The power washer has fundamentally changed the way people maintain their driveways, walkways, backyard decks and other surfaces that have always been difficult to clean. But they’re not just for use on concrete slabs or pressure-treated lumber. They also do a bang-up job on outdoor furniture. That said, not all outdoor furniture is a candidate to be power washed and the ones that are need to be washed using the right techniques, lest you risk doing damage that will be hard to reverse. In this post, the pressure washing pros at Majestic Windows & Exterior Cleaning in Dix Hills focus on the right way and the wrong way to power wash outdoor furniture.
First Things First: Is it Really Safe to Pressure Wash Outdoor Furniture?
The short answer to that question is “yes”. But it’s not an unqualified yes for all types of outdoor furniture, and you can’t simply start at any setting and expect to enjoy good results. There’s a right way and a wrong way to do this, which is one reason why you should always leave this task to the highly trained technicians at Majestic Windows & Exterior Cleaning.
Outdoor furniture is designed to spend most of its life outdoors, exposed to the worst mother nature can throw at it. But even though outdoor furniture is designed to be tough it’s not indestructible and so care must be taken to use only best practices.
The bottom line is that you can pressure wash most outdoor furniture but not all. Below we’ll discuss which types can be power washed and which cannot and detail the right and wrong ways to approach each type.
Outdoor Furniture That Can Be Power Washed
Metal Outdoor Furniture
If there is one outdoor furniture material that was made to be power washed it’s metal. With metal outdoor furniture you can set the power washer to high pressure and have it to remove even the most stubborn and caked-on dirt. Also, if you plan on painting your metal outdoor furniture you can subject it to a high-pressure power wash to both clean it and to remove any rust.
Plastic Outdoor Furniture
Plastic outdoor furniture may not be the most aesthetically pleasing type of furniture but it’s not without its upsides. For one it’s incredibly durable and it will never be bothered by heavy rain, snow, sleet or anything else that falls from the sky. You can also power wash it as often as you like to keep it clean. The right way to do that is with the power washer on a low setting. The wrong way is to crank it up, because if the pressure is too high you could wind up putting a crimp in the plastic.
Rattan Outdoor Furniture
Rattan outdoor furniture has a natural, stylish appeal, but it requires special care when cleaning. While it is durable, natural rattan is more delicate than synthetic versions and can be damaged by excessive water pressure. If you need to power wash rattan furniture, it should always be done on a low-pressure setting with a wide nozzle to reduce the force of the water. Too much pressure can weaken or even break the fibers, causing irreparable damage. For synthetic rattan furniture, pressure washing is generally safer, but it is still best to keep the pressure low to avoid loosening the weave.
Wicker Outdoor Furniture
Wicker outdoor furniture can be tricky to power wash due to the countless tiny cracks and crevices created by weaving the wood and the nature of the weave itself. In some instances, the weave may not be strong enough to withstand a power washer set on high pressure, and you could end up compromising the structural integrity of the furniture. Still, an experienced hand should have no trouble pressure washing wicker furniture using a combination of low pressure and patience.
Wooden Outdoor Furniture
In most cases you can power wash wooden outdoor furniture but, as with plastic, you’ll need to do so with the machine set to low. You should also use a wide nozzle to dissipate the pressure a bit. If you set the pressure too high you could end up forcing water into tiny crevices in the wood and that could lead to rot down the line. Experience tells us you can power wash hardwood like oak, teak or bamboo but should not power wash softer woods like spruce or beech.
