Developing Your Home and Garden

What to do About Your Wicker: Here's How to Look After Your Outdoor Wicker Furniture!

Wicker outdoor furniture is both beautiful and highly functional. It lends a relaxed feel to your outdoor areas whilst looking quite attractive at the same time. The only problem is that wicker furniture can become damaged quite easily if you don't know how to care for it properly. Use the following tips to ensure that your wicker furniture is well looked after so that you can enjoy it for many years to come. 

Repelling Water

One of the biggest potential problems with wicker furniture is that it's a natural fibre, and therefore has the ability to absorb moisture. This moisture can cause swelling and mildew, along with stains and odours. You can prevent these problems by using a specialised protectant finish -- usually a clear polyurethane based one -- on your wicker furniture. You can purchase these protectants in either spray or liquid form. 

If your wicker furniture already has some damage due to moisture, you may be able to tackle the stains and odours using a bleach based cleanser. Be sure to check that any cleanser you use is safe for natural fibres. Once you've dealt with the existing mildew, you can apply the finish that will prevent such problems in the future.

Dusting Away Mould 

Did you know that something as seemingly minor as a layer of dust can cause serious problems for your wicker furniture? Dust can settle within the many crevices of the wicker furniture quite easily -- and this can lead to mould over time. Whilst the protective finish can prevent a great deal of dust collection on your wicker furniture, it's still best that you do an occasional dusting. It takes only a few minutes to whisk away dust (and possibly mould!) in this way.

Painting Away Fading

Whilst your wicker furniture will look quite fresh and new in the beginning, it's natural that the colour will fade over the years. Sun exposure, which is inevitable with outdoor furniture, can wear away the layers of paint to expose the natural fibres below. The protective finish discussed above will help delay fading, but if you've got unprotected wicker furniture that is already faded, you'll need to add a fresh coating of paint. After allowing plenty of time for the wicker to dry, you can apply the protectant that will extend the beauty of your wicker. 

If you care for your outdoor wicker furniture using the tips above, you can expect to realise the maximum wicker life span of around 20 years. Put these tips into practise today to get the very best from your wicker!


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