Top Cleaning Tips for Wicker Furniture |
Posted: April 20, 2017 |
Wicker furniture can be a very attractive option for your home, but it needs to be cleaned regularly in order to keep it looking its best. However, natural wicker and synthetic wicker must be cleaned differently, as natural wicker is far less durable and resistant to moisture. This article shares some helpful tips to help you clean both types.
Dust and DirtAll wicker furniture, particularly the type kept outdoors, is prone to dust and dirt getting caught up in the weaving. Depending on the type of furniture you have, there are a few methods you can use to eliminate this dirt. If you find there’s a lot of dust in between the fibres of natural wicker, try using a vacuum cleaner and one of its many attachments. Most vacuums have a brush attachment that will reach into difficult spaces and cracks. Using this on natural wicker is a gentle way to dislodge any dirt. For any crevices the brush attachment can’t reach, try a clean paintbrush. Cut the bristles down to the required length and any stubborn dirt should be able to be easily dislodged. For synthetic wicker furniture, the cleaning process is much simpler. The material is more durable, so it’s okay to be a bit rougher with it. Remove any cushions and simply hose it down outside. Spraying the furniture with water won’t damage it and will quickly dislodge any dust and wash it away. Any dirt that remains can be easily removed with a brush.
Spills and Other MessesA vacuum cleaner can’t do everything, and it certainly won’t clean up a spill on the wicker. Immediately wipe spills away using water and mild soap. A teaspoon or two of dishwashing detergent in a bucket should be strong enough to take care of the spill without damaging the furniture. Natural wicker can warp when it soaks up too much moisture, so be sure to go easy on it. To remove mould spots on wicker furniture, try substituting the detergent for a very small amount of bleach. Using a toothbrush or another brush, scrub the spots. Once the spots are removed, wipe the area down so the bleach cannot cause damage. Synthetic wicker furniture can be hosed down to remove spills, or wiped with a cloth and cleaning chemical. The chemicals are unlikely to damage the material, but you should check with the manufacturer before using bleach, as this can affect colours.
CushionsThe cushions on your wicker furniture need to be cleaned separately. Remove the covers and read the tags to find out what temperature water to use, whether to wash with other similarly coloured items, and whether they can be machine washed. Follow these instructions and give the covers time to dry before replacing them on your furniture. Wicker furniture is remarkably easy to keep clean. Follow these instructions as frequently as necessary and your wicker should last a lifetime looking almost new. If you’re still having problems with a stain or mould on your wicker, particularly natural wicker, consider calling in a professional cleaner. Ask if they’re familiar with the material and they should be able to take care of the problem for you.
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