Wicker outdoor furniture can add a lovely rustic or vintage touch to your patio, deck, or yard. However, wicker requires special care and cleaning to keep it looking its best. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause wicker to get dirty, stained, or even start to fade. Learning the proper techniques for deep cleaning wicker as well as best practices for ongoing maintenance is key to preserving your investment in wicker patio sets. With a little time and effort, you can keep your wicker looking like new for years to come.
Why It’s Important to Clean Wicker Furniture
Keeping wicker clean is crucial for both aesthetic and practical reasons. Here’s why you should make wicker cleaning a priority:
- Prevent staining and discoloration – Outdoor wicker absorbs dirt, pollen, pollution, food and beverage spills, bird droppings, and other debris. If these messes aren’t removed promptly, they can stain or discolor the wicker fibers. Regular cleaning will prevent stubborn stains from setting in.
- Avoid mold and mildew – Moisture that seeps into wicker can allow mold and mildew to take hold. A thorough cleaning dries out the wicker fibers to discourage fungal growth. Bleach and other disinfectants kill existing spores.
- Maintain structural integrity – Dirt and grime trapped in wicker can abrade and deteriorate the plant fibers. Keeping wicker clean preserves its strength and durability.
- Extend its life – With proper care, high-quality wicker can last 5-10 years or more. Regular cleaning and conditioning is the best way to maximize your investment in wicker patio furniture.
- Improve appearance – Of course, clean wicker just looks nicer! Removing surface dirt restores wicker’s natural color and luster.
Thoroughly cleaning wicker 1-2 times per year is recommended, along with some simple maintenance steps between deep cleanings.
Supplies Needed to Clean Wicker Furniture
Before getting started, gather the necessary supplies:
- Garden hose – Use a hose with a high-pressure nozzle to rinse away loose dirt.
- Mild detergent – Look for pH-neutral options like dish soap or laundry detergent marked “free and clear”.
- Scrub brushes – Soft-bristle brushes are ideal for working on wicker’s bumpy surface. Avoid stiff brushes that could damage the fibers.
- Old toothbrush – For scrubbing crevices and intricate details.
- Vinegar – Helps remove stains and brighten the wicker.
- Bleach – For disinfecting and removing mold/mildew. Use sparingly.
- Plastic scraper – Helps gently lift off stuck-on gunk and debris.
- Soft cloths – Absorbent microfiber cloths are perfect for applying cleaners and drying.
- Protective gloves – Essential for handling bleach; also helpful for scrubbing with vigor.
- Drop cloths – Protect surrounding surfaces from drips and spills while cleaning.
- Wicker protectant – Conditioning treatment to apply after cleaning.
- Sunscreen or cover – Shields wicker from UV rays after cleaning.
With these supplies on hand, you’ll be fully equipped for a thorough wicker cleaning session.
How to Deep Clean Wicker Furniture
Tackle heavy-duty wicker cleaning with this step-by-step process:
1. Hose Off Loose Debris
- Use a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle. This quick rinse removes surface dirt, leaves, pollen, bird droppings, etc.
- Don’t aim directly at wicker. Hold nozzle about 12 inches away to avoid damaging fibers.
- Rotate furniture to reach all sides.
2. Create a Cleaning Solution
- Good options include:
- 1-2 tablespoons mild detergent per gallon of warm water
- 1 part distilled white vinegar diluted in 2 parts water
- 1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water (for disinfecting & removing mold/mildew)
- For serious stains, try rubbing with undiluted vinegar first.
- For stubborn mold stains, apply full-strength bleach.
3. Scrub the Wicker
- Use a soft-bristle scrub brush dipped in the cleaning solution.
- Gently scrub all wicker surfaces using short, circular motions.
- Get into crevices & details with an old toothbrush.
- Take care not to abrasively rub the wicker; allow the solution to penetrate.
- Maintain a light touch to avoid fraying or breaking wicker fibers.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
- Use a hose to rinse away all soap and cleaning residue. Don’t stop rinsing until the water runs clear.
- Bleach may require an extra rinse since it can damage plants. Vinegar can also harm grass.
- Rotate furniture to rinse all sides & dry thoroughly in the sun.
5. Allow to Dry Completely
- Let the furniture air-dry for 1-2 hours before applying protectant.
- Direct sunlight speeds drying; consider drying overnight if dampness persists in cracks.
- Residual moisture could reactivate chemicals still present from cleaning.
6. Apply Protective Treatment
- Using a soft cloth, apply a thin layer of high-quality wicker protectant.
- Rub it gently into all fibers, allowing it to fully absorb rather than pooling.
- Treatment conditions fibers & shields against future stains/UV damage.
- Buff off any excess after a few minutes.
Cleaning Tips for Different Types of Wicker
- Natural wicker – Made of rattan, reed, or bamboo. Clean gently to avoid fraying.
