Is It Okay To Hose Down Metal Patio Furniture?

Metal furniture is a great choice for outdoor spaces such as patios, lawns, gardens, and balconies because it can withstand different weather conditions. However, depending on the type of metal, this furniture can also end up covered in rust, dust, grime, and debris. Cleaning it consistently can help keep it looking good and prevent it from degrading too much in the future, but can you perform that task using your garden hose?

Overall, it's perfectly fine to hose down your metal furniture. It won't cause any damage, but it many not be sufficient at removing all the grime. If your furniture is simply covered in a layer of light dust, rinsing it — on low-pressure — with your hose is likely to be successful. However, in order to tackle more complicated problems such as rust, you will likely need some other tools in addition to the hose to make your outdoor furniture sparkle. To work out which tools you need and how your garden hose factors into the process, it is important to first identify which metal you are dealing with. Steel, for example, tends to be weightier but can fall prey to some rusting if not cleaned consistently. On the other hand, wrought iron furniture, while hard-wearing, can be very prone to rusting and can also get hot in the sun. Finally, aluminum typically isn't very heavy, but it does tend to be more resistant to rust. So, take a moment to work out which types of metal furniture you likely have and then have a look at the following tips on how to use your garden hose when cleaning and maintaining them.

A garden hose is handy for cleaning all your metal outdoor furniture. Use it as the go-to for rinsing off the top layer of dust and debris. However, to make sure that you do not accidentally chip the paint, avoid using the high-pressure options on your hose. After rinsing, if your furniture still shows built-on grime, you can then turn to some other tools to use in tandem with the hose. To clean stainless steel furniture, for instance, use a diluted white vinegar solution and a cloth. Then, rinse off with the hose and, so that water spots do not appear on the shiny metal, make sure to allow it to dry off fully. 

With aluminum furniture, you will want to clean it with water, soap, and a non-abrasive cloth. This will help you get up close to tackle the tougher spots, and you can then finish it off with the hose to wash away all the debris which you have loosened with the cloth and soap. Finally, you can be a bit rougher with wrought iron furniture, particularly if it is covered in a thick layer of rust. Turn your hose to a slightly higher setting to get off the loosest chunks of rust, then tackle the rest with steel wool or a tough brush. If your metal furniture has cushions that could also use a clean, you can spot-treat stains with equal parts vinegar and water, then scrub with soapy water before using your hose to rinse them. Further, it is best to let each element of the furniture dry separately before reassembling to prevent mildew.