Willow wicker furniture is known for its durability and attractive appeal. People use wicker furniture all across the world to add more flavor and texture to their indoor and outdoor spaces.
Furniture like chairs, tables, bookshelves, light fixtures, etc., are made from this natural material which serves two purposes. It not only makes your space look more elegant but it can also be used regularly.
This regular use warrants proper cleaning and maintenance of the willow-wicker furniture. Knowing these things can not only increase the life of your furniture but also make sure it keeps looking fresh and new for years.
Here is all you need to know about the care and maintenance of the willow wicker furniture
Tips for Cleaning Willow Wicker Furniture:
- Things You Will Need
- Remove Items from the Furniture
- Vacuum And Dust
- Washing of the Wicker
- Let it Dry
- Use a Wicker Conditioner
Willow Wicker Furniture Routine Care and Maintenance:
- Get rid of Mold and Mildew
- Check for Damage
- Keep it Away from Sunlight
- Do Simple Repairs
- Clean the Stains When They are Fresh
Tips for Cleaning Willow Wicker Furniture
Here is what you need to do to clean willow-wicker furniture correctly.
- Things You Will Need
The right supplies can make all the difference when cleaning this type of furniture. Following is a list of things you will be needing
- A bucket with warm water
- Soft brush
- An old toothbrush or a small detail brush
- Some micro-fiber clothes
- A hairdryer if possible
- Vacuum with a brush attachment
- Remove Items from the Furniture
The first thing you need to do is to remove each and everything from the willow wicker furniture. You need to put everything that can get in your way of cleaning the furniture somewhere else so that you are not interrupted.
- Vacuum And Dust
At this point, you will use the dry soft bristle brush to wipe down the willow wicker from top to bottom. After that use the microfiber cloth to get rid of the residue.
The weaves of the wicker can trap dust and debris which sometimes even the microfiber or the brush cannot remove. If you still notice dust particles after cleaning, you can use a vacuum with a brush attachment for better dusting.
- Washing of the Wicker
It is advised that you wash the wicker infrequently since it can weaken the wicker. For cleaning you just have to mix a little amount of dish soap in warm water and then soak a microfiber cloth in it.
Then you need to take this cloth out and wring it so that it is not soaking wet. It only needs to be wet enough to clean the wicker piece’s fibers. Take this damp cloth and scrub the entire surface of the wicker with it.
According to experts, you should only wash the willow wicker furniture twice a year. You can do it at the start and end of the warm season to ensure better results.
- Let it Dry
To dry the furniture, you can put it under sunlight for some time or in an area where there is a light breeze. Avoid putting stuff on the furniture when it is damp since it can cause it to lose shape.
You can use a microfiber cloth and a blow dryer to quickly dry the furniture. After that, you can place the furniture in sunlight. Just remember to not leave it there for too long since it can cause the fibers of the willow-wicker furniture to crack.
- Use a Wicker Conditioner
Willow wicker can be used in many ways to spruce up your interiors. However, this type of furniture loses its color if not taken care of properly. Once you have cleaned your furniture, you can use a conditioner to prevent brittleness. If you use a wicker conditioner, it can keep the furniture looking new for a long time.
You can also use a mineral or linseed oil to restore the natural warm glow of your wicker furniture. Apply the oil and rub it with a soft cloth. Let the oil sit for about 15 minutes and apply another layer if necessary.
Willow Wicker Furniture Routine Care and Maintenance:
Now that you know how to clean willow wicker furniture, it is time we look at some additional things you can do to ensure your furniture stays new for a long time
- Get rid of Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can not only destroy the looks of the wicker furniture, but they can also weaken it and cause it to crack. To remove mold and mildew, you can create a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar and scrub it gently on the furniture. After that, you can use clean water to remove the solution.
You can also use a bleach-water solution for this purpose. Take one-quarter cup of bleach and add it to the same amount of water. You can also do it using a 2 tablespoon of ammonia in 1 gallon of water solution to clean willow wicker furniture.
The above treatment can lighten the wicker fibers and that is why it is best to wash the entire piece to keep the color uniform.
- Check for Damage
Check your wicker furniture regularly for snags and broken fibers. If you notice any major flaws, then immediately contact the furniture repair. If the damage is small and not visible, you can repair it yourself. Wicker canning and reeds are available online which you can order and then follow simple instructions from some online source to do it yourself.
- Keep it Away from Sunlight and Rain
Heat from the sun can dry out the wicker fibers which can cause them to crack. Rain can also damage the willow-wicker furniture by causing it to swell. The shrinking and swelling of the wicker outdoors can significantly shorten the life of the furniture.
This is why you need to find a shady spot for the wicker furniture if you wish to use it outside.
- Do Simple Repairs Yourself
If you notice broken or loose fibers you can pull them until they are tight. After that, you can use white or yellow wood glue to the underside of the fibers you just pulled and place them gently in their place.
Use a damp cloth to wipe away the excess glue and apply the wicker varnish if necessary.
- Clean the Stains When They are Fresh
If you do not clean the pollen or dirt buildup, mildew, or bird droppings from the willow wicker immediately, they can dry and become permanent. You will have to use more force and stronger chemicals to clean the furniture in this case which does more harm than good.
So, always take care of the messes swiftly and you will not have to worry about deep cleaning the furniture after every few weeks.
Conclusion
Wicker furniture needs special care and maintenance if it is to last longer. You need to protect it from humidity and sunlight, clean it gently with a soft cloth, repair small damages as soon as you see them, and clean the stains immediately.
If you follow these simple tips, you will be able to keep your willow-wicker furniture in the best possible shape for years to come. Wicker furniture should be handled gently and with great care and the maintenance should be done using the right products and supplies. If you make sure of that, you will never have to worry about your expensive furniture getting damaged or losing its charm.
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