Cleaning Wicker Furniture in 5 Easy Steps
August 15, 2024
Wicker furniture has many advantages; no wonder it’s so popular! It is inexpensive, comfortable and attractive. It’s also easy to move around. It’s fairly durable, low-maintenance and recyclable, and the most common designs are timeless.
You can find great natural and all-weather wicker options at outdoor, furniture and vintage furniture stores in Cincinnati. For bargains on great-looking wicker pieces in good condition, try Cincinnati consignment stores like Legacies Upscale Resale in Hyde Park Plaza.
Unfortunately, like everything else, wicker furniture requires regular cleaning to keep looking its best long-term. How regular? It depends on how often you use it and where it’s located:
Indoor wicker furniture should be vacuumed with a soft brush attachment once a month. You can easily spot clean spills with a soft cloth or sponge and mild detergent. If your home is dusty, sweeping the furniture every few months will keep the finish clean.
Outdoor wicker furniture takes more care. It should be swept often to prevent dirt, dust and mildew from damaging the fibers. Clean more thoroughly as suggested below several times a year.
You can also protect natural wicker furniture twice a year with a wipe of lemon oil, but don’t use lemon oil on white wicker, because it can yellow the finish. To remove mildew, scrub with a mild oil-based soap mixed with water.
For best cleaning results
Wicker is delicate, so you must be gentle when cleaning it. For best results, start with the right supplies:
- Soft brush or vacuum with a brush attachment
- Mild soap or detergent
- Warm water
- Bucket
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Toothbrush
- White vinegar, lemon oil or furniture polish
When you have everything assembled, you are ready to get started. Set up a work area that doesn’t mind getting wet.
There are five steps to giving wicker furniture a spring clean:
- Dusting
Use a soft brush or vacuum brush attachment to remove loose dust and dirt. Be sure to get into the crevices and weave.
- Preparing a cleaning solution
Mix a small amount of mild soap or detergent with warm water in your bucket. Avoid hard chemicals or too much soap: they can damage the wicker.
- Cleaning
Dip a soft cloth into your cleaning solution, wring it out well, and gently wipe down the wicker, starting at the top. For stubborn dirt in the crevices, use a toothbrush.
- Rinsing
Wipe the wicker piece with a clean damp cloth to remove any soapy residue.
- Drying
Use a dry, soft cloth to blot excess water. Ensure the furniture is totally dry to prevent mold and mildew. If possible, put it in a well-ventilated area or outside in the shade to air dry completely before covering with cushions, etc.
Regular maintenance and deep cleaning
For stains: mix equal parts white vinegar and water and apply to the stained area with a soft cloth. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth afterward to prevent mildew.
To prevent dryness: Occasionally, wipe down the wicker with a cloth dampened with a mixture of water and a few drops of lemon oil, or apply a light coat of furniture polish to keep the wicker supple.
For outdoor wicker: consider using a garden hose with a gentle spray to rinse your furniture down, followed by thorough drying. Cover or store the furniture indoors during bad weather to prolong its life.
Regular dusting and cleaning can help maintain the appearance and longevity of your wicker investment.
Avoid putting wicker in direct sunlight or areas with high humidity to prevent damage and fading.
Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it will not damage the wicker.