How to Care for Wicker Furniture

Wicker furniture is always a classic and various choice for a porch, sun room and, naturally, a patio! Wicker refers to the weaving process used to create it, but wicker can be made of different materials. It can be woven from a variety of organic materials, including rattan, reed, willow, bamboo and other types of wood.
Wicker furniture is as beautiful as it is durable, with the proper care. This type of furniture is lightweight and easy to move around which makes it a great choice if you can't lift heavy objects easily. Natural wicker is not proposed for outdoor use. For your porch or patio, plastic wicker would be a better choice.
Whether you have plastic patio furniture, vinyl furniture, or wicker lawn and garden furniture it is important to keep your furniture clean for longevity, cleanliness, and aesthetic beauty. Preserving its beauty can be accomplished by following some simple steps.

1. One of the best care tips is to simply place the furniture properly. Wicker furniture should be kept well away from any sources of dry heat, such as direct sunlight, baseboards or radiators.

2. You should regularly brush it with a soft but firm bristled brush. After brushing, vacuum the loosened dirt. This will keep your wicker furniture clean and in good shape, if done regular.

3. To remove soil or stains on the wicker, prepare a paste of basking soda and water, which can be gently applied with a sponge or soft cloth.
For plastic and vinyl patio furniture, this usually completes the job.

4. If you use your outdoor furniture on a regular basis, consider wiping it down once or twice a week with a damp cloth, because dry wicker has a tendency to split.

5. Painted wicker should never be stripped because the reeds can become extremely brittle. Instead of stripping wicker furniture, cover clean paint with a new coat or two of spray paint.

6. A veranda, porch or roofed patio will protect your outdoor wicker furniture from the elements.

With wicker furniture you can achieve the same beautifully decorated look outdoors as you can inside your home.