How to Clean Wicker Furniture

How to Clean Wicker Furniture

Image Credit: Isaac Benhesed

Wicker furniture requires special care. Learn how to update the surface and get rid of clumps of dirt in the wicker crevices without damaging the thing during the cleaning process.

Regular cleaning of wicker furniture will help keep it for long periods. All kinds of wicker furniture can be vacuumed using a nozzle with a brush. Do a cleaning of wicker furniture part of your daily or weekly cleaning.

Key points:

  • Determine the look of your wicker furniture.
  • Choose a cleaning method that is suitable for this type of furniture, so as not to damage the products.
  • Dry the wicker furniture with a hair dryer or fan, or, if possible, put it to dry in the sun. Do not leave wicker furniture in a wet state for a long time – it can lead to the appearance of mold.

Cleaning the wicker furniture is not easy, as there are a lot of cracks in the weave where dirt can accumulate. But, like all commonly used household items, such furniture will still have to be cleaned regularly. It may take a while, but the beauty of this furniture is worth your effort.

First, determine the type of your wicker furniture, because each of them requires a different care. Wicker furniture can be divided into three large categories: natural, synthetic and combined. As a rule, natural furniture is made of cane, rattan or even specially twisted paper threads. Wicker furniture made from natural materials is usually less durable than synthetic material, so it is additionally covered with varnish, and synthetic in such care does not need.

Clean your wicker furniture step by step

Image Credit: Engin_Akyurt

Now we will clean your wicker furniture step by step:

  1. For all types of wicker furniture:
    Vacuum the furniture.
    This is the first step in cleaning any wicker furniture.
    Vacuum it with a brush with a long bristle.
    If the furniture is painted, do it carefully so as not to damage the paint or varnish.
  2. Clean hard-to-reach places with a toothbrush and tweezers or forceps.
    After you vacuumed the furniture, go to places that need additional cleaning. Take a toothbrush for this, because its head is much smaller than the brush of the vacuum cleaner, and it is easier to clean out hard-to-reach places.
    You can lightly moisten the brush (this method is not suitable for paper weaving).
    Using tweezers or forceps, remove the particles of dust and dirt stuck in the slots.
  3. Cut the disheveled fibers with scissors.
    If weaving on the old furniture (especially natural), do not pull the parts in any way – in this way you will only increase the damage area. Gently trim the protruding parts with scissors or a knife, like loose thread in clothes.
  4. Wipe with a detergent and water.
    If the plastic furniture is standing on the street, it can be washed directly from the hose, and if in the room – wipe with a cloth soaked in a bucket with soapy water.
    If you have natural wicker furniture, wash it with a slightly damp rag with a little soap or detergent. Be careful if the furniture is painted, as water can damage the paint.
    Do not wet furniture from paper weaving – it can deform it.
    Dry the furniture immediately, and do not use it while it is still wet.
  5. Dry with a hair dryer or fan.
    Wicker furniture can be dried using a hair dryer, a fan or naturally – outdoors.
    If you have synthetic wicker furniture, it is best to dry it in the open air.
    If your wicker furniture is made of natural materials, dry it with a hair dryer (in cold mode) or a fan.
    Do not allow furniture from natural weaving to stand for a long time without drying, as this can lead to the formation of mold or fungus.