One of the best ways you can prolong the life of your outdoor wicker furniture is to teach your kids how to protect and care for it. Your outdoor space is an extension of your indoor living area. Just like you expect your children to respect and use your indoor furniture properly, you should have the same expectations for your outdoor furniture. Here are some of the most important points to teach your kids about taking care of your outdoor wicker furniture.
Treat It With Care
Most outdoor wicker furniture is quite sturdy. However, it does have its limitations. Wicker furniture is not designed to withstand constant abuse and misuse. Teach your kids that the outdoor wicker furniture should not be used as a toy. There should be no jumping on the seats or using the pieces as gym equipment. Outdoor furniture is also not intended to be tipped over and used as a fort. A good rule-of-thumb is to disallow any activities you would not allow with your indoor furniture. When the kids realize and understand that the outdoor furniture is for sitting, your furniture is on its way to having a long life.
General Care for Wicker Furniture
Outdoor wicker furniture needs regular care for it to maintain its aesthetic appeal and usefulness. The steps required for the care of wicker furniture are not difficult and can easily be performed by your kids. The best way to care for your furniture is to follow these guidelines:
- Go over the surface of the furniture with a bristled brush to remove the surface dust and debris that has accumulated over time.
- Cover the wicker furniture when the weather is inclement.
- Inspect the weave from time to time. If any of the material has shifted, gently move it back to its original place manually.
- Touch it up with paint when it is necessary to do so.
Enlisting your kids to help you with any or all of these steps is a great way to get them involved with taking care of the wicker furniture. Teaching your kids how to care for the furniture can be a bonding experience as well as an educational one.
Cleaning Wicker Furniture
Since outdoor wicker furniture stays outside on a daily basis, it has a tendency to get dirty and grimy. If you do not clean your wicker furniture regularly, the build-up can get unsightly and reach a point where no one wants to sit on the furniture. Further, wicker furniture that is not cleaned is subject to mold and mildew growth that can eat away at the wicker and render the furniture unusable. Having the kids help with the cleaning of wicker furniture is a great way to get the job done while providing the kids with a sense of responsibility. Cleaning wicker furniture is easy. Just follow the steps below:
- Remove cushions and clean them according to manufacturer’s specification
- Dust the surface with a microfiber cloth
- Use a soft-bristled paint brush or vacuum attachment to reach the corners, crevasses, and other hard-to-reach places
- Scrub hard-to-remove spots with a bristled brush
- Clean any mold or mildew spots with a vinegar and water solution
- Dry thoroughly in the sun
- Replace the cushions
For more information on the benefits of cleaning your wicker, click here.
Keep Wicker Furniture out of Direct Sunlight
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause wicker furniture to fade and become otherwise discolored. Although it is nearly impossible to keep outdoor furniture out of sunlight altogether, it is possible to reduce the amount of direct exposure to the sun wicker furniture receives. One of the best ways to do so is by rotating the furniture on a regular basis. This process can extend the life of your wicker furniture and reduce the speed of discoloration. Turning this process into a game or contest for the kids will have the chore done before you get outside to supervise.
Storing Wicker Furniture in the Winter
If you live in a geographic location that gets cold and snowy in the winter, it is a good idea to store your wicker furniture rather than leave it out and have it be exposed to the harsh elements. Although there are furniture covers on the market, they are not enough to protect your wicker furniture from the extreme cold and snow. Furniture should be cleaned using the method described above before it is stored for the winter, and any necessary repairs should be made. Make a game out of hauling the wicker furniture into the garage or shed. If your kids are too small to handle carrying the wicker furniture, put them “in charge” of directing the process. They’ll love that they are included and will beg to help again when it’s time to haul the furniture out for the next season.
Getting kids involved in the cleaning and care of your outdoor wicker furniture has many benefits. The furniture will be treated with the care it deserves, which will extend its life. Your kids will also gain a sense of responsibility that will carry over into other aspects of their lives.
Design Furnishings is the premier place to go for all of your outdoor furniture needs. We have an outstanding selection to suit any décor on any budget. We have many years of online experience, and our service cannot be beaten.
Contact the experts at Design Furnishings today to see how we can help you.