Wicker Furniture--Care and Cleaning
"Wicker" refers to a variety of vines, grasses and
plants that are woven into furniture. There are four
major types of wicker: rattan, reed, willow and bamboo.
Care
Dust regularly with small brush or vacuum. Spills
should be taken care of immediately before they harden or
stain, by wiping with a sponge wrung from sudsy water.
Wicker likes humidity but it is not outdoor
furniture. Rain, direct sunlight, and dew are damaging.
Dry indoor heat dries wicker causing it to crackle and
creak under pressure. Wiping occasionally with a damp
(not wet) sponge may help.
Regular Cleaning
To clean periodically, vacuum away loose dirt.
Prepare a solution of detergent and water. Skim the suds
off into a damp sponge and apply to furniture, working on
a small portion at a time. Use a small brush in crevices.
Do not wet wooden parts of furniture. Wipe off suds with
clean damp sponge.
Special Cleaning
Perhaps once a year or every other year, raw wicker
may need complete washing. Dust with a vacuum brush.
Scrub with warm water and detergent using sponge or soft
brush; spray rinse with a garden hose outside, or put
under the shower. Dry chair as fast as possible by
putting in the hot sun, using hair drier, or directing a
fan onto it to keep air circulating. A windy day is good
to aid drying. On painted wicker only wash and rinse as
you would painted wood; wetting as above may crack and
peel the paint. If furniture has wooden parts, do not wet
them; use only periodical cleaning method as described
below.
Never use or sit on wicker until it is completely
dry. Allow several days. After wicker is thoroughly dry
(several days after washing), check all surfaces for
sharp strands or fuzzy places. Sand them smooth with fine
sandpaper.
A coating of clear varnish, shellac or lacquer can
be applied. If a spray can is used, spray furniture
outside. Painted wicker can be freshened with a new coat
of paint. Allow several days for drying before using.
A thin coating of liquid furniture wax applied after
the new finish is completely dry will help maintain the
gloss finish. If sealed and waxed it can be kept clean by
regular cleaning and should not need the complete
washing.
CAUTION FOR BAMBOO: Wipe with sponge dampened with
sudsy water, wipe with clear water and dry. Do not rinse
by hosing. A thin coat of liquid wax will restore shine.