If you have recently had a chain link fence installed in your backyard, you may wonder if there is anything special you can do to keep it clean and prevent rust and wear. If so, use the following tips to help you keep your chain link fence maintained.

1.  Spray Off the Dirt and Grass Clippings

The first areas you should pay attention to when maintaining your chain link fence are the places where the links join together. Every time you mow your lawn, dirt and grass clippings accumulate in these spaces.

If not dealt with, the debris can deter from the appearance of your fence. It could create a concentration of moisture that encourages rust, as well as mold and mildew growth.

To keep this from happening, get into the habit of spraying off your fence after mowing with either a pressure washer or garden hose with a nozzle set to the highest setting. If there is caked-on mud that the water will not come off with the water, use a stiff brush to remove it before spraying it off. 

2.  Kill Mold or Mildew You Find Growing on the Fence

Especially if parts of your fence are located in shaded areas, mold and mildew may still grow on the fence. Because either of these fungal growths can corrode the metal, you should kill them before they get out of hand.

To get rid of the mold and mildew, spray straight vinegar on the areas, then let the solution sit for a few hours. Then, spray off the fence as described in the section above. If you have any favorite plants next to the fence, however, make sure you cover them with plastic, as the vinegar could burn them as well.

3.  Remove Rust as Soon as You See It 

Even with all of your best efforts, the metal on your chain link fence may still get a little rusty as the years go by. To keep the damage on the surface level, remove this rust as soon as you see it.

You can remove the rust by scrubbing it with a dry pad of steel wool, which will not damage the metal. However, if the rust is a little deeper than the surface, you can spray the area with vinegar first, then scrub it after it soaks in.

Keeping up with the maintenance of your chain link fence can reduce the risk of damage and help keep it lasting longer. For more information on maintaining your chain link fencing, speak with a company like Canyon  Fence Co today.