Wicker and rattan furniture can either be made out of natural or man-made fibers. Each is treated differently . For natural wicker, avoid over using water – for man-made it is the opposite.
- Since most wicker is varnished or painted, regular cleaning simply involves dusting or vacuuming and an occasional light cleaning with a sponge, warm water, wood soap (such as Murphys Oil Soap) and a soft brush for between the weaves.
- Do not over-wet and dry as soon as possible with a dry cloth.
- You can give some protection to wicker with a light coating of aerosol furniture polish.
- Outdoor wicker, more likely to be man-made, can take a more rigorous cleaning. You can use more aggressive cleaners and brushes. However, after hosing off try to dry the piece as quickly as possible – set it in the sun or near a fan.
Precautions:
If your wicker furniture creaks excessively then the fibers may have dried out and need some moisture restored. You can simply wipe it down with a damp sponge.
Also, over-exposure to sun, rain and the elements will shorten the life of wicker considerably.
