With the advent of summer, many people enjoy spending quality time outdoors, and patios have become a popular place for family gatherings and leisure. However, after a whole winter of exposure to the wind and sun, patio furniture will inevitably accumulate dust and stains. At this time, a pressure washer becomes your best helper. However, although a pressure washer is powerful, it can easily damage furniture if not used properly.
This article will detail how to use a pressure washer to clean patio furniture, as well as cleaning methods and safety tips for different materials.
Materials of Outdoor Patio Furniture
Before we delve into how to use a pressure washer to clean patio furniture, we first need to understand the materials of patio furniture. Furniture of different materials requires different methods during the cleaning process to ensure the best cleaning effect while avoiding damage to the furniture. Here are some common patio furniture materials:
Wooden furniture - Wooden furniture is popular for its natural beauty and comfort. Common woods include teak, pine, cypress, etc. Wooden furniture requires special care because high-pressure water flow may damage the surface of the wood or penetrate the wood grain to cause cracking.
Metal furniture - Metal furniture such as aluminum, iron, and stainless steel furniture are popular for their durability and modern feel. Metal furniture is usually easier to clean, but you need to be careful to avoid surface scratches or rust caused by strong water flow.
Plastic furniture - Plastic furniture is lightweight and waterproof, suitable for outdoor use. They are easy to clean, but high-pressure water flow may cause the plastic to deform or fade.
Woven furniture - Woven furniture is usually made of wicker or rattan, and the woven structure is complex, so special attention should be paid to not damaging the woven parts during cleaning.
Glass furniture - Glass furniture is usually used for tabletops and decorations. When cleaning, you need to avoid strong water flow that may cause glass breakage.
Types of Outdoor Patio Furniture
After understanding the materials of patio furniture, let's take a look at the common types of outdoor patio furniture. Different types of furniture also have different precautions during cleaning.
Seats and sofas - Whether it is a single chair or a modular sofa, it can add comfort to the outdoor space. Seats and sofas are usually cushioned and need to be cleaned regularly.
Dining tables and chairs - This is the most common patio furniture, used for dining and resting. You need to pay attention to the details of the tabletop and chair back when cleaning.
Lounge chairs - Lounge chairs provide a comfortable resting experience, and you need to pay special attention to dust accumulation in gaps and corners when cleaning.
Swing chairs and hammocks - These pieces of furniture add interest and comfort to your outdoor space. Be careful with the brackets and ropes when cleaning.
Sun umbrellas - Sun umbrellas provide shade and protection for outdoor activities. When cleaning, pay attention to the cleaning of the umbrella and the ribs.
Lockers - Outdoor lockers are used to store items. When cleaning, check for stains inside and outside.
How to Use a Pressure Washer to Clean Patio Furniture?
Now let's get into the topic and learn how to properly use a pressure washer to clean patio furniture. Here are the specific steps and precautions.
Connect the pressure washer
Connect the pressure washer to the water source and make sure all connections are secure and leak-free.
Choose the right nozzle
Choose the right nozzle angle and water pressure based on the material of the furniture. High-pressure washers are usually equipped with nozzles at different angles, the most common of which are 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 25 degrees, and 40 degrees. For patio furniture, it is recommended to use a 25-degree or 40-degree nozzle because these nozzles have a wider angle to avoid excessive water pressure from damaging the furniture. Generally, a 25-degree nozzle is more suitable for cleaning most patio furniture.
Pretreatment
For stubborn stains, you can first clean it with a soft brush and warm water to help loosen the stains.
Adjust the water pressure
Do not adjust the water pressure to the highest setting. Generally, medium water pressure (about 1500-2000 PSI) is sufficient to clean most patio furniture. Excessive water pressure may damage the surface of the furniture.
Spray the detergent
If needed, add an appropriate amount of outdoor furniture-specific detergent to the detergent tank of the pressure washer. Mix according to the proportion instructions on the detergent package. Use low-pressure mode to spray the detergent to ensure that the surface of the furniture is evenly covered.
Cleaning
Start from a distance and gradually approach the furniture with high-pressure water. Keep the nozzle about 12 inches away from the surface of the furniture to avoid excessive water pressure from damaging the furniture. Use an even sweeping gesture to clean the furniture piece by piece to ensure that nothing is missed.
