Here's how to help your patio staples stay fresh all summer—and for years to come.
At least once a year, you
should clean, condition, and repair your wicker patio furniture to
ensure your favorite pieces are ready to be used this summer—and for
many more seasons to come. Use these easy tips and steps from Cathryn
Peters, creator of The Wicker Woman, to keep all of your porch pieces in mint condition.
Keep it dry.
[post_ads]Despite
its popularity for outdoor settings, natural wicker (woven from
materials such as rattan, willow, cane and seagrass) doesn't do well
with rain; too much moisture can weaken fibers, loosen joints, and lift
paint. Keep these pieces under a covered porch—just not pushed up close
to a wall, where humidity can get trapped.
Clean it regularly.
Grime
builds up quickly in all those nooks and crannies! To clean a
natural-wicker piece, remove dust with the brush attachment on your
vacuum, then wipe the piece down with a damp rag. Tackle stubborn
spills, dirt, or tree sap by scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush dipped
in gentle dish soap and warm water or Murphy Oil Soap.
Mind the sun.
Even
with regular care, outdoor furniture can look worn over time. Sunlight
causes fading and cracking in natural wicker, so rotate chairs and
tables occasionally to even out exposure. You can also dab a piece with
lemon oil every few months to condition its fibers.
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