For centuries, people have been choosing wicker furniture because it is beautiful and durable. Wicker furniture is ideal for a variety of spaces including sunrooms, patios and decks. The proper maintenance can help extend the life of your favorite wicker pieces. Once you find the ideal wicker furniture, you want to preserve it for years to come. Learn how to care for wicker furniture below.
1. Protect Wicker from the Rays of the Sun
While wicker stands up to the outdoor elements, protecting it from the harsh rays of the sun can extend its life. The sun can fade and dry out wicker over time. Colorful pillows and padded cushions are decorative way to protect the visible surfaces of your wicker furniture. Some cushions are specially made to resist the sun to minimize fading. Consider having two or three sets of cushions to change the look of your wicker furniture. An alternative set can also be used when you are cleaning the other set of cushions and pillows.
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2. Keep Your Wicker Clean
Clean your wicker furniture regularly. Dirt and dust tends to build up on the surface of your furniture every few days. It can make it look dull and dingy. Stubborn grim can also break down wicker fibers. Get rid of the dusty stuff on your furniture at least once a month. The soft bristle brush attachment on a vacuum does a great job. Use a soft toothbrush to get into the cracks and crevices.
3. Get Rid of Spills Immediately
Typically wicker furniture is found in places where people entertain such as poolside decks and outdoor living spaces. The ongoing traffic often means spills and icky messes are inevitable. Don’t let them sit around on your wicker furniture. Use a soft, clean cloth dipped in warm, soapy water to clean them up. A mild dish detergent works well to get rid of spills and stains.
4. Completely Clean Your Wicker Furniture Every Six Months
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Vacuuming and getting rid of spills are only two of the ways to extend the life of your wicker furniture. Even when you clean wicker each month, dirt can get embedded on the surface of wicker pieces. Get a bucket of mild, soapy water and a cleaning brush to scrub the surface of wicker furniture. Rinse it with your garden hose to get rid of the soap and loosened dirt. It is important to ensure the furniture is completely dry to avoid the development of mildew or mold. This is one time when you want to expose your wicker furniture to the direct sun so it dries quickly.
5. Add Lemon Oil to Your Wicker Furniture
Most people realize they need to use furniture polish or oil to extend the life of wood furniture. But oil is also beneficial for wicker furnishings. Lemon oil cleans and polishes wicker to keep it looking vibrant for many seasons to come. Simply dip a clean cloth in lemon oil and wipe down your wicker furniture. You might want to do this twice a year after deep cleaning your furniture. Make sure the pieces are completely dry before you rub them down with lemon oil. Using lemon oil also gives your wicker furniture a fresh scent.
6. Protect Wicker from Harsh Weather Conditions
While wicker furniture can stand up to any type of weather, harsh conditions can take a toll over time. Keeping wicker out of severe weather conditions helps to extend its life. For example, you might live in a region with heavy rain or snow storms. During the wet or cold season, wicker furniture should be covered or stored. It is best to bring the furniture inside to keep it completely safe. Consider storing it in a shed, basement or garage.
7. Cover Up Wicker Furniture in Storage
When you store your valued wicker furnishings, cover them. Whether you decide to store them outdoors or indoors, they should remain covered during the period of time they are stored. A cover protects wicker from dust and other elements that exist in any storage area. Covers are also handy if you go on vacation for a week or two. You can keep your wicker pieces covered outdoors during the time when you won’t be there to dust or clean them.
8. Prepare Your Wicker Furniture for Storage
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Another way to protect your wicker furniture is to properly prepare it before storage. Wicker furniture should be deep cleaned prior to storage. Make sure the furniture is completely dry before you put it under a cover. If the furniture is even slightly damp, mold and mildew can form. Over the time the furniture is in storage, mold and mildew can eat away at the surface of your treasured wicker pieces. Take the time to clean, dry and cover your wicker pieces before you store them away. This can extend the life of wicker furniture for a long time to come.
9. Resurface Your Wicker Furniture
Wicker furniture has been known to last for up to fifty or even one hundred years. Quality wicker pieces are often passed on to future generations. One of the most effective ways to extend the life of your wicker furnishings is to apply a coat of polyurethane or varnish. This should be done every decade to ensure your wicker pieces are in excellent condition in the future.
10. Treat Wicker Furniture with Care
While wicker furniture it tough, it should still be treated with care. Don’t throw sharp objects down on wicker furniture. People should avoid jumping on wicker furniture or landing hard into the seats of wicker pieces. Verify the weight limits for wicker before inviting guests over. Treat your wicker furniture with respect and it will serve you well for many years.
It takes time to find the ideal wicker furniture to complete your dream indoor or outdoor setting. A little effort can go a long way when it comes to extending the life of wicker furnishings. Keep them clean, store them properly and give them a bit of care to enjoy them for decades.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor