Can You Use a Pressure Washer on Garden Furniture?

Pressure washing garden furniture can produce excellent results when done correctly, but the approach must be tailored to the material. Plastic and resin furniture generally tolerates low-to-medium pressure well and comes up looking almost new after cleaning. Metal furniture including aluminium and steel can also be cleaned effectively, though care should be taken around paint finishes and any mechanical components like hinges.

Wooden garden furniture requires much more care. Too much pressure will raise the grain of the wood and can cause splintering, particularly if the furniture is already in poor condition or the wood is softened by age or weather damage. For wooden furniture, a soft wash approach — low pressure with appropriate wood cleaner — gives far better results. After cleaning, teak and hardwood furniture benefits from an oil treatment to restore moisture and protect the surface.

Cushions and fabric components should always be removed before pressure washing any piece of garden furniture. Most garden furniture cushions can be hand-washed or put through a washing machine on a gentle cycle. If you're cleaning furniture as part of a general patio or driveway clean, the furniture can often be moved back onto the freshly cleaned surface and cleaned in situ.