Guide to Pressure Washing Outdoor Furniture
Not all outdoor furniture is created equal when it comes to pressure washing. Some materials can withstand high pressure, while others require a gentler approach to avoid damage. Below is a comparison of different types of furniture and the best practices for cleaning each.
| Material | Recommended PSI | Unique Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic | 1200-1500 PSI | Removes dirt and mildew quickly; no risk of rust or rot. | Too much pressure can cause cracking or warping. |
| Wood | 500-1200 PSI | Restores natural appearance by removing grime and mold. | High pressure can splinter wood; sealing is recommended after washing. |
| Metal | 1500-2000 PSI | Effectively removes rust, dirt, and old paint. | Must dry thoroughly to prevent rust; consider applying a rust-resistant coating. |
| Wicker | Low pressure (under 500 PSI) or hand cleaning | Gently removes dirt from intricate weaves. | High pressure can break or unravel the fibers; best cleaned with a soft wash. |
| Rattan | Low pressure (under 500 PSI) or hand cleaning | Keeps natural look intact while removing dirt and mold. | Excessive pressure weakens fibers; recommended to use mild detergent and a soft brush. |
Choosing the right pressure setting and technique is essential to maintaining the lifespan of your outdoor furniture. If you’re unsure about the best approach or don’t want to risk damage by pressure washing furniture yourself, call professional pressure washers in your area for recommendations and assistance.
Guidelines for Pressure Washing Outdoor Furniture
The following are some general rules that need to be respected when cleaning your outdoor furniture with a pressure washer.
- Prepare the furniture by removing any loose dirt and debris.
- Make sure you are power washing outside away from plants and outdoor light fixtures.
- Always place the furniture on a flat, stable platform to reduce the odds of it toppling over.
- Start at a lower setting and increase pressure as needed.
- Spray toward open, outdoor space – not in the direction of open windows or doors on your house.
- Always work from the top of the furniture toward the bottom.
- Keep pets and small children away from the work area.
How Often Should You Power Wash Outdoor Furniture?
With everything else being equal we recommend that you power wash your outdoor furniture at the beginning of the outdoor season. This is typically April or May, depending on the weather.
If, however, you live near the ocean and your furniture comes under a constant barrage of salty spray from the shore you may want to power wash it several times during the outdoor season. Also, if you have outdoor furniture surrounding an outdoor fire pit you’ll want to power wash it at least twice during the outdoor season to remove soot generated by the fire.
This short video illustrates just how effective pressure washing can be on plastic furniture.
Is Pressure Washing Outdoor Furniture a DIY Job?
It’s your furniture so you can do with it as you like. But if you are intent on being the one to power wash it we would urge you to follow the above advice to the letter. That said, we would strongly recommend that you hire a professional to power wash your furniture because they will know exactly what to do every step of the way.
There’s more to this process than turning on the machine, pointing the wand, and pulling the trigger. You also need to know how to prepare the jobsite, which pressure setting to use, which wand to use and when to lean into something and when to back off.
Professionals are also fully insured so if anything happens during the washing process you are not on the hook to pay the bill. Lastly, if you return a power washer to the rent-a-center and they say you damaged it in some way you could be in for a lengthy and expensive back and forth with them. It’s just not worth it.
FAQs About Pressure Washing Outdoor Furniture
We typically use a low to medium-pressure setting (500-1500 PSI) to prevent damage. Softer materials like wood require lower pressure, while metal and plastic can handle slightly higher settings.
If done incorrectly, high pressure can splinter wood. That’s why we use a low-pressure setting and specialized nozzles to clean wooden furniture effectively without causing harm.
Yes! Pressure washing is an effective way to remove mold, mildew, and algae buildup, especially when combined with eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
For wooden furniture, we recommend applying a sealant or protective coating after pressure washing to help prevent future weathering, moisture damage, and fading.
No, pressure washing can damage outdoor cushions and fabrics. We recommend spot-cleaning with mild soap and water or using a low-pressure soft wash method if needed.
We recommend pressure washing at least once or twice a year to maintain cleanliness and prolong the lifespan of your furniture, especially before and after the summer season.
While DIY pressure washing is possible, using the wrong settings or techniques can cause damage. Our professional team ensures a safe and thorough clean, saving you time and effort.
Get in Touch With Majestic
Everyone wants their outdoor furniture to always look its best. The easy way to ensure that is to hire Majestic Windows & Exterior Cleaning to power wash your outdoor furniture in the spring. We’re easy to find. If you’re in Dix Hills just search for “power washing services near me”. Or simpler still, call us at (631) 421-2295 or (516) 721-6503 during normal business hours.