Let’s face it, when you purchase wicker furniture, you are making an investment in something you are expecting will last a long time. You may even take specific factors into consideration when you purchase the furniture, just to assure you make the perfect choice. But, all of your efforts may be for naught if your furniture does not last long enough to make it worth the money. By properly maintaining your wicker furniture, you can help increase the life expectancy of your outdoor wicker furniture and watch it bring you many years of comfort.
Keep Natural Wicker out of the Elements
Natural wicker dries out easily, so it should be kept out of direct sunlight to prolong its life. It can also begin to rot if it remains wet for too long. So, to assure your natural wicker has a long life, it is imperative to keep it out of the elements. Your best bet is to keep outdoor furniture made of natural wicker underneath a covered patio or porch. Otherwise, reserve natural wicker for indoor use only.
Store Wicker Furniture Inside
If your wicker furniture is made from non-natural materials, you have a bit more leeway with it. However, you still need to treat it with care to prolong its life. Resin wicker can withstand the elements of the weather better than natural wicker can. But, to make sure you can keep it in good condition for many years, bring it inside or store it in the garage or shed during the winter months when you are not using it.
Rejuvenate your wicker furniture
Even the best-cared-for wicker furniture can start to show its age over time. Even if your wicker furniture looks weathered, it is still likely to have a lot of life left in it. A fresh coat of paint or stain can breathe new life into your wicker furniture so you can continue using it with no trouble.
Repair your wicker furniture
The sturdiest pieces of wicker furniture will eventually break down, and it can seem like the usefulness has gone. However, you can extend the lifespan of your wicker furniture by making some simple home repairs. Repairing wicker furniture is relatively easy, and can be performed by even the most novice do-it-yourselfer. The materials you will need include:
- Small towels or cloths
- Tung oil or boiled linseed oil
- Round reed wicker cane
- Carpenter’s glue
- Tacks
- A knife or heavy duty scissors
- Needle nose pliers
Complete instructions on how to repair your wicker furniture can be found here.
Tips for Extending Your Wicker Furniture’s Lifespan
There are some other precautions you can take to help prolong the life of your wicker furniture:
Gently clean your wicker furniture
Dust your wicker furniture regularly with a soft cloth. You may use a small amount of furniture polish on the wicker, but do not overdo it. Also, avoid using paint thinners or abrasive cleaners.
Dry rattan well
Anytime your rattan wicker furniture gets wet, dry it thoroughly. If you use a damp cloth to clean the furniture, go over the surface a second time with a dry cloth to remove any moisture that can damage the wicker. If it does become oversaturated, set it in the sun to dry thoroughly.
Treat mildew immediately
If your wicker furniture shows signs of mildew and mold growth, remove it right away. There are a several different methods you can try to remove the unsightly stains from your furniture. Pick whichever one works best for you. Click here to view some common methods of removing mold from wicker.
Lift rattan when moving it
Lift and carry rattan wicker furniture when you want to move it. Dragging it can split the fibers and shorten the lifespan of the wicker.
Protect the feet of the furniture
Attach felt pads or rubber stoppers to the bottom of the furniture’s feet. This step will protect the cane on the feet and prevent it from shriveling.
Rotate your wicker furniture
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause your wicker furniture to fade irreparably. Rotating your furniture on a regular basis will slow down and even out the fading process, so you do not get blotches of discoloration. Also, consider placing your outdoor wicker furniture under an awning to reduce the exposure level.
Humidify the air
Wicker furniture tends to split if it has prolonged exposure to dry air. Adding some moisture to the air will help prevent the rattan from splitting. This step is particularly important in extremely hot and dry areas.
Oil the furniture
If your wicker furniture has already split, applying tung or boiled linseed oil will help to reduce the damage and prevent it from getting worse.
When it is well cared for, wicker furniture should last you many years. If you are interested in learning more about maintaining wicker furniture or are looking to make a purchase, Design Furnishings can assist you. Our skilled and experienced staff can help you pick out the perfect piece to complete your collection or point you in the right direction for the care and protection of your wicker.
Contact the experts at Design Furnishings today to see how we can help you.