Check the cleaning effect
After cleaning, check the surface of the furniture for any residual stains and repeat the cleaning if necessary.
How to Clean Furniture Made of Different Materials?
Wooden furniture
When cleaning wooden furniture, be especially careful to avoid excessive water pressure that may cause cracking of the wood. Use a 25-degree or 40-degree nozzle, medium water pressure, and make sure the nozzle is kept at an appropriate distance from the furniture surface. After cleaning, let the wooden furniture air dry naturally and avoid direct sunlight.
Metal furniture
Metal furniture is usually stronger and can withstand higher water pressure. But be careful to check whether the surface coating is intact to avoid rust. After cleaning, wipe the moisture with a soft cloth.
Plastic furniture
Plastic furniture can be easily cleaned with a high-pressure washer. It is recommended to use a 40-degree nozzle, but be careful to avoid excessive water pressure that may cause deformation of the plastic and scratches on the surface. Wipe dry with a soft cloth after cleaning.
Woven furniture
Woven furniture needs to be especially careful when cleaning, and choose a lower water pressure to avoid damaging the woven part. It is recommended to use a 25-degree or 40-degree nozzle. Use a soft brush to wash with it for better results.
Glass furniture
Glass tabletops can be cleaned with a high-pressure washer, but be careful to avoid cracking due to excessive water pressure. Use a wide-angle nozzle and medium-low water pressure, and wipe dry with a soft cloth after cleaning.
Fabric Upholstery
Fabric upholstery is not suitable for direct pressure washing. You can remove the upholstery cover and hand or machine wash as directed on the label. For non-removable parts, use low pressure mode and mild detergent for surface cleaning.
Safety Tips for Using a Pressure Washer to Clean Patio Furniture
While using a pressure washer to clean patio furniture is highly effective, it also has certain safety risks. Here are some safety tips to ensure a safe cleaning process.
Wear Protective Gear
When using a pressure washer, always wear protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves, and non-slip shoes to avoid high-pressure water and dirt splashing into your eyes and skin.
Avoid direct impact with high-pressure water
Do not allow high-pressure water to directly impact your skin or other fragile items to avoid injury or damage.
Keep the power supply dry
When using an electric pressure washer, make sure the power supply and cable are dry to avoid the risk of electric shock.
Avoid using in high or low temperatures
Avoid using a pressure washer in high or low temperatures to prevent the device from overheating or freezing.
Will a Pressure Washer Remove All Stains?
Pressure washers are very effective, but they are not a panacea. Some stubborn stains, such as oil, mildew, and gum, may require additional detergent or manual wiping to completely remove. Before using a pressure washer, you can pre-treat the furniture with an appropriate detergent and then rinse it with high-pressure water. After pressure washing, check the surface of the furniture and if there are any residual stains, you can use a soft brush and special detergent to treat them.
What Kind of Soap Can I Use in a Pressure Washer?
When using soap in a pressure washer, it is recommended to choose a detergent designed for pressure washers. Generally, these detergents are mildly formulated and will not damage the furniture surface.
Soap ratio
According to the instructions for the detergent, mix the detergent with water in the recommended ratio. Usually the ratio is 1:10, that is, 1 part detergent to 10 parts water. Pour the mixed detergent into the detergent tank of the pressure washer and spray it on low pressure mode.
Homemade detergent
If you want to make your own detergent, you can use a mild dishwashing liquid and water in a ratio of 1:10. Avoid using cleaners containing bleach or strong acids and alkalis, as these chemicals may damage the surface of the furniture.
Tips:
● Before use, read the instructions for the cleaner carefully to ensure correct use.
● Before using the cleaner, it is best to test it in an inconspicuous corner of the furniture to ensure that the cleaner will not cause fading or damage.
Conclusion
High-pressure washers are a great helper for cleaning outdoor patio furniture, but you need to master the correct methods and techniques when using them. By choosing the right nozzle and water pressure, using a mild detergent, and following safe operating procedures, you can easily make your outdoor furniture look brand new.
Remember that different materials and furniture types require different cleaning methods, so make sure you can handle each type of furniture correctly. Take action now and give your patio furniture a thorough cleaning, and enjoy a clean and comfortable outdoor life!