Garden Furniture Care

Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2008 by admin in Wicker Furniture Care |

Wicker is durable and has long been used for outdoor furniture. It holds up well and has a stylish, tropical look that is ideally suited to the patio. It comes in everything from traditional tables and chairs to glamorous bars and benches. To prolong the life of your wicker patio furniture, it’s very important to maintain it during the outdoor season and clean it thoroughly if you plan to put it away for the winter. To do this properly, the two things you must consider are your climate and the material you are cleaning.

Vintage wicker furniture is made of wood, rattan or bamboo, woven around a wood frame. It requires a light cleaning every month or so with a wood oil soap and water. Remove the cushions and use a brush to remove any debris that has become trapped in the grooves. Allow the furniture to dry naturally or turn a fan on it. It is important to dry this type of wicker furniture thoroughly to discourage mold, especially in tropical southern climates. Wooden wicker furniture also needs painting from time to time to protect the wood. It is easy to spray this type of furniture and the new types of spray paints that permeate the wood give a good result. You may also want to protect this furniture with clear plastic covers when in use. Newer wicker furniture may be made of resin which is impervious to weather, stain and fade-resistant. A hose or pressure washer will do a good job of cleaning this furniture during the patio season, but mild soap and water can also be used first. Don’t use a foaming cleaner because wicker has too many cracks where residue can hide.

To store your wicker patio furniture, remove the cushions and cover the frames with plastic or canvas to discourage dust. Be sure the furniture storage area is not too cold so your furniture does not dry out and crack. In the spring, get your wicker furniture out and inspect it for areas that may need repair. Sometimes the ends of the narrow wooden strips come loose and need repair. They can be glued so more damaged doesn’t occur.

Maintenance of wicker patio furniture is simple and rewarding. A little soap or a coat of paint and you’ll be ready for another season. With proper care, you’ll be able to enjoy your wicker patio furniture for years to come.