Wicker furniture spends the majority of its time outside. Therefore, it is constantly being exposed to the damaging elements of the weather. Over time, outdoor wicker furniture that is exposed to rain and snow can be subject to mold and mildew growth. Not only are these organisms unsightly and smelly, but they can also be harmful to your wicker furniture if they are not removed from the surface. Thankfully, mold and mildew can be removed from wicker furniture rather easily. Keep reading to learn how to clean mold and mildew off wicker furniture.
Cleaning wicker furniture with Bleach and water
Use a feather duster to remove loose dirt and debris from the furniture. Then, use a vacuum attachment to remove the loose dirt from the inside creases and crevices of the wicker.
Create Solution and Apply
Place the wicker furniture outside on a dry day. Dip a soft-bristled brush into a solution made from 50% water and 50% bleach. Rub all affected areas with the brush, making sure to dip the brush back into the bucket often.
Scrub
Wipe down the entire piece of furniture with a sponge that has been dipped in the bleach and water solution. This process will help to eliminate the odors that are caused by the mold and mildew. Use a toothbrush that has been dipped in the solution to access the areas that are difficult to reach with the bristled brush.
Rinse
Fill another bucket with plain water. Soak a clean sponge in the bucket, and thoroughly wipe down the wicker furniture. Keep the sponge saturated by dunking it in the bucket often.
Dry
Dry your wicker furniture completely with a dry towel to prevent the wicker from absorbing any extra water. This step will help prevent the furniture from warping. Place the furniture in an off-set area to dry. The location should be dry and out of direct sunlight. Avoid using the furniture for several days until it is completely dry to prevent the material from stretching under pressure.
Cleaning wicker furniture with ammonia
A similar process using ammonia rather than bleach can also be used to remove mold and mildew from wicker furniture.
Create Solution
Make a cleaning solution by combining two tablespoons of ammonia and one gallon of water. When using this solution, you can practice the spray method or the wet cloth method.
Spray Method
Pour solution into a spray bottle and spray a generous amount over your wicker furniture.
Scrub
Using a soft-bristled brush, scrub the mold and mildew off of the wicker furniture. Use a clean toothbrush to get into the hard to reach areas.
Rinse
Rinse the furniture with a clean, wet sponge.
Dry
Use a dry cloth to remove the surface moisture. Air dry the wicker furniture in an outdoor area that is not humid and out of the sun.
Wet cloth method
If you do not have a spray bottle, you can create the same solution in an ordinary bucket.
Wipe
Dunk a clean cloth into the bucket. Wipe down the surface of the wicker furniture, paying particular attention to the sections that have visible mold and mildew.
Scrub
Use a toothbrush to get into the hard to reach places.
Rinse
Rinse furniture with a clean, wet sponge.
Dry
Air dry.
It should be noted that these two methods should NEVER be combined. Mixing bleach and ammonia has a toxic result, and the consequences can be dire. Always use safety precautions when cleaning anything at your home.
If you absolutely cannot clean your wicker furniture outside, proceed with extreme caution and make sure your windows are fully open. You should also turn on the ceiling or floor fan. Proper ventilation is a key factor to remaining safe when cleaning with noxious substances such as bleach and ammonia.
Properly cared for wicker furniture can last you a lifetime. Although wicker furniture is durable and meant to stay outside, it still needs some occasional TLC. When you notice that your wicker furniture is looking run-down because it is covered with mold and mildew, it is time for action. Use a little elbow grease and a lot of care to remove the mold and mildew from your furniture before it becomes an unsightly, smelly mess. But, be sure to take precautions to assure you are cleaning your wicker furniture in the safest way possible.
Design Furnishings has a long history selling outdoor wicker furniture. We are always happy to provide assistance to our customers and anyone else seeking assistance with properly caring for their wicker furniture. Our expertise on wicker furniture is borne from years of experience in the industry. Check us out today and see what we have to offer.
Contact our experts at Design Furnishings today for everything you need to know about outdoor wicker furniture!