Caring for Wicker Patio Furniture

If you’ve recently purchased wicker patio furniture, or are planning to make a purchase soon, you might consider  the best ways to clean and care for it. The tips below will get you up to speed on what you need to know to ensure that your wicker patio furniture lasts for years to come: The suggestions below  work well with most wicker furniture but all methods are preformed at your own risk.

  • Removing dust: To get rid of surface dust on your wicker patio furniture, regularly vacuum the furniture using your vacuum cleaner’s soft bristle brush attachment. Set the suction at the lowest level to prevent damage to your furniture. If you notice more severe debris, such as larger quantities of dirt or animal hair, you can use a new paintbrush (make sure it’s completely dry), tweezers or an ice pick to brush it out of the crevices. You might also want to dust the furniture regularly with a microfiber duster, soft cloth or feather duster.
  • Cleaning spills: Apply a mild detergent such as dish washing soap added to water.  Be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry well before using the furniture again. However, if your patio furniture is made of paper fiber wicker, don’t spray it with or immerse it in water. Doing so runs the risk of destroying the paper fibers.
  • Getting rid of mold and mildew: If you notice mold or mildew on your wicker patio furniture, it’s possible to remove it by following a few specific steps. First, vacuum the furniture using the brush attachment. Then, remove dirt and mold with a scrub brush with soft bristles and wash with a bleach solution. After rinsing well, allow the furniture to dry completely by placing it in the shade when the weather is warm.
  • Performing a thorough cleaning: If your patio furniture requires a deeper cleaning, you can use a handheld steam cleaner. Allow the furniture to dry thoroughly.
  • Extending the life of your furniture:   When cleaning, be sure not to use a stiff  brush, metal cleaning brush or steel wool or other abrasive substances on wicker, this might damage the  wicker and/or finish. If you won’t be using your patio furniture in the winter, you can place a cover on it during the colder months.

By following these practical tips and planning a regular cleaning routine, your wicker patio furniture will last longer. When your ready to purchase wicker furniture stop by our store located in Copiague, NY. We’ve been in business for 34 years and offer high-quality furniture suitable for any area of your home. Contact us today to learn more!