Pressure washing garden furniture — is it something you can do? If so, how often should you do it? And is it better to hire a professional or do it yourself?
Is Pressure Washing Garden Furniture Recommended?
Pressure washing is an effective and efficient method of cleaning. A pressure washer can eliminate even the most stubborn of dirt and grime thanks to its high-powered blasts of water. When you add heat to the whole thing — a process called power washing — it can even remove oil and grease. But, because of the high pressure, not all things can be pressure washed.
Pressure washers are more commonly used to clean walls, concrete driveways, and even roofs. Even most patios and decks can take the force of a pressure washer. But, if you truly want a clean patio or garden, you must also target the furniture. After all, even the most sparkling outdoor spaces can look drab and dingy when decorated with filthy furniture.
Because garden furniture spends most of its time outdoors, it is easy to build up layers and layers of dirt and grime. In humid climates, furniture can even develop mold, which can have detrimental effects on your health. But, is pressure washing garden furniture even a good idea?
In general, you can pressure wash most outdoor furniture, but not all. It really depends on what materials were used to manufacture the furniture. For instance, glass tables tend to be more prone to breakage, so it is best not to pressure wash those. A good rule of thumb is to avoid pressure washing delicate furniture.
Garden Furniture You Can Pressure Wash
Can you pressure wash patio furniture? It depends on the material. Outdoor furniture can come in a variety of shapes and forms, and some materials are more durable than others. In other words, some furniture types are better at withstanding the force of a pressure washer than others.
Here are some of the most common outdoor furniture you can pressure wash.
Plastic Chairs and Tables
Hard plastics make for great outdoor furniture because they can last long without moisture affecting them too much. And many plastic furniture pieces nowadays look very sleek and modern. And while you can pressure wash plastic furniture, remember to start at a lower setting. This way, you can control the pressure better and avoid blasting light furniture away.
Wooden Chairs and Tables
When it comes to wood, the general rule is to pressure wash using a very low setting and wider nozzle. Wood is fairly strong, but it is not immune to damage from a pressure washer. In fact, in the wrong hands, a pressure washer can etch into wood and ruin furniture altogether. Plus, the water can soak into the wood and cause it to soften or rot. As such, it is always best to pressure wash wooden furniture on a sunny day to allow it to dry faster.
In addition, it may be wise only to pressure wash hardwoods such as oak, bamboo, teak, or robinia. This is because hardwoods are sturdier and can more easily withstand pressurized water. However, homeowners must be more careful if the furniture is made of softwoods like beech or spruce. This is because excessive water pressure can easily damage them.
Vinyl Chairs and Tables
If you have vinyl furniture, you can also use a pressure washer to clean them. Vinyl is a popular choice of material thanks to its long-lasting composition. It’s also incredibly resistant to water and abrasion, so it does not fray easily.
Wicker Chairs and Tables
Can you power wash wicker furniture or pressure wash them? Wicker is often confused for a type of wood. However, wicker furniture can be made of any man-made or natural material that can be woven. As such, wicker furniture can be natural if it’s made from bamboo, willow, or reed. It can also be synthetic if it’s made from vinyl or other man-made materials.
That said, it’s best not to power wash patio furniture made of wicker. This is because doing so could damage and stretch the material. However, if you have synthetic wicker furniture, you may be able to get away with pressure washing them carefully at a very low setting.
Rattan Chairs and Tables
It’s generally safe to pressure wash rattan chairs and tables using a low-, medium-, or high-pressure washer. However, it’s best to use a low-pressure setting and keep a good distance away from the furniture to avoid damaging it.
Metal Chairs and Tables
Pressure washing garden furniture made of metal is always a good idea. Use a high-pressure washer to remove dirt and grime. It’s also best to use a wash brush attachment to remove dirt more effectively.
How to Pressure Wash Garden Furniture
There is a correct way to do it when it comes to pressure washing. Pressure washing patio furniture generally involves the same steps as pressure washing other surfaces. You start with a rinse, follow that up with a detergent or cleaning solution, and then finish it off with another rinse. But, there are some additional things you must keep in mind.
Here are some tips for pressure washing outdoor garden furniture:
- Remove loose dirt and dust with a hand brush first before pressure washing garden furniture.
- Pressure wash in an open and safe space. Cover nearby plants and fixtures with a tarp to avoid getting water and detergent.
- Place your furniture on a flat and even surface. This will prevent them from toppling over when they are hit with the water.
- Spray away from any gaps or entryways to your home, including doors and windows.
- Use a wider nozzle and a lower pressure setting to start. You can always adjust these settings as you go along, but you can’t undo the damage from a high-pressure setting and a narrow nozzle.
- Pressure wash your furniture using a top-to-bottom motion.
- For stubborn filth, use a detergent on plastic and harder materials if you have any cushions, spot-clean those using a brush.
How Often Should You Pressure Wash Outdoor Furniture?
Generally, it is best to pressure wash your patio furniture at the beginning of spring every year. This is the perfect time to clean furniture because temperatures are no longer freezing. That said, it depends on several factors.
For one thing, your location can help you determine how often you should pressure wash garden furniture. If you live in a bustling area with lots of smoke and dust, you will probably need to clean your furniture more frequently. The same applies if you leave your patio furniture outside all year long. To minimize the need for pressure washing, it is a good idea to cover your patio furniture when not in use.
Professional vs DIY Pressure Washing
Because of the widespread availability of pressure washer rentals at home improvement stores, many homeowners feel tempted to take a DIY approach to clean patio furniture. But, pressure washing is almost an art form; it requires experience and the right resources to execute flawlessly.
When you hire a professional, you minimize the risk of damage. A professional technician can conduct inspections before the cleaning and identify potential problem areas. If there’s an issue with the furniture, to begin with, pressure washing straight away might make things worse. And you don’t get that when you DIY it.
In addition, professionals already know what pressure settings and nozzles to use depending on the type of material they’re working with. This also limits damage to the furniture. If nothing else, professionals can complete the job with much more precision and in half the time than you can.
The cost of hiring a professional pressure washer may turn you off. But, many companies offer package deals that leave you with not just clean patio furniture but also clean walls, driveways, and roofs. Besides, hiring a company is much more cost-efficient.
The Best Solution
Pressure washing garden furniture is a great way to breathe new life into your patio or outdoor space. But, it is not something you can — or should — do alone. Hire a professional pressure washing company like Washh to achieve high-quality results at an affordable rate.
Call Washh at 704.321.8000 or contact us online to get a free estimate!
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