Cleaning Outdoor Restaurant Seating: How to Keep Your Patio Tidy and Inviting

Between harsh weather conditions, staffing shortages, and those hectic weekend rushes, it can be easy to ignore cleaning outdoor restaurant seating in favor of other tasks.

But as those stains pile up, the appeal of your patio seating will slowly deteriorate. Soon, customers will be turned away by your poor curb appeal, reducing your revenue.

The great news is that restaurant patio cleaning can be easy with the proper knowledge and tools. Restaurant owners worldwide have been using pressure washing to tidy up their properties at a fraction of what other approaches require.

Here at Hotsy of Houston, we’ve helped thousands of businesses learn the basics of pressure washing.

We’re Southeast Texas’ only authorized Hotsy retailer, bringing you the industry’s best commercial pressure washers and our years of knowledge.

Why Restaurant Patio Cleaning Can’t Be Taken Lightly

You have a lot on your plate as a restaurant owner or manager. Restaurant patio cleaning can sometimes take a backseat to other business areas.

But that mistake is leaving you vulnerable to costly adverse outcomes.

One Bad Experience Can Cost You a Customer for Life

Cleaning outdoor restaurant seating is an essential part of customer satisfaction.

Imagine a party of 6 approaching your restaurant, excited to try the restaurant finally. But before they even reach your host stand, they’re greeted by a messy patio full of stains, grime, and foul odors.

Even if you have clean indoor seating for that party to enjoy, they’ll have a negative first impression of your business. You’ll be vulnerable to sent-back food and poor social media reviews.

Health and Safety Concerns

Bad social media reviews are one thing–perhaps your loyal customers won’t mind if others had a negative experience.

But restaurant patio cleaning isn’t just about satisfying your guests. Cleaning outdoor restaurant seating will keep everyone safe.

Typical stains on your patio can hide microscopic bacteria and viruses that will send your guests and staff to the hospital. The rust or splinters on your future can also turn into Tetanus or other costly lawsuits.

Compliance With Health Regulations

Figuring out a reliable method for restaurant patio cleaning is also the best way to protect yourself against your worst nightmare–a failing health inspection grade.

Health inspectors can strike at any moment, and if the first thing they see on your property is a grease-covered patio floor or furniture that’s falling apart, it won’t be good news.

Failing grades can lead to hefty fines or even mandated closures. Either option can be a death sentence, especially if you’re already on tight margins.

So don’t just brush off cleaning outdoor restaurant seating for another day. You never know when things can take a drastic turn for the worse.

What’s the Best Way to Go About Cleaning Outdoor Restaurant Seating?

Pressure washing isn’t your only option for restaurant patio cleaning. So why do we recommend it compared to other approaches?

Pressure Washing vs Manual Cleaning

One of the significant obstacles to cleaning outdoor restaurant seating is the time it usually takes.

Manual cleaning methods are rife with issues. Your staff may neglect to wipe down tables after a busy night when they want to go home. Your broom and sponge might be broken, and you don’t have the energy to get a replacement.

If you do delegate the time for manual cleaning, your results won’t be nearly as effective. Stubborn stains will ignore your efforts and continue to harbor dangerous bacteria.

Conversely, pressure washing commercial buildings is a tried-and-true approach. It takes under an hour for most restaurants and delivers far better cleaning results.

Pros and Cons of Outsourcing the Task

Restaurant pressure washing is the most reliable way to clear those tough stains.

But should you be doing it yourself or hire a professional restaurant patio cleaning company?

At first glance, outsourcing may seem convenient. You won’t have to worry about delegating staff for pressure washing.

However, you’ll quickly run into three key issues.

First, hiring an external company can be expensive. After just a few cleaning jobs, you will pay more than the price to buy a machine outright.

Outsourcing also can be a burden on your time. You have to schedule cleaning, hoping the company doesn’t flake you so you can do the cleaning promptly. If their schedule doesn’t work, you have to live with the stain-filled patio.

And there’s the risk of potential damage. The company could damage your patio furniture or the underlying structure, leading to costly repairs.

Should You Buy or Rent Your Equipment?

Cleaning outdoor restaurant seating yourself is the better option for most restaurants.

Should you rent or buy?

Rentals are a great starting point. You can rent a machine for around $1-300, even with all the bells and whistles. With rentals, you don’t have to worry about pressure washer storage or upkeep.

But if you plan to clean your patios regularly, we recommend buying a machine. This will be a cheaper investment in the long run, especially with a durable machine built to last. You can use your machine elsewhere on your property, including cleaning grease traps, pressure washing parking lots, cleaning commercial vent hoods, and cleaning cooling towers.

What You Need to Get Started With Restaurant Patio Pressure Washing

Whether you rent or buy, getting the right equipment is the best way to ensure excellent results. There are many types of pressure washers, so you’ll need to research. To help you shop, let’s break down what to look for in a pressure washer and what kind of soap to use.

PSI and GPM Requirements

PSI and GPM refer to a pressure washer’s size. They stand for pounds per square inch and gallons per minute, covering water force and volume, respectively.

The specifications you choose will depend on your property.

Wood patios and decks are delicate. You’ll want a PSI of 1000-2000 and around 2 to 4 GPM. However, concrete patios with stubborn stains require PSIs of 2000-3000 and 4 to 8 GPM.

Don’t go overboard, as you could damage your restaurant.

The Role of Water Temperature

You’ll also want to compare hot water vs cold water pressure washers. While both can sanitize your patio, only hot models have the penetrating cleaning ability to eradicate stubborn debris like grease and oil.

