Wicker goods such as furniture are made of plant fibers that are woven. While wicker is durable, maintaining it outside topics it to sun, weather and overall ecological conditions, meaning that it has to be washed and maintained from time to time. If wicker gets wet and stays wet for some time, such as a basket used as a patio plant pot, it may develop mould or mould, which has to be washed to avoid spreading or causing a musty odor.
Do Away With Dust
Wicker sitting outside has dusty just as wicker stored indoors; potentially more so if it is in a windy area. A feather duster or soft fabric eliminates quite light dust. To find dust out of all of the grooves and crevices in wicker’s woven texture, then brush it with a gentle, natural paintbrush or a makeup brush. A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush attachment provides a more thorough cleaning, when necessary.
A Scrub for Serious Dirt
If a wicker object is very dirty — for instance, if muddy water splashed onto it — dirt may be caked between wicker fibers. Vacuum and brush off as much dirt as you can, then dip a toothbrush to warm, soapy water, scrubbing the dirty spots with the toothbrush. Dab a folded paper towel to the crevices of the washed areas to absorb the dirty water as you work.
Banishing Mold and Mildew
If the wicker smells musty or contains specks on it afterwards being moist, it could have mold or mould growing on it. Brush the spots with a moist toothbrush, then again with a combination of half bleach, half water, or one part vinegar to 3 parts water, dipping the toothbrush to the liquid to wash above the spotted regions. A slightly moist sponge wiped above the cleaned areas removes bleach and remaining spots. Pat the wicker dry with a clean towel, then place the wicker in a sunny area to dry fully.
Repairs and Preventative Care
Since wicker is made from thin woven fibers, some of the fibers may come unglued or snap from time to time. Fix minor problems with a dab of wood glue applied with a toothpick. If the wicker is a massive object such as a seat, cover it with a tarp or protective covering if it isn’t in use for quite a very long time, as exposure to sunlight may damage it. Keep wicker from areas of constant sunlight or water dripping, as either state may prematurely damage the wicker.