The Core of Great Decor

Wicker Chair Care

February 19th, 2007

Who hasn’t got a couple of hand-me-down pieces of furniture sitting around? What comes to mind when you think of them? Old, second-hand, at best sentimental, and certainly out-dated. The last thing you’re thinking is profitable or antique. That’s because most of us are unaware of how valuable our old furniture is. Often the ugliest most run down pieces are actually worth several thousands of dollars. Sometimes all it needs is a quick clean up job, and bang, you’ve got yourself $800 in pocket!

Modern day wicker can hardly be deemed antique, but with the proper care the pieces of today could be tomorrow’s heirlooms. Wicker is easy enough to care for, especially the outdoor furniture models of today. These are coated with UV protection and weather proofing materials so you can leave them outside in any weather. For some of the lesser quality products, though, you will have to do a bit more work. I’m no Bob Williams, but here’s what I know.

A simple dusting every few days with a vacuum brush (or any similar short bristled brush) will take care of the majority of your problems. Occasionally, dust particles or more stubborn substances will get lodged into the wicker weave. When this happens, you can clean the wicker with a damp rag containing mild soapy water (this should be squeezed out well). For liquid spills, use a gentle hose and mild soap solution. Wicker is very delicate, and pliable when wet. For this reason, it is highly recommended to dry the furniture as quickly as possible. This can be done using a fan or blow dryer or by leaving it out in the sun or wind. It’s also a good idea to towel dry all the surface areas as soon as you’re finished cleaning. Allow a couple of days to go by before using your wicker furniture after it’s been cleaned.

Wicker enjoys a moderate level of humidity. Too much moisture can cause molding or warping in the furniture, and too much dryness will make the wicker dry out and crack. Clean mold immediately if you find any. A good tip I saw for dried out wicker is to use boiled linseed oil. Apply as many coats as necessary until the area becomes shiny. This will indicate to you that the oil is no longer being absorbed and the wicker is sufficiently saturated.

So before you chuck that old night table into the trash, make sure you’re not getting rid of a gold mine!

Entry Filed under: Garden Decorating Ideas, Patio Decor Ideas