Tips on wicker furniture care -

So you can enjoy your furniture for years

Maintaining rattan wicker furniture is simpler than you think.

• Dust or vacuum it with a soft bristle brush attachment
• Spills should be wiped up promptly - a rag with warm water and mild dish detergent works well. Make sure it dries well.
• A light coat of lemon oil applied with a rag or paper towel twice a year will protect your finish and add to its shine.
• Use urethane or varethane on your rattan furniture every 12 - 15 years to prolong its durability
• Rattan is not affected by variations in temperatures; however, it is highly sensitive to humidity levels. Air that is too dry can cause the furniture to become brittle and crack, while too much humidity can cause mold or mildew.
• Avoid using your wicker outdoors unless it's been weather treated or was manufactured from weather-resistant material such as resin.
• Storing your wicker or taking it indoors during inclement weather will help to keep it looking beautiful for years to come.

What about resin wicker furniture care?

Resin or synthetic wicker furniture is predominantly made for outdoor use - although we use resin wicker chairs in our lodge dining room and we're very pleased with them because they are so easy to care for.

Typically, resin furniture is sturdily made from rust proof aluminum frames with woven high quality polyester resin that is both ultra-violet and mildew resistant. It looks very much like the "real thing" but it's easy to clean with mild soap and water.

One supplier suggests applying car wax to your resin every two years.

Care of paper wicker

I'm not familiar with the best way to care for paper wicker furniture. Because it's paper, it is obviously even more susceptible to moisture so I would not leave it outdoors. It should never be immersed in water, since it’s made of twisted paper and will be destroyed by excessive moisture.

If anyone has more information on the care of paper wicker furniture, let us know.