Without a doubt, wicker furniture can be the perfect addition to your home’s patio, garden, or deck if you’re looking to make a beautiful outdoor statement; however, just like indoor furniture, your outdoor wicker furniture deserves a little TLC as well. In order to maintain the natural elegance and beauty of your wicker ottomans, love seats, bar stools— you name it, you’ll need to keep in mind these simple tips.
With proper care, your wicker furniture can last you many years.
- Dust: To remove dust, you will likely need a brush attachment for the actual wicker and a suitable extension for cleaning the cushions (if you have them). With regular cleaning, you’ll be able to prevent the accumulation of unwanted dirt and dust in crevices. If any dust, dirt, or fur becomes lodged within these crevices, do not attempt to remove them with the vacuum attachments. Instead, use a clean, dry paintbrush or tweezers to remove it.
- Wash: Because of the woven fibers in wicker, wood polish is probably not the best solution for a good cleaning. When it comes time to wash the wicker frame, create a mixture of 2 tablespoons of ammonia and 1 gallon of water. If you would rather not make your cleaning solution, you can probably find other recommended products for cleaning wicker at your local hardware store.
- Watch the Weave: While you’re getting in between the weaves of the wicker while you are cleaning it, you’ll likely notice that the weave spacing will shift; therefore, once you’re done cleaning it, make sure to work to even it out. Leaving these weave spaces unchecked can stress and weaken your furniture’s structure.
- Add cushions: Did you think that cushions for wicker furniture were designed for the sole use of comfort? The truth is that adding cushions to your furniture not only adds an aesthetic appeal and a comfortable place to sit, but cushions can also protect the weave of your wicker and prolong the life of the piece itself.
- Spills and Excessive Water: While it may seem obvious, it bears repeating: clean all spills immediately. You can usually easily wipe off whatever you spill on the frame of the wicker piece; however, if you accidentally spill anything on the cushions, a clean, dampened cloth with a light detergent may help lift a potential stain. On the other hand, if your wicker furniture gets drenched due to heavy rain (or a sprinkler malfunction), it is important to dry the wicker as soon as possible. Then, place the dry pieces in a shady area with adequate airflow, and be sure to fix whatever weave space shifting happens during the drying process.
Follow these tips to ensure the life and alluring sophistication of your wicker sets.
Don’t forget to Like Us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter to receive more blog updates.
