Finding the perfect pieces for your patio is not as difficult as some may think. You can just google “outdoor furniture Australia” or “outdoor furniture Sydney.” Or you can just click on this link (https://www.wickerfurnituredirect.com.au/outdoor-furniture-sydney). A popular choice, for both indoors and outdoors, is wicker furniture - mainly because it can add vintage or cottage style to any place. For those who don’t know, wicker is the name of a weaving process, not a material. It actually refers to a variety of grasses, plants, and vines that are used for weaving into furniture.
But finding it is just the beginning. After all, you also need to care for it and clean it regularly so that it can serve you for several years, and not just for the season.
If you are one of the people who have no idea how to clean outdoor furniture, and in particular the wicker one, this article is for you. So without further ado, let’s get to it.
How To Clean Wicker Furniture
Cleaning wicker furniture is almost effortless. Just mix ¼ cup of the liquid dish soap with 2 cups of warm water. Soak the sponge or a soft cloth in it, and start wiping the furniture. After you’re done, just rinse away the remaining soap with a garden hose. If your furniture is covered in mildew or mould, add one cup of vinegar to the mixture.
Usually, the method above is enough, but if the dirt is harder to remove, instead of a sponge/soft cloth, you can use a soft brush. In the hard-to-reach places, you can use a can of compressed air. A good option would also be using an old toothbrush, as it will help you in getting to all the nooks and crevices. Just like above, rinse it carefully. Remember to let it dry entirely because putting weight on wicker furniture that is not completely dry might cause it to sag.
In case your wicker furniture is very, very dirty, you can use a handheld steam cleaner. Once you cleaned it, you can dry it with a hairdryer. You will get the best results if you do it on a sunny, windy day at then it can quickly dry naturally.
How To Care For Wicker Furniture
The best way to keep wicker outdoor furniture in good condition is to take care of it regularly, and not just let it be. You can do it, for example, by keeping it dry and clean. Vacuum it with the brush attachment from time to time to remove the dust and pollen from it. Not doing it may cause mildew to appear, which will lead to a breakdown of fibre. That’s why you should also clean stains and spills as soon as they are made.
Even though the wicker furniture can stay outdoors for the whole year, it shouldn’t, as it may lead to its premature wear. Also, damp weather may lead to mildew. Wicker furniture shouldn’t be exposed to the sun directly, as it may cause damage to natural wicker fibres. Sunlight also causes the colour to fade. The best option is to either keep it under the patio roof or some other cover. When it’s hot, cold, or humid, you should move it to a more sheltered spot. You can also occasionally rotate the chairs and tables so that all of them will be exposed to sunlight evenly.
Last but least, you should regularly check your furniture for any damages and that it doesn’t have any gaps caused by shifting. It’s especially important during the winter months. If you find any holes, just move the weave back to its place with your finger. If the damage is more prominent, you might need to look for a furniture repair or restoration professional. If you are more of a do-it-yourself kind of person, and you know the manufacturer of your furniture, you can contact its customer service. They might be able to provide you with information on how to repair it, and where you can find materials to do so.
Conclusion
Wicker furniture is not only restricted to outdoors, however, that’s where it is mostly used. If you want it to serve you for a long time, and not just for one season, you need to take care of it and clean it regularly. By doing a few small things, you can keep it looking fresh for many years.
