Care, Maintenance and Repair of Wicker Furniture
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Wicker furniture is a positively beautiful design option for both indoors and out. The natural hues of unfinished wicker, or wicker that has been treated with only a clear finish, complement and match virtually any existing decor, and the feel of the material is one of comfort and safety. Because of the nature of the material however, it is important to identify methods of regularly caring for your furniture, in order to prevent the materials from fading, drying out, or cracking, which will, in effect, degrade its appearance, its comfort, and its efficacy. The following paragraphs and video will identify effective ways of caring for your wicker furniture, to ensure that it lasts for a long time.
Wicker furniture is constructed of natural fibers that are woven together in patterns, to create sturdy designs. The most common materials from which this type of furniture is made are willow, reed, rattan palm, and water hyacinth. Often these materials, once woven into furniture, require a finish and regular maintenance in order to maintain their moisture and their beautiful appearance.
Some of the common ways for wicker to degrade prematurely include over drying, or lack of moisture within the woven materials, fading from excessive light or sun exposure, and discoloration from mold or mildew. There are simple solutions for all of these issues however, which will be discussed below.
When left in dry conditions for excessive periods of time, wicker can become brittle, resulting in cracking or degrading of the material. To avoid over drying of the furniture, there are several simple solutions that you may wish to apply. For indoor furniture, ensure that no piece is placed in the direct line of any air or heating vent, since blowing air, particularly hot air, will dry the very core of the material, and once a crack occurs, it is hard to remedy without executing a complete restoration.
In order to ensure that moisture levels are maintained within the grains and weaves of wicker furniture, periodically spray all of the surfaces with water from a spray bottle, and then wipe those surfaces down with a dry towel or cloth. Wiping down the furniture with a light soapy solution, and using a toothbrush to get at the hard-to-reach areas, will address two issues at once: You will be cleaning the furniture and preventing build up and possible mold or mildew damage, and you will be hydrating the fibers at the same time. When using any form of soapy solution, always be sure to rinse the soap off with clear, clean water, so that once dry, no soap scum will create a new form of build-up.
Wicker furniture is a beautiful addition to any backyard patio. Unfortunately, wicker will likely degrade much quicker when exposed to outdoor elements, such as sun and rain. Avoid discoloration or fading, as well as over-drying, by keeping your furniture out of the direct sunlight. If you are concerned that the lifespan of your furniture will be compromised by the outdoor elements, then consider either of the following options: Synthetic wicker furniture, or white wicker furniture.
Synthetic wicker is an excellent choice for an outdoor patio set. While maintaining an authentic look and feel, it will be much more able to stand up to natural conditions that would compromise authentic wicker, and will reduce the maintenance and cleaning time considerably. It is still advisable to keep the furniture out of the direct sunlight, in order to prevent fading.
White wicker furniture creates a beautiful, homey feel to any front porch. In addition to the visual appeal of white wicker, there is also a considerable advantage in terms of durability and longevity; the white paint over the natural wicker functions as a natural sealant, keeping the existing moisture in, and preventing damage or drying from external elements.
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