Spring has arrived in Western North Carolina, and that means it's time to rescue your outdoor furniture from months of winter neglect. As you survey those grimy chairs and tables on your deck or patio, you might be tempted to blast away the dirt with your pressure washer. But wait! Before you power up that equipment, there's something important you should know: pressure washing your outdoor furniture incorrectly can cause irreparable damage.
At Mobile Magic, we've been cleaning outdoor furniture across Asheville, Hendersonville, Waynesville, and all of Western North Carolina since 2001. We've seen the disappointing results of pressure washing gone wrong, and we're here to help you avoid making those same mistakes.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters
Outdoor furniture is constantly exposed to the elements. Here in Western North Carolina, we experience everything from pollen storms in spring to summer thunderstorms, autumn leaves, and winter precipitation. Over time, your furniture collects:
- Dust and dirt that makes surfaces look dull
- Pollen that causes discoloration and allergies
- Bird droppings that can actually damage finishes if left too long
- Mold and mildew, especially in shaded areas
- Tree sap and other sticky residues
- General grime that makes furniture look old and uninviting
Regular cleaning not only makes your furniture more appealing but also extends its life. When dirt and grime build up on surfaces, they can actually begin to break down materials over time. This is especially true for wood, wicker, and certain plastics.
Understanding Your Furniture Materials
Different materials require different cleaning approaches. Deck and outdoor furniture come in a variety of different materials: wood, metal, resin, etc. The maintenance will vary depending on what material your furniture is made out of.
1. Wood Furniture
Wood furniture requires special care when pressure washing. Property damage is a concern when pressure washing. The natural fibers in wood can literally be torn apart by high-pressure water if not used properly.
2. Wicker and Rattan
These woven materials are perhaps the most vulnerable to pressure washing damage. The intricate weaving provides countless places for dirt to hide, but those same crevices make it extremely difficult to clean properly with pressure alone.
3. Resin and Plastic
While more durable than wood or wicker, plastic furniture can still be damaged by excessive pressure. Many plastic furniture pieces are hollow or have thin walls that can crack or warp under high pressure.
4. Metal Furniture
Metal frames may seem sturdy, but pressure washing can strip paint and protective coatings, leading to rust and corrosion—especially in our humid Western North Carolina climate.
The Danger of High-Pressure Washing
Standard pressure washers can generate anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000 PSI (pounds per square inch) of water pressure. That's powerful enough to:
- Etch your name in a wooden deck
- Strip paint from siding
- Cut through rubber seals and gaskets
- Cause severe skin lacerations
Yet many homeowners use these same machines at full power on delicate outdoor furniture! No wonder so many people end up having to replace their furniture prematurely.
The Mobile Magic Approach: Softwash Is The Secret
At Mobile Magic, we use what's called a "soft wash" approach for delicate items like furniture. As we explain on our website: unlike pressure washing, soft washing uses low-pressure pumps (soft washing uses about as much pressure as a regular garden hose) and a combination of biodegradable mildewcides, algaecides, and soaps that are custom-blended for your particular need.
This gentler approach is not only safer for your furniture but often more effective. Here's why:
- Cleaning chemicals do most of the work, not brute force
- Lower pressure means no damage to delicate surfaces
- Custom-blended solutions target specific stains and buildup
- The approach is similar to how you'd clean indoor furniture
- Results last longer because surfaces aren't roughened by high pressure
Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Furniture Cleaning
If you're determined to clean your outdoor furniture yourself, here's how to do it the Mobile Magic way:
1. Gather the Right Supplies
You'll need:
- A pressure washer with adjustable pressure settings
- Appropriate cleaning solutions for your furniture material
- Soft bristle brushes for manual scrubbing if needed
- Garden hose for pre-rinsing and final rinsing
- Clean cloths for drying metal components
2. Prepare Your Furniture
Ideally the furniture will need to be cleaned monthly while in use to prevent any build up of dirt or grime. Since most of us don't clean that frequently, you'll want to:
- Remove cushions and fabric elements
- Brush away loose debris and cobwebs
- Place furniture on a clean surface where runoff can drain properly
- Check for any loose joints or damage that needs repair before cleaning
3. Use the Right Pressure Settings
This is critical for preventing damage:
- For wooden furniture: 500-600 PSI maximum
- For plastic/resin: 800-1000 PSI maximum
- For metal furniture: 1000-1200 PSI maximum
- For wicker: Consider avoiding pressure washing entirely, or use extremely low pressure (below 500 PSI) from a distance
When dirt or grime is built up on your furniture, the 'expiration date' of that furniture ticks closer. Cleaning off the muck will ensure your furniture lives a long life.
