Michigan
State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500275
06/24/03
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.
References
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus,
with references from Georgia Extension bulletin, How to Care for Your
Furnishings.
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