- Synthetic wicker – Often contains polyurethane or vinyl; more durable. Harsher cleaners won’t harm fibers.
- All-weather wicker – Has internal frame; designed to withstand weather. Focus on mold prevention.
- Seagrass wicker – From marshes not forests; susceptible to fading. Use mild cleaners.
- White wicker – Bleach can help restore brightness; rinse extremely well. Limit UV exposure.
- Dark wicker – Spot clean mold/stains with diluted bleach. Overbleaching could discolor fibers.
Tailor your cleaning methods to the specific type of wicker furniture you own.
Cleaning Different Types of Wicker Stains
Encounter a stubborn stain? Use these techniques to remove specific types of spots:
- Dirt and debris – Soap and water scrubbing does the trick. Rinse with vinegar solution to brighten.
- Mold and mildew – Use diluted bleach, full-strength vinegar, or 70% isopropyl alcohol and rinse very thoroughly.
- Bird droppings – Rinse off debris, then scrub with soapy water. Bleach can remove lingering stains.
- Wine – Pour salt on spill immediately to absorb, then scrub with diluted vinegar or bleach.
- Grease and oil – Dab gently with a paper towel. Use dish soap and warm water to scrub oily residue.
- Tree sap and berries – Scrape off excess sap gently, then scrub with alcohol or acetone-based nail polish remover.
- Rust stains – Apply lemon juice and salt and scrub. Reapply until stain is gone.
Test cleaners on small hidden areas first to ensure they don’t discolor fibers. Harsh chemicals can damage some wicker types.
How to Maintain and Protect Wicker Furniture
Once your wicker looks pristine again, keep it that way with simple regular care:
- At the end of each season, do a deep clean and re-apply protective coating.
- Hose down weekly to wash away pollen and dirt before it builds up.
- Vacuum crevices with a brush attachment monthly.
- Spot clean spills and stains immediately with a damp cloth.
- Keep wicker out of harsh rain, snow and excessive moisture. Store indoors or use furniture covers.
- Prevent sun damage by keeping wicker in the shade or covering when not in use.
- Inspect wicker each season and make minor repairs immediately to avoid further damage.
- Apply fresh protectant every 2-3 months to renew weatherproofing.
- Consider re-staining faded wicker to refresh the color. Use exterior wood stain in a close match to the original shade.
With regular TLC and deep cleaning as needed, wicker can remain in fantastic shape for many years of use. Taking time to properly care for your wicker patio set pays off with furniture that stays looking fabulous season after season.
Answering Common Questions About Wicker Furniture Cleaning
Wicker furniture care often generates many of the same questions. Here are some helpful answers to commonly asked queries:
How often should you deep clean wicker furniture?
Aim to deeply clean wicker about twice per year – at the beginning and end of the time you use it for outdoor living. Spot clean stains in between deep cleanings as needed.
Can you power wash wicker outdoor furniture?
We don’t recommend power washing. The powerful spray can damage the fibers. Use a garden hose on a moderate setting instead.
What natural cleaning solutions work on wicker?
Vinegar, lemon juice, and mild dish soap are good natural cleaners for wicker. Start gently and test them first on inconspicuous spots.
How do you get mold off wicker furniture?
Use a diluted bleach solution or undiluted vinegar to kill mold and mildew. Scrub the wicker gently to remove all the growth, and rinse extremely thoroughly.
What do you put on wicker furniture to preserve it?
Use a protectant formulated for wicker and outdoor furniture. Options include paste wax, silicone sprays, tung oil, linseed oil, and epoxy resin sealers. Avoid varnish or polyurethane.
Can wicker furniture be restored?
Re-staining, intensive cleaning, thorough protections, and minor repairs can restore neglected wicker close to its original condition. Severely damaged wicker may need professional repair.
Will vinegar or bleach harm my wicker?
It depends on the type. Bleach and vinegar are too harsh for some natural wickers but fine for use on most synthetic resins. Always spot test cleaners first and rinse thoroughly.
How do I fix broken wicker furniture?
For minor splits, apply a liquid sealant like Flex Seal into the gap then clamp pieces together until dry. More severe breaks may require sewing, splinting, or replacement of the damaged section.
Conclusion
By learning how to thoroughly yet gently clean wicker patio furniture, anyone can keep their set looking like new for years of use. With this guide’s step-by-step instructions for deep cleaning and ongoing maintenance, you’ll be ready to tackle any type of grime on your wicker. Taking a little time invested in cleaning will allow you to continue enjoying lounging on your stylish, dirt-free wicker furniture. Just be sure to use a soft touch and proper methods to keep the fibers intact. With the right techniques and consistent care, your wicker can stay in fantastic shape while enhancing your outdoor living space.