4. Select the Proper Nozzle
The nozzle you use dramatically affects how the water hits your furniture:
- Always choose a wide-angle nozzle (40° or 60°)
- Never use a pinpoint or 0° nozzle on furniture
- The wider the spray pattern, the gentler the impact
5. Maintain Proper Distance
According to our cleaning professionals at Mobile Magic, keeping the proper distance is vital:
- Start at least 2-3 feet away and move closer only if needed
- Test in an inconspicuous area first
- If you see any damage occurring (splintering, etching, etc.), move further back immediately
6. Apply the Right Cleaning Method
The primary process is to rinse off the furniture, then apply soap and water to scrub away any build up. Then rinse with low pressure to prevent any damage. We use a softwash approach that is safe for plants and animals, while cleaning years of grime off furniture and decks.
You can follow this same proven method:
- Pre-rinse to remove loose dirt
- Apply appropriate cleaner and let it dwell briefly
- Gently scrub stubborn areas if needed
- Rinse thoroughly with low pressure
- Allow to dry completely
7. Consider Material-Specific Approaches
For the best results, adapt your approach to the specific material:
Wood Furniture
- Always spray with the grain, never against it
- Keep the nozzle moving to prevent gouging
- Consider applying a protective sealant after cleaning and drying
Wicker and Rattan
- Focus more on the cleaning solution than the pressure
- Use very gentle pressure from a distance
- Ensure complete drying to prevent mold growth
Plastic and Resin
- These can handle slightly higher pressure, but still be cautious
- Pay special attention to textured areas where dirt accumulates
- Test colored plastic in an inconspicuous area first to ensure colorfastness
Metal Furniture
- Focus on joints and crevices where dirt accumulates
- Dry metal components after washing to prevent rust
- Consider applying a protective wax after cleaning
When to Call the Professionals
While DIY cleaning is possible, there are times when calling professionals like Mobile Magic makes more sense:
- When furniture is extremely valuable or antique
- If you don't have a pressure washer with adjustable settings
- When dealing with stubborn stains or extensive mildew
- For large collections of furniture (like restaurant patios or HOA common areas)
- If you're unsure about the proper approach for your specific furniture
Our team at Mobile Magic has the expertise and equipment to safely clean all types of outdoor furniture across Asheville, Hendersonville, Waynesville, Canton, Sylva, and all of Western North Carolina.
Beyond Furniture: The Complete Outdoor Clean
Clean furniture looks out of place in a dirty environment. For a truly refreshed outdoor space, consider how your furniture cleaning fits into a more comprehensive approach that might include:
- Deck cleaning to remove mildew and restore wood
- House washing to brighten vinyl siding
- Driveway and sidewalk cleaning to remove stains
- Window washing for crystal-clear views
- Fence cleaning to remove mold and mildew
At Mobile Magic, we offer all these services and more to homes and businesses throughout Buncombe, Henderson, Jackson, McDowell, and Madison counties.
Real Results: Before and After
The difference proper furniture cleaning makes is dramatic. We've restored countless pieces that owners thought were beyond saving. Furniture that looked ready for the landfill is transformed into pieces that look nearly new again.
What's most rewarding is seeing our customers' faces when they realize they don't need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars replacing their outdoor furniture. A proper cleaning using our softwash technique can often restore even severely neglected pieces.
The Environmental Advantage
Our soft wash approach isn't just better for your furniture—it's better for the environment too:
- Uses less water than traditional pressure washing
- Relies on biodegradable cleaning agents
- Prevents furniture from ending up in landfills prematurely
- Reduces runoff and potential plant damage
Simple Maintenance Tips Between Cleanings
To extend the time between professional cleanings:
- Brush off pollen and debris regularly during heavy pollen season
- Rinse furniture with a garden hose after bird droppings or tree sap events
- Cover furniture during extended periods of non-use
- Address spills and stains promptly before they set
- Consider protective treatments appropriate for your furniture material
Ready for Like-New Furniture?
If your outdoor furniture in Asheville, Hendersonville, Waynesville, or anywhere in Western North Carolina needs refreshing, don't risk damaging it with improper pressure washing techniques. Either follow our expert guidelines for DIY cleaning or call the professionals at Mobile Magic.
Since 2001, we've been restoring outdoor furniture across Buncombe, Henderson, Jackson, McDowell, and Madison counties. Our softwash approach safely removes years of built-up dirt, grime, and mildew without risking damage to your valuable outdoor investments.
Contact Mobile Magic today at (828) 279-5265 to schedule your outdoor furniture cleaning or to learn more about our comprehensive exterior cleaning services. Remember, at Mobile Magic, 100% satisfaction is guaranteed.
