How to Clean and Care for Wicker Furniture

Wicker furniture is sturdy, and it's exceptionally decorative and useful. Whether it's kept indoors or outdoors, it requires occasional cleaning and care. When wicker isn't properly cared for it becomes dry, it can rot, and it must be properly cleaned in order for it to last. Properly clean and care for your wicker and it will last for many years.

If you have wicker furniture in need of cleaning and care, the following instructions will enable you to properly care for it. If it's sturdy and of good quality, whether outdoors or indoors, wicker pieces can last longer than any other furniture you own.

How to Clean Your Wicker

Care for your wicker furniture by vacuuming it on a regular basis using a soft brush attachment. If you don't have a vacuum attachment, you can wipe it with a soft cloth to keep it clean and prevent a build-up of dust, dirt, and grime. If it already has a build-up of dirt or grime that won't come off with regular dusting, you can clean it using the following instructions.

Add approximately two tablespoons of household ammonia to one gallon of water. Thoroughly mix the ammonia into the water, and wipe the reeds with a clean soft cloth. Clean the crevices with a soft-bristle toothbrush or a paintbrush. After it's clean, be sure to rinse away the ammonia with a damp rag. Rinse and wring out the rag often, and allow it to air-dry in a shady location.

Preventing Dryness and Damage

In an effort to properly care for wicker, it's important to never leave it in the sun for extended periods of time, even outdoor furniture. Keep it shaded to prevent damage caused by dryness, and keep it out of the rain to prevent moisture damage. Once it's wet, never sit on it or allow anyone else to sit on it. Wet reeds can bend, and weight can cause irreparable damage. Appropriate care will keep it looking good indefinitely.

Correcting Dryness

If the reeds are already dry and in need of moisture, wet them down, and allow the pieces to dry in the shade. Care for it once a year in this manner to replenish valuable moisture. In addition, apply boiled linseed oil to dry wicker pieces, and wipe it off with dry paper toweling. If they don't appear shiny after the first application, reapply the linseed oil until it is no longer absorbed into the reeds.

Can I Strip the Paint From Wicker Furniture?

Painted wicker should never be stripped because the reeds can become extremely brittle. Don't take a chance on stripping it. If paint is clogging the weave, carefully remove it with an awl, an ice pick, or a small screwdriver. Instead of stripping wicker furniture, cover clean paint with a new coat or two of spray paint. Follow product label instructions for best results. With proper care, your old wicker furniture can look as good as new.