#ExpertTips: A Fool-proof Guide To Maintaining Rattan & Wicker Furniture

Contrary to popular belief, natural wicker furniture is most suited for covered outdoor spaces. You should never subject your natural wicker furniture to the harsh weather elements of sun, rain, snow or wind. The fibres deteriorate from the sun, becoming dry, brittle and prone to splitting or breakage. The fibres can also deteriorate from dew, rain, snow, and moisture, causing the furniture's rattan or hardwood frames to warp. However, a covered balcony or a porch with a wide overhang would be ideal for placing your vintage or modern natural wicker furniture.

Wicker weaves are three-dimensional with natural colouring, and the pattern often seems to collect dust. On a day-to-day basis, all it needs is simple cloth dusting. 

To add to the routine cloth dusting, a weekly deep cleaning involving the removal of any surface dirt around the crevices using a brush or a vacuum is very beneficial. 

For grime or stains, use a soft brush and mild soapy water or sponge to clean the wicker and remove the stains. Then allow it to air dry in the shade. To clean hard-to-reach areas, you can also use a toothbrush. Your wicker should stay quite spotless if you incorporate this vacuuming, dusting and stain cleaning into your cleaning routine.

Unlike natural wicker, synthetic wicker needs minimal maintenance and tends to be all-weather-proof, being more resilient and less likely to get spoilt or split. Good quality artificial wicker furniture that is woven on an aluminium structure has the strength to survive being hosed down, or you can simply use soap and water. You can even let it dry in the sun. 

Regularly wipe down wood to eliminate dirt, debris, and extra water to safeguard your patio furniture. The finest solution for hardwood furniture is an annual sanding and application of a brand-new finish coat of protection, such as oil, stain, or polyurethane. 

The weave on outdoor wicker furniture can shift over time, so it is essential to check it once in a while. The weave can be simply pushed back in place if you do notice that it has moved. You can use a tiny amount of wood glue on any broken pieces. Be careful not to use the furniture until the adhesive is fully dry.

Wicker patio furniture is designed to be sturdy and weatherproof. But if it's lying unused for months/years without regular cleaning, it's a good idea to get furniture covering. That will benefit the longevity of your wicker furniture and increase it's longevity too.