Wicker patio furniture does not require much care and cleaning, making it a user friendly material for patios, porches and other outdoor spaces. It is also quite hardy, so it can be left outside for long periods of time without fear of deterioration, unless you live in a very extreme climate zone.
Caring for Wicker Furniture
Wicker patio furniture is easy to care for, but you may have to brush it every now and then to keep it dust free. Keeping it clean will extend its life because dust or other organic material can collect in the crevices of the weave and cause mildew and decay.
Although wicker that is made for outdoor use can stay outdoors pretty much around the year, you should be aware that when the weather is too cold, it can become stiff, or a bit more elastic when it is very hot. Also, too much moisture can make it sag and cause mildew.
A simple solution for extending your wicker furniture's lifespan could be to cover it up or move it to a more protected spot when the temperature is too hot, cold or raining. It may not be getting much use under those conditions anyway.
It is a good idea to inspect the weave from time to time, and if there has been any shifting, simply move the weave back into place with your fingers.
Wicker furniture is often painted, and the finish can become damaged over time. Touch-up spray paint can be used to fix it. Check your manufacturer's recommendation. If the frame has a painted finish, it can also benefit from fixing the paint every now and then.
Cleaning Wicker Furniture
If your wicker furniture becomes dirty, you may want to vacuum it.
If vacuuming is not enough, use a sponge with mild detergent and warm water to remove soil. Rinse and allow to dry completely before you use the wicker furniture again.
Hosing off the furniture can work too, but don't use very high pressure. After hosing off, make sure to inspect the weave to see that the pressure from water has not moved it from its place. If needed use your fingers to set it right again.
Never use a foam cleaner, as the foam could lodge into the areas between the woven strands and collect there, ultimately causing damage.
Never use damp wicker furniture, as you could cause it to sag.
