Looking After Your Wicker Furniture

Wicker furniture remains popular thanks to its classic style and the beauty and intricacy of its design. This style of furniture won't look out of place in traditional or contemporary settings, but its woven design can leave some people wondering how difficult it is to look after. Rest assured, maintaining this type of furniture is not difficult or time-consuming when you know how. Here are some tips for ensuring your wicker furniture lasts as long as possible and stays looking like new.

Remove Dust Regularly

The woven design of wicker furniture means there are lots of crevices for dust and debris to settle into. However, it's not difficult to keep it clean as long as you remove the dust regularly. You can use your vacuum's brush attachment to get into the crevices, or you can use a can of compressed air for hard-to-reach places. You can also go over your wicker furniture with a feather duster or soft cloth every couple of days to reduce build-up in the crevices, but it's best to avoid damp dusting, as regular contact with moisture can cause deterioration.

Shun Harsh Chemicals

Wicker furniture can dry out when cleaned with harsh chemicals, and this can lead to discolouration and cracks developing. Warm water and a little detergent can clean off most water-based marks, but it's best to blot the mark to avoid getting your wicker furniture wet beyond the section that has the stain on it. Oil-based stains can be cleaned with a little ammonia in warm water. Any wet areas should be dried as quickly as possible, but don't be tempted to use a heater or hairdryer to speed up the drying process, as exposure to this type of heat can cause cracking.

Control Humidity

Wicker furniture is a popular choice for sunrooms and open plan kitchen and dining areas, but regardless of where your wicker furniture is positioned, it's vital you don't let the room get too humid. High humidity can cause mildew to develop on wicker, particularly in the crevices. This can usually be wiped away, but prolonged exposure can leave lasting marks and compromise the integrity of the wicker. So, air your home out regularly and use a dehumidifier if your home is prone to high humidity.

Wicker furniture can be used both indoors and outdoors, but if you have any concerns about its placement or how to ensure its longevity, stores specialising in the sale of wicker furniture will be able to give you some guidance. 

For more info about wicker furniture, contact a local company.