What this guide covers: How to pressure wash garden furniture made from plastic, metal, hardwood timber and synthetic rattan — including which materials need the most care, how to apply detergent before washing, and what post-wash treatments are needed to protect the surface.
Garden furniture takes a real beating over a UK summer. By the end of the season most sets need more than a wipe-down. A pressure washer gets the job done properly in a fraction of the time, but the method depends on the material — getting it wrong can crack plastic, strip paint from metal, or split timber joints.
What material is your furniture made from?
Plastic and resin — most pressure-tolerant; fan nozzle at 20–30cm; avoid very high pressure on older or brittle plastic. Metal furniture — moderate pressure; avoid directing the lance at chipped or damaged areas; dry metal frames thoroughly and treat any bare metal spots with rust inhibitor after washing. Hardwood timber — fan nozzle across the grain, moderate pressure; apply teak oil after full drying. Rattan and wicker — natural rattan cleaned by hand only; synthetic rattan at low pressure with fan nozzle. Cushions and fabric — remove before cleaning the frames; never pressure wash.
What you need
- Pressure washer — V-TUF V3 covers all domestic garden furniture materials
- Fan nozzle (25° or 40°) — never use a pencil jet on furniture
- Outdoor surface cleaner or patio cleaner with biocidal action
- Teak oil or hardwood furniture treatment — for timber furniture after washing and full drying
- Rust inhibitor touch-up paint — for bare metal spots on steel frames
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