Wicker Outdoor Furniture Care

Wicker is a production process that produces furniture and other objects. Traditionally rattan, a vine-like plant that was first found in the tropical climates and jungles of South East Asia, had been used for thousands of years to construct everything from wicker baskets to wicker furniture.

Wicker boats, tables, chariots and chairs can be found across various societies throughout human history. Wicker baskets have been found under the ashes in the ruins of Pompeii, and eventually wicker furniture became popular in the gardens and on verandas of Victorian Era plantations and estates in both England and America. This English and American outdoor wicker furniture was typically made from rattan.

Recently furniture manufacturers turned to synthetic materials that offer the same benefits as traditional rattan wicker, without the constant maintenance. These all-weather wicker pieces are quite durable, offer more colors and will resist the natural elements such as humidity and rain.

Today most wicker patio furniture is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or a poly resin blend. There are many benefits of these synthetic substances when compared to organic materials. These man-made products are easy to maintain, since both poly resin and PVC resist debris, oil and dirt.

Typically modern wicker will be damaged by either too much weight in the seat, a chewing animal or UV exposure over a long period of time. With these drawbacks in mind (weight, pets and sun light), it's important to honor the weight recommendations with wicker, along with placement possibly in an area where a pet isn't left alone with the furniture.

The sun exposure issue can become problematic, since the goal of outdoor furniture is to be used outside. But placing wicker patio furniture in a damp, dark area can cause mold and mildew growth. So it's essential to choose an area that is not always exposed to sun, but also not always exposed to rain and water.

If the area where it is placed is chosen correctly, wicker patio furniture will require very little maintenance. But if this is impossible, consider buying a patio furniture cover to protect your investment.

Wicker Patio Furniture: Regular Cleaning & Care

While wicker is quite durable and will resist most damage from regular use and abuse, from time to time you will have to clean your wicker patio furniture. No matter how clean and organized you are, you cannot prevent dust, grime and small pieces of dirt from building on your furniture. If you find your sofas, chairs or tables dirty, try cleaning it with a mixture of mild soap and water.

Wicker Patio Furniture: Cleaning Stubborn Grime & Stains

Sometimes wicker patio furniture can become quite dirty through outdoor use. When this is the case, and the above remedy of mild soap and water does not work, try any of the following tips:

• Any general purpose cleaning spray will work effectively at removing even the most stubborn stains and dirt. Fantastic, Lysol, 409 or any general purpose cleaner should work, but could damage the material if left on for long periods of time. So if you use one of these cleaners be sure to NOT let it soak or sit on the material for more than a few minutes.
• Do you have a garden hose attachment with different types of sprays? If yes, set your hose attachment to the "jet" setting and spray the furniture. This should remove any loose dirt or debris.
• Do you find sticky tree sap on your wicker patio furniture all of the time? Try spraying WD40 or Goof Off on the tree sap, and then wiping it away with a wet cloth. Non-gel toothpaste will work at removing the most stubborn tree sap, if WD40 or Goof Off doesn't work.
• Some extremely tough stains will set into the material. If you find this is the case, try sanding down the stain in the direction of the grain with fine-grit sandpaper. Refinish the surface after this sanding with a wax product to create that brand-new look and sheen.
• Most products designed to clean watercrafts will work on wicker patio furniture, such as Simoniz or Greezed Lightning. These products are designed to remove oil and grime, but application and cleaning should be done outside to avoid the fumes, and the items should be rinsed well after cleaning.
• Tilex and other Clorox cleaners will work effectively against mold and mildew, but can be quite damaging and should be removed immediately after the cleaning.

Of course, you should check with the manufacturer of your wicker patio furniture for care and maintenance instructions, but the above tips should help. If maintained properly, modern wicker patio furniture will last for a long period of time and look great. Family Leisure offers free nationwide shipping on all Wicker Patio Furniture; view Family Leisure Wicker Patio Furniture here. And Family Leisure has a broad selection of patio furniture, also with free nationwide shipping; view all Family Leisure Patio Furniture here.