Cleaning Your Wicker Furniture

Cleaning Your Wicker Furniture

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Many people have wicker furniture in their homes, in different areas around the house with decorative pieces (from baskets to small tables and stools). At the same time some of these will be new and others can be antiques. In the commercial and hospitality sector you will also find wicker furniture as for example in hotels, restaurants, pubs and many other venues.

Wicker furniture has a long history going back thousands of years (Egyptian murals depict wicker furniture). Basically it is a piece of furniture with a wooden frame and the woven wicker, bamboo or whatever material is woven in a pattern over the seating area, the top of the table, the back rest or equivalent. The tighter the weave, the sturdier the piece.

Even though furniture is usually stationary it still need to be maintained and taken care of, otherwise it will not last as long as it could and it will also reflect negatively on the place where it is set.

The first thing is cleaning and dusting. Whether your furniture is outdoors or indoors it will gather dust. Make sure you dust it regularly with a dry, clean cloth. Gently does it. You should never apply harsh cleaning agents. You should also run a small brush over the areas where dust accumulates, typically in amongst the weave. This is perhaps the best way to make your wicker last longer as you are preventing accumulation and the potential need for stronger measures.

For a more in depth cleaning solution you can wash your wicker furniture piece. There are however a few considerations you should be aware of. First of all the weave itself, when wet can stretch and lose its original form. This means use very little water and make sure you dry it before using it. In the unfortunate event that somebody sits on a chair where the weave is still wet, it will sag and stretch and when it dries again it will memorize the new imprint. You can apply a little soap just make sure it is mild and you remove it afterward as apart of the drying side of things.

Damage to the weave can occur in time. Typically this will be in the form of loose strands within the weave and even cracks on pieces that are subjected to dryness. Or as a result of age. If the damage is extensive, don't hesitate and call an expert. For less extensive damage, here are a few things you can do.

1. When cracks appear this is because of the ambient dryness that is affecting your wicker. Just rub in some linseed oil and let it rest for one or two days so that it is all absorbed. This is vitamin "c" for your wicker.

2. For loose strands of weave a gentle rubbing, and I stress gentle, with a fine grit sandpaper over the rough area.

3. Wicker, like leather, when wet will memorize the shape in which it dries. Sometimes you will find the weave has shifted or sagged. You can wet it, again carefully, and stretch so it dries in that position, recovering the original form.

4. Strands that have broken or become unattached can be a problem. As long as it is not extensive damage, your best bet is to get hold of the same material and weave. If you are not comfortable with the idea you will have to find an expert. However if you decide to proceed with the repair make sure it is a small area and then careful, and very patiently, try it out, one weave at a time.

The most important part of taking care of your wicker furniture is the dull but effective measure of constant dusting.

About the Author:
Ray Cook enjoys writing about home decor and furniture. Visit one of his latest websites dealing with Wicker Furniture Sets where he also provides information and resources on Wicker Rocking Chairs.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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