As the days get warmer, I’m itching to get outside and enjoy my porch and garden. After winter and the yellow layer of spring pollen, my outside space and furniture need a thorough cleaning, and I found the perfect tool to get the job done. Here’s how I get my outdoor space ready for summer.
How I Pressure Wash My Outdoor Living Space and Furniture
There is a legitimate reason to wait for a sunny, hot day to clean outdoor furniture and spaces—fabrics and finishes dry more quickly to reduce the chances of mildew growth.
And, unlike the pros, I cannot use a pressure washer without getting myself wet from head to toe. Because I always get soaked, the heat is a welcome environment to do it in.
My pressure washer comes equipped with 4 easy-to-change nozzles that work well for all the surfaces I need to clean. By reading the pressure washer manual, I found the right pressure and nozzle to protect all floor stains and treatments while still getting it properly clean. This just proves that doing a little research makes the job easier every time.
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Everything I Do to Clean My Outdoor Space
Pressure washing is just the first step of my outdoor cleaning. Here’s everything I do to get my outdoor space looking picture perfect.
Clear Everything Out
The first thing I do is move everything off the porch: furniture, plants, and accessories, including hanging items such as wind chimes. I usually spread out a couple of inexpensive plastic tarps on the lawn to hold everything.
I prefer to clean the space before I turn my attention to cleaning everything I’ve removed. While the porch is empty, I do a quick inspection for cracks or winter damage that may need to be addressed.
Prepare the Washer and Safety First
Following the label directions, I fill the washer reservoir with water and my cleaner that contains a mildewcide. It’s an electric model so I get it plugged in, select the best nozzle for my surfaces, and it’s ready to go.
To protect my eyes I put on safety glasses, and I wear non-slip, close-toed shoes. Since my pressure washer has a long hose and wand, I can easily clean all of the porch areas without using a ladder.
Warning
Never use a pressure washer while on a ladder; it is incredible unsafe.
Pressure Washing the Porch
My porch has several support columns and the ceiling is covered with siding and a brick house exterior that collects dust, insect nests and webs, and mildew. When cleaning any “room,” always start at the top so that dirt falls down.
I hold the wand at least 3 feet from the surfaces to prevent accidental damage. It is both amazing and satisfying to see the soil gone as I methodically move across to clean every inch.
To finish cleaning the porch, it’s time to do the concrete floor. I switch nozzles again to the most gentle spray to protect my hand-painted “slate.” I start at one end of the porch and work in a grid to get rid of grime and soil.
Once everything is clean, I do a final rinse with plain water and let the surfaces dry.
Cleaning the Porch Furniture
Waiting for attention on the plastic tarps is a mix of porch furniture—most with metal and woven plastic rattan frames and fabric cushions. There are also glass-topped tables and metal plant stands. Since the cushions take the longest to dry, I start there.
In a large bucket, I mix warm water, 1 tablespoon of heavy-duty laundry detergent, and 1/4 cup powdered oxygen-based bleach. Starting at the top of a cushion, I dip a soft-bristled nylon scrub brush in the mixture and scrub the fabric surface in overlapping circles.
After cleaning, I use a garden hose to rinse away the soil. To help speed drying, squeeze out as much water as possible and prop the cushions up to drip dry.
Next, I use the hose to rinse dust and dirt from the furniture framework, glass-topped tables, and plant stands. I finish by using a glass cleaner to clean both sides of the glass inserts and dry them with a lint-free microfiber cloth.
Once everything is dry, all of the furniture and accessories are moved back onto my freshly-cleaned porch and I pour myself a glass of iced tea and pat myself on the back for a job well done.
