Wicker Care

How to Care for All Types of Wicker Proper care of your wicker furniture isn't just a matter of regular cleaning. Wicker storage baskets are organic materials that respond best to a controlled environment. Your wicker bedroom furniture or wicker kitchen furniture will look its best when you're attentive to both regular maintenance and humidity levels. Basic Care and Cleaning Regular dusting is step one in routine wicker furniture care. You can use a small brush for dusting, or if you prefer to vacuum, use the soft bristle attachment. If there are any pieces of fuzz or hair still clinging to your wicker chair, pull them out with tweezers. Any spills should be wiped up immediately with a clean cloth dampened by a mix of water and detergent. If you choose to wash your outdoor wicker furniture, do not wet any wooden parts. Reed wicker can be cleaned with a spray hose, but not bamboo. Bamboo wicker furniture should be washed by hand to avoid damage.

When you wash your wicker table, make sure it has had thorough time to dry before resuming use. This could take as long as several days.

Advanced care

Additional protection can be provided for your white wicker furniture by applying a finish. Varnish, shellac, or lacquer can be used. After the finish is completely dry, add a thin coating of liquid furniture wax to maintain a glossy appearance.

Padded chair seat cushions will prolong the life of your wicker chairs and will also be more comfortable for you.

Wicker furniture is highly sensitive to humidity levels in the air. An environment that is too dry can cause a wicker hamper to become brittle and crack, while too much humidity can cause mold or mildew. To combat the former, wipe your wicker sofa with a damp sponge or make occasional use of a floor humidifier. To treat mildew, clean your wicker furniture with a solution of bleach in water. (Mildew usually appears as small black dots.) Be sure to rinse well and let your wicker furniture dry thoroughly.

Avoid using your wicker furniture outdoors unless it's been weather treated or was manufactured from naturally weather-resistant material such as resin wicker. Storing your wicker furniture or taking it indoors during the winter months will keep it looking beautiful for years to come.