Because wicker furniture has small crevices throughout the entire structure, it can be relatively difficult to clean. Before attempting to clean any piece of furniture made of wicker material, it is important first to determine if your wicker is synthetic or natural. Natural wicker is less durable than synthetic, so it must be handled with more care. To ensure that your wicker furniture of any type is clean and grime-free, follow these five easy steps!
1. Vacuum. No matter what your next steps will be, you should always start by vacuuming your wicker furniture to get rid of dirt and debris. You can gently use the brush tool on your cleaner to suck up dust, but be sure to avoid applying firm pressure as this could cause damage.
2. Utilize a toothbrush, tweezers, or pliers. If there is any left over smut after you vacuum, using a toothbrush to reach those smaller spaces is a viable option. When you find dirt trapped in between the wicker, you can grab it out with the help of some tweezers or pliers. Take caution not to damage the wicker.
3. Clip with scissors. If you find stray pieces of wicker break off or stick out like a sore thumb, do not rip the drifting piece off of the furniture. Tearing could increase the amount of damage. Instead, cut the wandering piece of wicker with scissors or a knife to prevent further impairment.
4. Wash with water and mild detergent. With synthetic wicker, you can spray it outside with a hose and apply a light cleanser, then rinse. For natural wicker, dampen a cloth with water and gently wipe the furniture. If the wicker happens to be made of paper, do not ever apply water. Water will warp and ruin the furniture.
5. Evaporate moisture with a fan or hairdryer. It is imperative to dry your wicker furniture after cleaning it. Mold and mildew can develop in the wicker if it is not properly dried. If synthetic wicker, you can allow it to dry in the sun. However, any wicker can be gently dried with a blow dryer or a fan.
No matter the type of wicker furniture you own, you must clean it with care. Regular cleaning and maintenance will prevent the need for deep cleaning that could potentially ruin the furniture!