Integrating Recycled Elements into Furniture Selection

How to clean your outdoor wicker furniture

12 May 2016

Danny Morris

Wicker is a popular material for many different types of furniture. Most people like to use them as outdoor furniture due to their light weight, durability and rustic look. Outdoor wicker furniture can last for many years if cared for properly. It is, however, very important that you take care of your wicker furniture. In order to do so in a way that doesn't damage them, there are a few things you should know.

Removing dust

It's important that you take care of dust and dirt that has gotten to your wicker furniture as quickly as possible. Dust and dirt can wear on the surface on the wicker and cause it to break. You can vacuum your wicker furniture if you have a brush attachment to make it less rough, but if the wicker is fragile, you should only brush it with a soft brush. Make sure to get all dirt out of the crevices of the wicker furniture as well. The easiest way to do this is to use a pair of tweezers to pluck the dirt out.

Washing

You should also make sure to wash your furniture regularly. This is especially important if your furniture has gotten very dirty and can't be cleaned using a vacuum or a brush. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the furniture. If this won't remove the dirt, you could also use a mild detergent or oil soap. Avoid using a hose to clean your furniture. Excess water can ruin the finish on the furniture and cause them to be less resistant against wear. Make sure all detergent is gone before you finish cleaning your wicker furniture. You also need to let the furniture pieces dry properly before you use them, as wet wicker is more fragile than dry wicker. Put them in the shade outside and wait for a day or two before using them again.

Mould and mildew

If you've gotten mould or mildew on your outdoor wicker furniture, you need to get rid of it immediately to make sure it isn't spreading so that you have to throw your furniture away. Wipe the mould off with a mixture of bleach and water and let the furniture dry properly. After they've dried, you need to make sure the mould won't return. Put the furniture in a different place than where they were when they first developed the issue with mould. Try to find a place with good air circulation to prevent moisture getting into the furniture again. 

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