How to Clean and Maintain Wicker Furniture

Regular maintenance and cleaning can keep your wicker furniture looking like new. It's no secret that wicker collects dust, dirt, and debris between its many nooks and crannies -- but it doesn't have to look grimy.

You can clean wicker with a simple cleaning solution of warm water and mild soap. Use a sponge or cloth to gently wipe each area until it's clean and dry.

Vacuuming

Over time, wicker furniture repair can pick up a lot of dust and grime. This is especially true if the piece is exposed to outdoor elements such as wind or rain.

In order to keep the furniture looking its best, you should regularly clean it. This can be a time-consuming task, but it’s a worthwhile investment to protect the material and extend its lifespan.

Regular vacuuming is a great way to remove dirt and particles from the surface of wicker pieces. However, if your wicker furniture repair has painted surfaces, you should use an easy-to-use brush attachment instead of a vacuum cleaner to avoid scraping the paint off.

A soft bristle brush is a perfect tool to reach into those tight crevices that may be hard to get with a vacuum cleaner. Simply dip the bristles in a soap solution and lightly scrub. The soap will help you break apart the dirt, making it easier to sanitize and rinse away later.

If you’re trying to remove stains from your wicker, mild dish soap can be used as a spot treatment. The diluted soap solution can be wiped onto the stain and then allowed to dry completely before applying another layer of the same solution.

Stubborn stains

For stubborn stains, you can also try a mixture of water and vinegar. This is particularly effective on moldy messes, but make sure to test it first before using it.

Then, gently dry off the wicker pieces with a towel. This is important because leaving wet wicker pieces on the ground can cause moisture buildup and promote mildew growth.

Once the wicker pieces are dried, they should look and feel like new again. You should also take extra care to wipe down the cushions that don’t come with removable covers.

Natural wicker is less durable than synthetic, so it should be cleaned regularly to prolong its life and avoid damage. You can do this by vacuuming, cleaning with a soap solution, spot cleaning, and keeping the wicker piece well-hydrated.

Soap and water

The best way to clean wicker furniture is with soap and water, which is a safe and gentle method for cleaning natural rattan or synthetic resin pieces. This method uses the same chemical process as washing your hands and dishes, allowing the soap molecules to solubilize particles and grime so you can easily remove them.

A simple, homemade solution of dish soap and water creates a soapy bubble that helps to break down and dislodge dirt, oil, and other stains. Gently scrub the dirty spots and scuff marks with a sponge or cloth, then rinse thoroughly with water. Be careful not to rub too hard or apply too much pressure, as this can damage the fibers of a wicker piece.

You can also use a garden hose to remove stubborn stains, but experts recommend that you do so only when the furniture is not wet or soggy. This will help prevent the water from damaging the wood or causing mold to grow.

Rattan or Resin

Whether your wicker pieces are made from rattan or resin, they need to be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain their appearance and extend their lifespans. This is especially true if you have a wicker porch or patio, where rain and other elements can wear it down over time and cause slats to crack and unravel.

Once a month, vacuum your wicker furniture repair with the hose attachment or brush attachment to get rid of dust and other debris that can collect in the weave over time. You can also spot-clean it with a soft brush, a sponge, and a solution of mild dish soap and water.

If your wicker furniture repair is made from natural materials, it may be necessary to sand it down periodically as well, which can improve its overall appearance and protect it from moisture and other harsh elements. Once a sanding session is complete, you can seal it with lacquer or varnish for a shiny finish.

Keeping your wicker furniture clean will ensure that it will last for years and provide you with a comfortable place to relax outdoors. The good news is that most of this can be done at home with the right tools and instructions.

Bleach

Bleach is a chemical that kills and whitens many types of bacteria, viruses, molds, mildew, and other harmful organisms. It is used to clean and disinfect surfaces in homes, hospitals, hotels, and restaurants. It is also used in swimming pools to keep them free from infection and to maintain the water's pH.

When it comes to cleaning wicker furniture, it is important to use bleach only when necessary and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Always dilute the bleach in water first, and never use it directly on the wicker. The bleach can be very dangerous if not handled correctly, so it is best to follow the directions on the label.

Once you've applied the bleach, leave it on for the recommended time and then rinse thoroughly. Leaving the bleach on for too long can cause the bleach to discolor and may affect the color of the wicker furniture.

Another option for cleaning wicker is to apply a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. This will remove any mold and mildew that has accumulated on the wicker furniture. Vacuuming the wicker is also helpful in keeping it from getting too dusty.

Deep Cleaning

For thorough and deep cleaning, you can also spray the furniture with a mixture of bleach and water. This will not only kill any existing mold and mildew but will also help to prevent it from re-growing.

To keep your rattan wicker furniture repair looking its best, it is important to keep it well-ventilated and protected from excessive humidity. If you live in an area where humidity is high, consider using a dehumidifier. You can even move your wicker furniture to a spot with better air circulation if you notice it becoming too humid.

Finally, you can use a sponge or a soft-bristle brush to get rid of any loose dirt or dust that is collecting on your wicker. This will prevent the dust from settling in the weave and will also allow you to see what areas need more attention and how to fix them.

Bleach can also be used to clean and brighten stains and mildew that are visible on the wicker. For stains and mildew that are deep in the wood fibers, you can use a product made specifically for these problems called oxygen bleach. This will also restore the natural wood color of the wicker.

Lacquer

If your wicker furniture is in need of a refresh, lacquer can provide the finish you're looking for. It's easy to apply and dries quickly, and it gives the wood a smooth, durable surface.

Lacquer comes in different forms, such as nitrocellulose lacquer and catalyzed lacquer, each with its own characteristics. It's important to choose a type that best suits your particular project.

For example, if you're working with lighter-colored woods, a non-yellowing, water-based lacquer is ideal. It dries quickly, doesn't yellow with age, and is resistant to chemicals.

You can purchase nitrocellulose lacquer in a wide range of colors and finishes. It's a common choice for furniture, cabinets, and other household items.

While nitrocellulose lacquer is a quick-drying, economical choice for production shops, it has some shortcomings. It can trap condensation and appear cloudy, or "blushing," under humid conditions. It's also flammable and requires ventilation to avoid hazardous fumes.