Tips for Taking Care of Wicker Furniture

When it comes to furniture, durability is as important (if not even more) than beauty. Wicker, in particular, can be difficult to maintain, but luckily, properly caring for rattan and wicker furniture can help extend the lifespan of your favorite pieces.

Please continue reading to learn how to care for your wicker furniture so that it will last for many summers.

Cleaning Natural Wicker Furniture

Regularly vacuum natural wicker with a brush attachment to help remove dust from crevices. If the wicker is heavily soiled and vacuuming isn’t enough, use a sponge or an old toothbrush to spot-clean it with a solution of warm water and mild dish detergent. Rinse thoroughly with a clean, damp rag or sponge.

Before using the furniture, allow it to completely dry. Never sit on wet wicker furniture because any weight will cause it to sag. In addition, failing to dry the material completely can promote mildew growth.

Cleaning Resin Wicker Furniture

Resin wicker can be cleaned using the same methods as natural wickers, such as vacuuming using a brush attachment and spot-cleaning with dish soap, a toothbrush or sponge, and water. However, if your resin wicker becomes extremely dirty or dusty after the off-season, you can give it a thorough cleaning by hosing it down.

If necessary, rinse with a hose, then scrub with soapy water and a soft brush before rinsing with the hose again. Allow the wicker furniture to dry completely before using the furniture.

Care Tips for Wicker Furniture

Protect Wicker from the Sun’s Rays

a lounge wicker chair on a wooden tropical terrace

While wicker can withstand the elements, shielding it from the sun’s rays can help it last longer. The sun can dry out and fade wicker over time. Padded cushions and colorful pillows are a decorative way to protect your wicker furniture’s visible surfaces. Some cushions are specially developed to resist fading in the sun.

To transform the appearance of your wicker furniture, consider purchasing two or three sets of cushions. You can use an alternate set when cleaning the other set of pillows and cushions.

Maintain the Cleanliness of Your Wicker

Clean wicker furniture regularly. Every few days, dirt and dust accumulate on the surface of your furniture, making it appear dull and dingy. Wicker fibers can also be broken down by stubborn grim.

Remove dust from your furniture at least once per month. A vacuum’s soft bristle brush attachment does an excellent job. To get within the cracks and crevices, use a soft toothbrush.

Remove Spills Immediately

Wicker furniture is commonly found in people’s entertainment areas, such as outdoor living spaces and poolside decks. Icky messes and spills are often unavoidable due to the constant traffic. Allow them to sit on your wicker furniture.

Use a soft cloth dipped in warm, soapy water to clean them. To remove spills and stains, use a mild dish detergent.

Completely Clean the Wicker Furniture Every Six Months

Vacuuming and wiping up spills are just two methods for extending the lifespan of your wicker furniture. Even if you clean your wicker every month, dirt can become embedded on the surface of the wicker pieces. Scrub the surface of wicker furniture with a  soapy, mild water bucket and a cleaning brush, then rinse it with your garden hose to remove the soap and loosened dirt.

To avoid the growth of mildew or mold, ensure the furniture is completely dry. This is one situation when you should leave your wicker furniture out in the sun to dry quickly.

Use Lemon Oil on Wicker Furniture

a bottle of lemon oil on top of lemon slices

Most people know that using furniture oil or polish to extend the lifespan of wood furniture is necessary. However, oil is also beneficial to wicker furniture.

Lemon oil polishes and cleans wicker, keeping it looking fresh for many seasons. Wipe down the wicker furniture with a clean cloth dipped in lemon oil.

You should do this twice a year after deep cleaning the furniture. Before applying the lemon oil, make sure each piece is completely dry. Lemon oil adds a fresh scent to your wicker furniture.

Keep Wicker Safe from Harsh Weather Conditions

While wicker furniture can withstand any weather, extreme conditions can wear it down over time. Keeping wicker out of harsh weather conditions helps it last longer. For example, you might live in an area prone to heavy rain or snowfall.

Wicker furniture should be stored or covered during the wet or cold seasons. It is best to bring your furniture inside to ensure its safety. Think about storing it in a basement, shed, or garage.

Cover Wicker Furniture in Storage

Cover your valuable wicker furnishings when storing them. Whether you store them outside or inside, they should be kept covered for the duration of their storage. A cover shields wicker furniture from dust and other elements common in storage areas.

Covers are also useful if you go away for a week or two. Keep it covered outside if you won’t be around to dust or clean your wicker furniture.

Make Storage Plans for Your Wicker Furniture

a wicker chair with a gray cushion and a wicker table

Another way to keep your wicker furniture in good condition is to prepare it properly before storing it. You should thoroughly clean wicker furniture before storing it. Before putting the furniture under a cover, ensure it is completely dry. Mold and mildew can form if the furniture is even a bit damp.

Mold and mildew can chip away at the surface of your prized wicker pieces in storage. Take the trouble to clean, dry, and cover your wicker furniture before storing it. This can significantly extend the life of your wicker furniture.

Resurface Your Wicker Furniture

Wicker furniture can last for up to fifty or even a hundred years. Quality wicker furniture is frequently passed down through generations.

Spreading a coat of varnish or polyurethane to your wicker furniture is among the most effective ways of extending its life. You must do this every decade to keep your wicker in good condition in the future.

Treat Wicker Furniture With Care

While wicker furniture is durable, you should handle it with caution. You should not throw sharp objects on wicker furniture. People should avoid landing hard on wicker seats or jumping on wicker furniture.

Before inviting guests over, double-check the weight limits for the wicker. Home décor changes over the Decades, but for some people, their wicker furniture always stays. If you treat your wicker furniture with care, it will last you for many years.