All-Weather Woven Furniture - Cleaning and Maintenance

Wicker has been around for ages and is the traditional look for covered porches.  Although the look is beautiful, traditional wicker needs more care, maintenance, and protection from the elements in order to be used outside. With the all-weather wicker available these days you no longer need to keep this furniture under covered porches. It can withstand the elements on an open patio, around a pool, or on your front lawn.  Below are a few tips to keep your all-weather wicker looing great through the years.

ALL-WEATHER WOVEN VINYL/RESIN
The oh-so-popular all-weather vinyl wicker is everywhere in the patio industry. In order to keep your furniture up to par here are some easy maintenance tips.

Tip #1: Vacuum

• Vacuum or use a soft brush on woven material to remove dust and dirt to prevent decay.

Tip #2: General cleaning

• Wash furniture with a sponge or soft bristle brush and a solution of mild soap and water. Rinse well with water and let dry.  Gloster recommends a non-foaming product to clean woven furniture, as foaming products could leave residues in between gaps and then attract more dirt.

Tip #3: Repair scratches or abrasions

• Repairing marks in woven vinyl is a little trickier than painted outdoor woven furniture. The vinyl products can be repaired by carefully applying heat to the affected area and rubbing along the length of fiber with a piece of hard cardboard to restore a smooth edge. Gloster recommend the use of a cigarette lighter to provide heat in a small area. Practice on a small area hidden from view – i.e. on the underside of the furniture.

Tip# 4: Repair broken or cut woven fibers

• Furniture can generally be repaired successfully by removing the broken section and carefully weaving in a new strip. New strips should be available to order from your furniture manufacturer. Contact your dealer for more information.

ALL-WEATHER TRADITIONAL WOVEN WICKER
Most “traditional wicker” is not all-weather. However, Lloyd Flanders makes all-weather wicker called Lloyd Loom. A product that’s been around for 100 years, this material stands the test of time in sun, rain, and snow. This material also offers many options for frame color, unlike vinyl wicker styles.

Tip #1: Vacuum

• Vacuum or use a soft brush on woven frame to remove dust and dirt to prevent decay.

Tip #2: General cleaning

• Lloyd Flanders recommends hosing down or wiping clean with a damp sponge. For more soiled areas a mild detergent, cold water, and soft bristle brush can be used. Rinse well with water and let dry.

Tip# 3: Touch-up wicker weave & frame

• If the wicker finish becomes worn, scratched or chipped, clean and dry the area and then cover with touch-up paint available through your dealer.
• If the metal frame becomes worn, scratched or chipped, lightly sand with fine grit sandpaper. Clean and dry the area and then cover with touch-up paint.  

Tip #4: Repairing broken or cut woven fibers

• Furniture can generally be repaired successfully by removing the broken section and carefully weaving in a new strip and repainting in the matching color of the frame. New strips and paint should be available to order from your furniture manufacturer. Contact your dealer for more information.

ALL-WEATHER WOVEN FURNITURE - STORAGE

• It is recommended to cover or store your furniture during winter months or long periods of non-use. Covers are available in a variety of sizes including: table and chair sets, individual chairs, sofas, stools, fire pits, occasional tables and more.

**Refer to previous blog posts regarding patio furniture care:

• General Cleaning and Maintenance
• Outdoor Cushions and Fabrics: Cleaning and Maintenance
• Natural and Faux Stone: Cleaning and Maintenance
• Teak and Faux Wood: Cleaning and Maintenance
• Outdoor Metal Furniture: Cleaning and Maintenance