A sparkling clean deck or patio will quickly lose its appeal if the outdoor furniture is filthy. Pieces that spend time outside are impacted by mold, dirt, bird droppings, inclement weather, and wear and tear. Don’t ignore the furniture. Here are some tips for cleaning it safely.

Can Garden Furniture Be Pressure Washed?

This is a common question. The answer is yes, but not everything. It depends on what each piece of furniture is made of. Some materials are more durable than others.

Types of Furniture

Here’s a general guide on what types of outdoor furniture can and can’t be pressure washed.

Hard Plastics. The nice thing about plastic tables and chairs is they can stay outside and not be affected by moisture. If you use a pressure washer, start out with the lowest setting. Plastic furniture can turn yellow and fade over time. Brighten the pieces up with a special plastic cleaner.

Wood Furniture. The general rule here is to pressure wash wooden tables and chairs at a very low setting and use a wider nozzle. Wood is strong, but it can be damaged if the water pressure is too high. 

Vinyl Items. A pressure washer can be used to clean vinyl patio furniture. The material is long lasting and very resistant to water and abrasion. 

Soft Wood, Composite, and Glass. These delicate materials can’t tolerate the force of a pressure washer. Clean these items by hand. A powerful stream of water can loosen components, strip finish from wood, and cause cracking. Unfinished wood and more durable materials like metal will do okay. 

Old Furniture. If your deck chairs have stood up to years of extreme weather, a quick pressure wash will do them good. The machine will get rid of the built-up dirt and grime. 

Rattan Furniture. This basket-type material is difficult to clean by hand. Rattan can be cleaned with a pressure washer using a low setting. However, this material is brittle, prone to cracks and splinters, and isn’t weather-resistant. Store rattan pieces indoors for winter.

Furniture Refinishing. If this project is on your agenda, a pressure washer will strip the old finish off. This will make your refinishing job much easier.

When to Clean Garden Furniture

The furniture in an outdoor space should be cleaned at least twice a year, in the spring and fall. Be sure to pressure wash it when the weather is nice. The items will need time to completely dry. It’s best to store delicate furniture and cushions in a dry indoor space for the winter months. 

DIY Pressure Washing Tips

Here are some tips to follow if you decide to do your own pressure washing.

Practice. Learn how to properly use a pressure washer and practice.

Use a Multi-Setting Machine. Choose a pressure washer that has several settings.

Know Your Nozzles. The wider the water stream, the lower the chances of accidental damage. 

Safety First. Always wear protective gear when operating a pressure washer.

Cover Up Landscaping. You don’t want nearby plants and greenery to be damaged or destroyed.

Turn to Us for Your Power Washing Needs

If you are ready to spruce up your outdoor space, the professionals at Peak Power Wash can help. Let us deep clean your home exterior, deck, patio, sidewalk, or driveway. We use a technique called “soft wash”, which uses a much lower amount of pressure and reduces potential harm to surfaces. Contact us at 443-686-WASH or visit our website to request a free estimate.