A first time customer called us the week before their job and asked, a little nervously, if we move the table. It is one of the most honest questions we get. Here is the short version of how we answer it.
Will you move my patio furniture? We ask you to do it, and it usually takes about 15 minutes. The question comes up most in spring in Howell, right when furniture comes out of the garage and onto the patio. This guide explains why we ask, what we might slide aside as a courtesy, and how to get your patio ready fast. We serve homeowners across Livingston County.
Will You Move My Patio Furniture? The Short Answer
No, we ask you to move patio furniture, decorations, planters, grills, mats and electronics away from the work area before we arrive, and we are not liable for items left behind. If a light item is in the way, we may slide it aside. Plan on about 15 minutes of prep.
Want us to look at your patio first? Get a free estimate.
Why Do We Ask You to Move Your Patio Furniture?
Because we can only clean what we can reach, and because water and detergent land on whatever is nearby.
Spray bounces off siding and hard surfaces, and it can reach a table well past the spot we are washing. Detergent can mark fabric and cushions. And furniture legs leave a stain shadow, a clean looking rectangle under each leg that shows up once the rest of the patio is clean.
Our Terms and Conditions put the prep on the homeowner. They ask you to move vehicles, furniture, decorations, planters, grills, mats, electronics and other personal property away from the service areas before we arrive.
What Does Moving Furniture Let Us Clean?
It lets us wash edge to edge. On the morning we arrive and the patio is already cleared, the whole surface gets the same attention.
We can also check for loose pavers and soft wood while we work. And there are no clean rectangles under chair legs when we finish. On brick, pavers and wood, those marks are easy to see once everything dries.
What Does Our Policy Say About Items Left Out?
Our terms say we are not liable for damage to, discoloration of, or adverse effects on personal property. They say items left in or near the work area are assumed to be safe for exposure to water and cleaning solutions. And they say the client takes responsibility for protecting or removing personal property.
This is standard across the industry, and we say it plainly because fairness matters more than fine print. We would rather you know the rule now than be surprised later.
What Can Our Crew Move, and What Should You Move Yourself?
Our crew is there to wash, not to haul furniture. That is the honest line. A few small things we may nudge aside as a courtesy, but moving furniture is not an included service.
Light Items We May Slide Aside
A small plant stand or a doormat sitting in the way is one example. If it blocks a walkway, we may slide it aside with a polite word to the owner.
We do this as a courtesy, not as a service. Please do not count on it. If you want something protected, move it yourself.
Heavy Furniture and Big Pieces
Dining tables, sectionals and outdoor kitchens are for you to move or to call us about before the day. One customer had a large sectional and could not lift it. They called ahead, and together we worked out a plan.
If something truly cannot be moved, tell us on the quote form so we can plan. Be aware that the area under it may not get the same result. We would rather say that up front than promise something we cannot deliver.
What Can Stay Where It Is?
Built in items that are not in the wash path can usually stay. A built in outdoor kitchen, a bolted down pergola, or a concrete planter that is part of the patio design are good examples.
Point these out to us in the quote form, and we will plan around them.
What About Cushions, Grills, Planters and Other Common Items?
Most patios have the same handful of things that need attention. Here is how we think about each one. If you keep the list in mind, the prep goes faster and nothing gets surprised by water.
Should I Take the Cushions Inside?
Yes. Water soaks foam, detergent can fade fabric, and soggy cushions take days to dry. Cushions left on a chair during a wash end up wet through, and nobody enjoys sitting on that.
Cleaning guides and retailers tell owners to clean cushions separately with gentle pressure. Patio Productions says cushions should be removed and cleaned on their own, and that they need less pressure and more distance from the nozzle.
Can I Leave the Grill on the Patio?
No. Grease stains sit under grills, and one grill under the siding had dripped onto the pavers. The area under it needed to be cleaned too, which could not happen until the grill moved.
Please move the grill, its cover and the propane tank yourself, and let it cool first. Trex’s care guide for its Escapes line also warns that rubber or vinyl grill mats and vinyl or PVC containers left on a deck for long stretches can discolor the surface. Clearing them lets us see the true deck color.
What About Planters, Hanging Baskets and Plants?
Move planters off the patio and bring delicate pots inside. Our soft wash method keeps plants wet by constantly spraying water over them while detergent is used, but pots sitting on the patio are in the wash zone.
Our Terms and Conditions also give plant care steps. They ask for a slow soak at the soil level, at least 15 to 30 minutes per zone, every second day across a 7 day window around the service date.
Mats, Rugs, Electronics and Decorations
Outdoor rugs, speakers, string lights, lanterns, wind chimes, bird feeders and kids toys should all come off the patio. Electronics go inside. If something plugs in, unplug it and clear it.
These are the things people forget most often. A quick walk around the patio with a laundry basket helps.
What About the Hose Reel and Extension Cords?
We need access to water and outlets. Keep the path to your spigot clear and the hose reel reachable. If you are not sure, ask us when you book.
How Do I Prep My Patio in 15 Minutes?
