Wicker patio sets offer incomparable beauty and traditional elegance that when compared to other kinds of outdoor furniture is unmatched, but like anything beautiful, wicker requires a certain level of upkeep, especially since as it is a material less durable than some others, like metal and wood. Many would argue though that its delicate nature just adds to its aesthetic charm.
When taking caring of your wicker furniture, there are some basic things to keep in mind.The first thing to check out is what type of wicker you own, as the different varieties require different steps be taken. Though wood wicker is the most common variety, there are cane, bamboo, and paper fiber types of wicker. Most recently there is also manufactured synthetic wicker furniture, which, although better suited to outdoor use, is not actual wicker but rather resin or plastic.
First of all, for long-term maintenance, consider coating wicker with either oil, a sealant, or paint. Oils, including linseed oil, can be applied using a paint brush and will help the wood retain more of its natural coloration and strength. Finishes, including varnish and shellac, offer better protection and a clear gloss sheen that lasts about three to five years.
And finally, paint gives you the option of matching wicker patio sets to the rest of your décor and they provide waterproof protection. However, note that paint tends to blister and peel after a few years, a process which is heightened if furniture is exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
For our purposes, the following maintenance cleaning tips will apply mainly to wood wicker unless otherwise noted. For basic regular cleaning, use a brush or vacuum, which work on the more durable types of wicker. Fingernail and vegetable brushes work especially well on wood wicker in loosening dirt and dust that accumulates in the weave.
After dislodging any muck, use a vacuum hose to collect it. For synthetic furniture you can even use a hose to clean wicker patio sets since the plastic is waterproof, but using it on other types of wicker (especially paper fiber) can easily destroy the material.
Most wood wicker can handle light exposure to water, depending on its condition. Use mild soap and water to clean the surface of furniture, then lightly hose off to clean. Be wary of using a hose on painted or treated furniture, as the water pressure might strip these materials. Bamboo wood wicker should also not be subjected to a hose. A damp washcloth is a good idea if you’re unsure what type you have.
For outdoor use, be advised of the mold and mildew that can possibly arise on wood furniture. It primarily takes the form of dark discolored spots which are more difficult to remove than with just regular soap. A bleach and water mixture or concentrated bleach applied directly to the trouble spot using a Q-tip should do the trick, but make sure to fully rinse off any bleach when you’ve finished.
The best prevention against mildew is keeping furniture inside, but if kept outdoors, it is recommended that wicker furniture stay under covered porches. Especially humid conditions will exacerbate this problem. If furniture gets wet, or after you’ve finished cleaning it, try to get it as dry as possible to avoid warping. Wipe wicker patio sets with a dry cloth and then leave in a warm sunny area for a day or two.
by Wicker Patio Sets
When taking caring of your wicker furniture, there are some basic things to keep in mind.The first thing to check out is what type of wicker you own, as the different varieties require different steps be taken. Though wood wicker is the most common variety, there are cane, bamboo, and paper fiber types of wicker. Most recently there is also manufactured synthetic wicker furniture, which, although better suited to outdoor use, is not actual wicker but rather resin or plastic.
First of all, for long-term maintenance, consider coating wicker with either oil, a sealant, or paint. Oils, including linseed oil, can be applied using a paint brush and will help the wood retain more of its natural coloration and strength. Finishes, including varnish and shellac, offer better protection and a clear gloss sheen that lasts about three to five years.
And finally, paint gives you the option of matching wicker patio sets to the rest of your décor and they provide waterproof protection. However, note that paint tends to blister and peel after a few years, a process which is heightened if furniture is exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
For our purposes, the following maintenance cleaning tips will apply mainly to wood wicker unless otherwise noted. For basic regular cleaning, use a brush or vacuum, which work on the more durable types of wicker. Fingernail and vegetable brushes work especially well on wood wicker in loosening dirt and dust that accumulates in the weave.
After dislodging any muck, use a vacuum hose to collect it. For synthetic furniture you can even use a hose to clean wicker patio sets since the plastic is waterproof, but using it on other types of wicker (especially paper fiber) can easily destroy the material.
Most wood wicker can handle light exposure to water, depending on its condition. Use mild soap and water to clean the surface of furniture, then lightly hose off to clean. Be wary of using a hose on painted or treated furniture, as the water pressure might strip these materials. Bamboo wood wicker should also not be subjected to a hose. A damp washcloth is a good idea if you’re unsure what type you have.
For outdoor use, be advised of the mold and mildew that can possibly arise on wood furniture. It primarily takes the form of dark discolored spots which are more difficult to remove than with just regular soap. A bleach and water mixture or concentrated bleach applied directly to the trouble spot using a Q-tip should do the trick, but make sure to fully rinse off any bleach when you’ve finished.
The best prevention against mildew is keeping furniture inside, but if kept outdoors, it is recommended that wicker furniture stay under covered porches. Especially humid conditions will exacerbate this problem. If furniture gets wet, or after you’ve finished cleaning it, try to get it as dry as possible to avoid warping. Wipe wicker patio sets with a dry cloth and then leave in a warm sunny area for a day or two.
by Wicker Patio Sets
No comments:
Post a Comment