How To Care For Outdoor Wicker Furniture

So you’ve gone ahead and decked out that patio of yours with some beautiful wicker furniture… good choice! Wicker is highly versatile when it comes to furniture and gives your backyard a cosy, homely and natural look whilst still being lightweight and durable. Now that you’ve got a comfortable place to relax outdoors, it’s important that you know how to maintain and care for the newest addition to your patio so that it will last for years to come. Read on to learn more about what you need to know when it comes to looking after your outdoor wicker furniture.

WHAT IS WICKER?

Wicker is in fact a term for the method of weaving used in making products such as baskets, chairs and a wide range of indoor and outdoor furniture. Traditionally, bamboo, cane, rattan or other natural fibres are used in the process which involves the bending and weaving of plant material, which in the case of furniture is then usually woven over an aluminium frame to ensure sturdiness and durability whilst still being reasonably light enough to move around when needed. Today, it’s more common to find polyethylene fibre wicker or resin wicker used for outdoor furniture which provides additional protection from the elements and gives a more modern, polished look to your outdoor setting.

CARE

Most wicker is capable of withstanding prolonged outdoor use under the Australian sun, particularly if it’s been treated to become more weather resistant. Lavita Furniture prides itself in using the best quality resin wicker which has been UV-treated and coloured to the core, so you can rest assured knowing your outdoor wicker furniture will be able to perform under the toughest of conditions without the worry of fading or abrasions any time soon. But this doesn’t mean that your brand new furniture set is indestructible! Basic care goes a long way in ensuring your furniture will stand the test of time.

CLEANING

The good news is, wicker furniture can be relatively easy to clean. Remove all cushions and padding before simply dusting off any dirt or particles using a soft brush, and pay special attention to any corners or crevices that might have a buildup of dust or crumbs. If a more thorough clean is needed, continue by using a soft damp cloth and mild soapy water to wipe down all surfaces of your furniture, paying special attention to any sticky spots or areas that may need more attention (especially for furniture that might be used for dining or serving food on). Rinse with water or hose off and leave to dry before replacing cushions, to prevent mildew formation.

PLACEMENT OF FURNITURE

Placement is key when it comes to prolonging the use of your outdoor furniture. Poolside settings are prone to chlorine build up and thus will require more attention and cleaning. Firepits, barbecues and outdoor ovens may cause intense heat spots on your furniture if not placed far away enough. If your outdoor area is home to an abundance of trees, be weary of sap or leaf mulch making it’s way onto your furniture. And of course, if you have furry friends within easy access to your outdoor oasis… let them proceed with caution! Claw and bite marks don’t look so great on a brand new outdoor setting. Although wicker performs well in the great outdoors, it’s best to keep any outdoor furniture covered when not in use, and out of direct sunlight. This includes any padded cushions that might come as part of your set, to prevent unsightly fading or mould. Although the materials used in your outdoor furniture have been developed to resist the elements, it will only be a matter of time before wear and tear begins to show (and hopefully later rather than sooner), so a little bit of forethought will go a long way!

With proper care, upkeep and a little TLC, your outdoor wicker furniture will be the star in your backyard setting for years to come. Click here for more on our wide range of wicker furniture.

Above: CANOPY Outdoor Daybed