Short answer: usually yes, but not blindly. I’d say most modern urban outdoor furniture—think powder-coated aluminum chairs, stainless steel benches, HDPE tables, and sealed teak or acacia pieces—can handle a quick hose-down. It’s one of the fastest ways to rinse off dust, pollen, bird droppings, spilled coffee, and everyday city grime. But the key is “handle,” not “abuse.” A gentle spray from a garden hose is very different from a pressure washer blasting water into seams and welds.
Before you reach for the nozzle, check the manufacturer’s care instructions. That sounds boring, but it matters. Powder-coated metal is generally fine with low-pressure water, but chipped coating can let moisture creep in. Stainless steel is tough, yet standing water and certain cleaners can still leave marks. HDPE and other resin furniture are among the easiest to hose down because they don’t rust and dry quickly. Solid wood needs more care: sealed teak can be rinsed, but bare wood may need a gentler approach and proper drying. Wicker, rattan, and woven furniture should be checked carefully—natural fibers can soften or mold, while synthetic weave may be fine with a quick rinse.
I’d also remove cushions, throws, and anything electrical first. Cushions belong in the shade to dry fully, and loose items can turn into projectiles when water hits them. Use a wide, low-pressure spray and work from the top down. For sticky residue, a little mild soap and a soft brush will do more than brute force. Avoid aiming water directly at joints, bearings, moving parts, or drainage holes. After rinsing, wipe down flat surfaces and let everything air-dry. In shared urban spaces, make sure runoff won’t create a slippery walkway or bother nearby cafes.
Water restrictions and local rules matter too. In some cities, hosing down public furniture is limited or discouraged, so a bucket of mild soapy water and a cloth may be the better choice. If the furniture is in constant public use, quick hosing can be part of a regular cleaning routine, but it isn’t a substitute for occasional deeper care. So yes—hosing down can be a practical quick-cleaning method for many urban outdoor furniture pieces, as long as you match the method to the material, keep the pressure low, and dry things properly afterward.