Four short passes. The times below are rough guides, so treat them as “about” numbers.
Pass One: Small Items (about 3 minutes)
Pick up the small stuff first. Doormats, toys, bird feeders, lanterns, wind chimes and anything light. A basket makes it quick, and it keeps things from getting lost in the lawn.
Pass Two: Cushions and Electronics (about 3 minutes)
Take cushions inside. Unplug speakers and string lights and bring them in too. Cushions go in the garage or house, not in a pile on the lawn.
Pass Three: Grill and Planters (about 4 minutes)
Wheel the grill off the patio once it is cool. Move the propane tank and cover with it. Then carry planters and hanging baskets to a spot off the work area.
Pass Four: Furniture to a Clear Zone (about 5 minutes)
Move tables and chairs to the edge of the lawn, a driveway corner away from spray, or the garage. Avoid stacking furniture against the house or under gutters, where runoff can drip on it. A good rule of thumb is to move everything at least as far as you could reach with a garden hose.
The Last Look Before We Arrive
Close all windows and doors. Keep pets and children inside. Check that gates are unlocked.
A first time customer told us the 15 minute plan was easier than expected. Most people feel the same once they have done it once.
Not sure what to move? Call us at 810 360 1002 or send a few photos with your quote request. We are open Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 8 pm.
What If I Cannot Move My Furniture Before the Wash?
It happens. You might have mobility limits, a heavy piece, or a job that keeps you out all day. One customer with limited mobility called ahead, and we worked out a plan that suited their patio.
Here are your options:
- Ask a neighbor or family member to help
- Move it the night before
- Call the office and talk it through
- Flag it on the quote form with a few photos
Be honest with us about what cannot move. We will be honest back about what we can and cannot promise. The area under a heavy piece may not be cleaned the same way, and we will tell you that before the day.
Do I Need to Be Home?
No, though we prefer it if possible. If you will not be home, finish your prep the night before so the crew can start right away.
What Happens on the Day of Your Patio Wash?
The crew arrives and walks the property. They note any item still in the way and have a quick word with you if you are home. Then they set up at the spigot and start the wash.
Our deck and patio cleaning covers Trex and composite decks, brick patios and wood, with detergents that are safe for those surfaces. We keep plants wet while detergent is used.
When the work is done, we go over the result with you. We stand behind it with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and payment is due on completion unless agreed in writing.
What if Something Is Still in the Way?
Our terms say failure to prepare the property may cause delays or rescheduling. We say that kindly. If something is still out, we will talk to you first, and we will always try to find a way to keep your day on track.
When Can I Put Everything Back?
Wait until the surface is dry to the touch. Wipe wet chair feet. Put cushions back last.
One homeowner put furniture back too soon on a damp patio and left foot marks on the surface. A short wait avoids that. We do not give exact hour numbers, because drying depends on sun, shade and humidity.
Dry to the touch means your palm shows no dark damp patch. Shaded corners stay wet longer, so check them before you carry anything out.
Should I Wash the Furniture Too?
That is optional. Furniture needs gentler washing than a patio. Wood and softer plastics can be marked by too much pressure. Patio Productions says wood furniture needs a low setting and more distance from the surface.
If you want your furniture cleaned as well, ask us on the quote form and we will talk it through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to move my patio furniture before a pressure wash?
Yes, move it away from the service area. Our Terms and Conditions ask for this, and a 15 minute prep plan covers most patios.
Will you move my grill?
No. The owner moves it. Grease and heat are the reasons, and our terms say we are not liable for items left in the work area.
Can you move heavy furniture if I ask?
We ask you to handle heavy pieces yourself. If you cannot, call us before the day and we will talk through the options.
Should cushions come inside?
Yes. Water soaks foam, detergent can fade fabric, and soggy cushions take days to dry.
Where should I put my furniture?
Put it at the lawn edge, in the garage, or in a clear driveway corner away from spray and gutter drip.
What if I leave something out by mistake?
We will ask you about it. Under our terms we are not liable for items left behind, and it may cause a short delay.
Do I need to be home?
No, though we prefer it if possible. If you will be away, finish your prep the night before.
Will you put the furniture back?
No. The owner does that once the surface is dry to the touch.
Do I need to move plants and planters?
Yes for planters and pots. Also follow the plant care steps in our Terms and Conditions.
What do I do with outdoor electronics and string lights?
Take them inside, or unplug and clear them from the work area.
Ready to Book? Here Is How to Get a Free Estimate
Fifteen minutes of prep now means a cleaner patio tomorrow. Clear the small items, bring cushions in, move the grill and planters, and set the furniture in a clear zone.
Call Livingston Pressure Washing at 810 360 1002 or use the quote form on our contact page for a free estimate. New customers get a discount by mentioning First Time Offer. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee comes with every job, and we are fully insured and licensed with more than 1,100 customers served in Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Hamburg, South Lyon, New Hudson, Milford and Wixom.
Have heavy furniture and want to ask first? Call us before you decide. We are glad to talk through your patio, and you can also read about house washing and driveway and sidewalk cleaning.
