Outdoor patio furniture often suffers the most abuse from the elements, so it’s important to maintain their upkeep to ensure their longevity. One of the most common materials used for these types of furniture is wicker not only because of its aesthetic value, but also because of its lightness, sturdiness, and low-maintenance quality.

But before we learn how to care for wicker, we need to know what it is. It comes from a variety of plants, grasses and vines, such as willow, reed, bamboo, and rattan. These are hard to the touch and are woven to create baskets and furniture. Wicker has been used as far back as Ancient Egyptian times and the Iron Age.

Despite the many benefits of having wicker outdoor furniture, it can also have its setbacks. They can fade as a result of exposure to sunlight, are easily gnawed on by pets or animals living near you, attract mold in cold weather, dew or rain, or get weakened excessive weight, crack or get brittle in heat and humidity.

However, this is not a casue for alarm, since caring for your outdoor patio furniture doesn’t have to be a difficult task. To get rid of lose dirt, just use a vacuum cleaner or brush, then wipe with a damp, but not wet, cloth. Also, you can opt to wipe them with a mixture of soap and water, then clean off with a damp cloth.

Your wicker outdoor furniture can easily be maintained by applying a layer of lacquer, varnish or shellac, then a thin coating of liquid furniture wax. If your furniture is painted, just apply a fresh coat of paint over them. In case of stains, sand it away with sandpaper or abrasive powdered cleaner, then polish with paste wax.

Store your outdoor patio furniture during colder temperatures in your basement or garage. You should clean them thoroughly and dry completely before storing to avoid the growth of mold or mildew, then protect with a big plastic cover. Make sure they are far away from sources of heat like heater vents, fireplaces, and radiators.

To ensure the longevity of your outdoor patio furniture, you need to constant cleaning and maintenance. Wicker outdoor furniture in particular need extra attention since there are certain cons to using them in spite of all the pros. To accomplish this, you can dust with a brush or vacuum cleaner, use a soap and water mixture to wipe, cover with varnish, remove stains with sandpaper, apply a fresh coat of paint, and keep away from sources of heat and cold.

Tags: outdoor patio furniture | outdoor furniture | patio furniture | patio furniture

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit