How To Clean Old Wicker Furniture?

The bothersome dust and dirt stains can indeed have a noticeable impact on the appearance of your wicker furniture at home, can’t they? Fret not, as the straightforward and efficient how to clean old wicker furniture techniques shared below will help you save time while restoring your furniture to its pristine condition.

1. How often should you clean your wicker furniture?

There’s no hard-and-fast rule about how often you clean your wicker furniture, but you should keep a few things in mind if you have any in your home.  You should deep clean your patio furniture at least twice a year: once in the spring before you start using it regularly as temperatures rise, and again in the fall before you put it all away for the winter. 

Remember that the specific cleaning frequency may vary based on your unique circumstances. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to spills and stains will help keep your wicker furniture looking its best and prolong its lifespan.

2. How to clean old wicker furniture

To clean old wicker furniture, you first need to prepare the following items: Soft bristle brush, Smaller detail brush or an old toothbrush, 2-3 microfiber cloths, Gentle dish soap, Bucket, Warm water, Hair dryer (optional).

Step 1: Clear the Furniture

Before you begin, clear the furniture of any items such as books, plants, chair cushions, or anything that might obstruct your cleaning efforts. (Additionally, since water will be involved, it’s essential to prevent these items from getting wet.)

Step 2: Dusting

Commence by dusting the wicker piece with a large, dry brush, preferably one with soft bristles to prevent damage to the fibers. Follow this with a microfiber cloth. If needed, delicately employ a smaller detail brush or an old toothbrush to eliminate dirt, dust, or debris from crevices.

Step 3: Clean the Furniture with a Damp Cloth

Mix a few drops of dish soap in a bucket of warm water. Take a clean microfiber cloth and dampen it with the soapy water. Make sure the cloth is not overly soaked; it should be just wet enough to clean the wicker’s fibers. You can also use your detail brush dipped in the soapy water to access tight spots and crevices. Using the damp cloth, gently scrub the entire wicker surface, ensuring you reach into all the crevices.

Step 4: Dry the Wicker Piece

After cleaning the wicker piece, it’s important to ensure it’s completely dry to prevent damage from excess moisture. Start by using a dry microfiber cloth to remove moisture. You can then speed up the drying process by using a blow dryer or by placing the piece in the sunlight. However, avoid leaving it outside for too long, as excessive sun exposure can cause the natural fibers to crack.

3. How to maintain wicker furniture

The most effective way to care  natural wicker is by maintaining cleanliness and ensuring it remains dry. Periodically vacuum the furniture using a brush attachment to eliminate dust and pollen as needed. Keeping wicker clean is essential for its longevity because dust and other organic debris tend to accumulate within the weave’s crevices, potentially leading to mildew growth, fiber deterioration, and eventual decay, especially in the case of natural wicker. Hence, it’s crucial to promptly clean up spills and stains for the same reason.

While most wicker patio furniture is designed for year-round outdoor use, it can become brittle in extremely cold weather and overly elastic in very hot conditions. Using the furniture during such extreme temperatures may accelerate wear and tear. Additionally, excessively damp weather can promote mildew growth, particularly with natural wicker.

To ensure the longevity of your wicker patio furniture and preserve its color, it’s advisable to keep it under a patio roof or similar cover to shield it from direct sunlight. Sunlight exposure can be detrimental to natural wicker fibers, potentially causing unraveling or cracking, and it can be harsh on paint. Despite manufacturers’ claims, direct sunlight can also damage resin wicker, as sunlight can degrade plastic materials.

If your furniture lacks overhead shelter, consider covering it or relocating it to a more protected area during inclement weather, as well as during extremely hot or cold temperature spells.

4. FAQs

4.1 How do you restore the color of rattan furniture?

While reversing the fading process of rattan furniture may be challenging, you can enhance its appearance by painting it. You have the option to choose an entirely new color or attempt to match the original shade.

Painting rattan can be a tricky task due to the numerous small spaces between the strands that are hard to access. It’s crucial to invest the time and effort to paint the entire surface, including those intricate and hard-to-reach areas. Ensure that you place the furniture on a surface that can tolerate paint drips, and keep cushions and other items well away from the painting area to prevent accidental paint splatters.

4.2 Can you use olive oil on rattan?

Using olive oil to rejuvenate rattan furniture is a fantastic trick to get your furniture looking fresh for the summer season. Begin with a small amount of olive oil on a soft polishing cloth, then gently rub the oil into the rattan until it’s fully absorbed. It’s important to note that a little goes a long way with this method. Treating rattan furniture in this manner not only adds a protective layer to minimize the risk of chipping but also imparts a long-lasting shine.

The key consideration here is that the treated furniture needs sufficient time to dry completely before use or storage. Therefore, it’s best to choose a sunny day for this process. Additionally, be cautious not to oversaturate the furniture with oil. The goal is to surface-rub the rattan to clean it, rather than saturate the material.

With the knowledge of “how to clean old wicker furniture,” you can embark on a journey of reviving these timeless pieces. Whether you choose to follow the traditional cleaning methods or opt for innovative approaches like using olive oil, regular care and maintenance will keep your wicker furniture looking as charming as the day you acquired it. If you have a shopping need, don’t hesitate to get in touch with thanhcongcraft via email info@thanhcongcraft.com or WhatsApp: +84967485411. Hope to serve you soon!