Our store has a wide selection of commercial cold water pressure washers in Houston and commercial hot water pressure washers in Houston, so contact us if you need help comparing the two!

Gas vs Electric Pressure Washers

The engine in your power washer matters a lot. Gas models usually have the edge outdoors because they don’t require a power outlet.

However, the other half of the gas vs electric pressure washer debate can also be effective. Electric models are quiet and don’t have fumes, making them a fantastic choice if you also plan on power washing your kitchen.

Choosing the Right Detergent

The soap you choose will directly influence the types of stains you can handle.

As with sizing, the best soap for pressure washers will depend on your surface. We recommend Hotsy’s line of biodegradable soaps, which are safe and eco-friendly.

For wood patios, we recommend Hotsy Breakthrough or Hotsy Verde All-Purpose. Both are gentle on these sensitive surfaces while still packing a punch on stains.

You will need a more potent blend for concrete surfaces. Hotsy’s Ripper line of degreasers is an excellent starting point.

If you have an outdoor food prep area near your patio, Hotsy’s Miracle Wizz is an NSF-rated food-safe option that offers double the value for your money.

Essential Attachments and Accessories

Your standard nozzles will do the job, but the best pressure washer accessories can take things to a new level.

We highly recommend a flat surface cleaner. This will allow you to clear large areas quickly. Hotsy’s Flat Surface Cleaner and Water Broom excel at this type of cleaning.

Hotsy’s Extension Wand is also a fantastic choice. It gives you up to 24’ of reach to reach those hard-to-cover areas. We encourage you to pick up Hotsy’s Foam Cannon to apply soap.

What Makes Hotsy of Houston the #1 Choice for Commercial Pressure Washing?

Where can you find all of these excellent products?

Southeast Texas businesses like HEB, AgPro, and Sonic agree: Houston’s #1 home for commercial pressure washers is the best place to find world-class equipment.

From Hotsy’s line of biodegradable pressure washer detergents to the industry-leading machines that have eliminated stains for over 5 decades, we’ve got you covered.

Our staff will work with you to assess your needs to find the perfect purchases and commercial pressure washer rentals in Houston. We’ll walk you through renting a power washer, diluting your soap, and more.

We also sell pressure washer trailers in Houston if access to water or power is a concern. We specialize in homemade pressure washer trailer setups to save you the stress of doing it yourself.

While our machines are built to last, a little TLC never hurts. We’re the #1 resource for commercial pressure washer repair in Houston, including non-Hotsy servicing. We provide affordable pressure washer repair costs and a comprehensive approach to maintaining a pressure washer that will help you avoid downtime.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Outdoor Restaurant Seating

Once you’ve picked up your cleaning equipment, you must learn how to use a pressure washer.

Choosing the Right Time

Cleaning outdoor restaurant seating can’t just be done willy-nilly. You need to pick a low-traffic day when the weather is good. Early morning opening duties or late at night during closing duties are ideal.

It goes without saying, but if you’re going to clean while you’re open, don’t start blasting away your patio when customers are eating. You must ensure the area is clear of guests, ideally when they can eat inside, so you aren’t losing revenue.

Prepping the Patio for Cleaning

Clear the entire patio of any large furniture (unless they’re the target of your cleaning), plants, menus, and anything else that can fly around.

Give the area a sweep. Pressure washers can’t make large obstacles disappear, so throw them in the trash.

Cover any electrical outlets not in use and restrict the area for passersby. Then, put on your protective equipment, and you’re ready to begin!

Applying Detergent to Seating and Tables

You’ll begin by applying soap to the area. If you don’t know how to add soap to a pressure washer, it’s as simple as using a detergent tank and ensuring everything flows correctly.

Liberally apply the soap to the patio using your foam cannon or nozzle. Let it soak for 5 to 15 minutes, but don’t let it dry to avoid residue.

Pressure Washing the Seating, Tables, and Patio Floor

Once the soap has penetrated, you can wash the area. Use overlapping motions with gravity as a helper. Keep your nozzle relatively close to each surface, around 12 to 24 inches, though not so close that you use excessive force.

You can use wide spray nozzles for floors, while specific stains benefit from narrow angles for direct penetration.

Rinsing and Sanitizing the Area

After rinsing, check the area for any missed spots. You may need to go back through with your soap.

Rinse off the entire area. You can use a sanitizing solution like Hotsy’s Vital Oxide to ensure the area is free of harmful microorganisms.

Drying and Resetting the Seating Area

After your patio is rinsed and sanitized, all that is left is to wait for it to dry. You can let nature work its magic or use tools like commercial cleaning fans or cloth towels to assist in the process. Ensure that the nooks and crannies are completely clean to avoid moisture buildup.

If you’re working with a wood patio, consider applying a sealant once everything is dry–this will help prevent stains from accumulating between cleanings.

Bringing Our Restaurant Patio Cleaning Guide to a Close

Restaurant patio cleaning is crucial to your restaurant’s success. Without it, you’re vulnerable to expensive fines, closures, and negative social media posts.

Pressure washing is the go-to method for restaurant owners everywhere. At Hotsy of Houston, you’ll find all the necessary equipment and knowledge. Our friendly team will set you up with the tools you need to make your patio the shining star of your restaurant.

We’ve helped Southeast Texas business owners with everything from pressure washing business start-up costs, warehouse pressure washing, pressure washing factory floors, how to quote pressure washing jobs, and vehicle fleet pressure washing. Let us be your strategic cleaning partner to take your restaurant to new heights!