the top down, in sections. It’s pretty satisfying, actually, watching all that grime just melt away. You could see the original wood color coming through. Instant gratification, that’s what it is.

I tried to keep the nozzle moving, in a steady sweeping motion. Holding it too close or in one spot for too long is a big no-no. You’ll just chew up the wood. I kept about a foot away, maybe a bit more if the wood looked a bit softer. Some sections were worse than others, especially the bits under the trees. Those took a couple of passes.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing. The hose kept kinking up, which is always a pain. And I definitely got a bit wet. Splashed myself in the face a few times. Good thing I was wearing old clothes and some safety glasses. You don't want that mucky water in your eyes.

The Aftermath and What's Next

Took me a good few hours, all told. But man, what a difference. The fence looks a hundred times better. Brighter, cleaner – almost like new wood in some spots. Stood back and just admired it for a bit. My back was aching, my hands were vibrating from the machine, but it felt good.

Cleaned up the power washer, drained the gas, coiled up the hoses. Put all the plants and stuff back. The wife was pretty impressed, which is always a bonus.

Now the fence is all clean and dry, I’m thinking it probably needs a coat of sealer or stain. Protect it a bit, you know? That’s a job for another weekend, though. For now, I’m just happy it’s not green anymore!