Wicker products are popular worldwide for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and usefulness. Many of us own beautifully crafted wicker furniture, such as chairs and tables, which we proudly display on our patios or decks, and which get plenty of use during the warmer months. But how can we ensure that our priced wicker possessions stay intact and protected during the winter? If you’ve ever asked yourself: “What should I do with my outdoor wicker furniture during the winter?” – read on for useful tips and advice on how to keep outdoor wicker safe in cold weather.
What Happens To Wicker In Cold Weather?
Natural wicker, made from organic materials, such as rattan, bamboo, and other grass elements, is highly susceptible to damage from the elements, such as rain, hail, sleet, snow, and wind. There are many ways that natural wicker may be damaged. Moisture from rain, snow and humidity creates mold and mildew in the wicker crevices, causing the furniture to sag, or lose its shape altogether through warping. Excessive cold and dry air makes wicker brittle and prone to cracking, or splitting. And strong winds can blow wicker furniture away causing more damage and breakage. All of these can significantly decrease the life of your wicker furniture, but there are simple ways to prevent this from happening, and protect outdoor wicker during winter.
Keep Outdoor Wicker Safe – Follow These Simple Steps
In order to protect outdoor wicker during winter your best bet is to move the furniture indoors. You may simply use your outdoor wicker inside during the winter months, caring for it as you would the rest of the year. Short of using your furniture indoors you may also store it in places such as the shed, garage, basement, attic, or any other indoor storage area. If bringing your wicker indoors is not an option, you will have to protect it from the elements by covering and immobilizing the furniture outdoors. Whatever method you choose, follow these steps to ensure best care in protecting your outdoor wicker during the cold winter months:
Remove the cushions from your wicker furniture, clean and dry them thoroughly, and store separately, (unless using indoors).
Clean your outdoor wicker furniture by removing any dirt or grime with water and mild detergent. Make sure to dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Apply a light coat of lemon oil with a soft cloth to protect the wicker’s natural finish.
If storing wicker indoors, but not using the furniture, cover it with a heavy-duty fabric, making sure it is either stored in a dry area, or the protective cover is water-resistant and fits tightly over the furniture.
If storing your wicker indoors is not possible, ensure the furniture outdoors is moved to a covered area, and secure the wicker by tying it down to heavy weights, or stakes driven into the ground. This will keep your outdoor wicker in place during heavy wind. Cover your wicker furniture with a heavy-duty, water-resistant, breathable fabric to keep the moisture and cold air out. Make sure the wicker is covered thoroughly, and that the fabric is secured in place, and can withstand strong wind gusts.
Taking the above precautions can make a significant difference in protecting and prolonging the life of your outdoor wicker furniture, allowing you to enjoy it for years to come!
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