How to Care for Resin Wicker Patio Furniture
Outdoor furniture is intended to be hardy, standing up to the elements in ways indoor furniture never could. In fact, it’s often coated with water and weather resistant finishes so the sun, wind and rain cannot damage the material. But despite its durability, patio furniture like resin wicker does require some maintenance to remain attractive and useful for a good long time, even with protective coatings. Fortunately, the upkeep is minimal and requires only a few simple tips. If you’re eager to preserve the condition of your resin wicker pieces, from lounge chairs to dining table sets, here are the tricks you’ll need.
Keeping Resin Wicker Clean
Dust and dirt accumulate no matter the season, so the first step in caring for your wicker furniture is cleaning off the detritus. Use a soft brush to dust off light soot whenever you notice it’s beginning to collect. If you detect there is more dust you cannot reach, feel free to use a vacuum and a brush attachment to suck out any stubborn dirt. For mud and grime, you can hose off the pieces, just don’t use too powerful a stream. Think of a stream, not rapids. If you notice any of the weaving is out of place after a quick once over, simply reposition them carefully with your fingers.
If dusting, vacuuming and hosing off still leave you unsatisfied, use a sponge and mild soap to scrub it clean. Make sure you thoroughly wash all cleanser off before finishing, and allow the wicker to dry before use.
Protecting Resin Wicker in the Off Season
While many types of resin wicker are treated to withstand all types of weather, extreme climate changes can still damage it. Even coated wicker can sustain some fading over time, so it’s in your best interest to keep it out of direct sunlight when not in use. In winter, when your patio sees little entertaining, store your lightweight wicker furniture in the garage or another secure space to protect it from the cold, which can make the resin brittle and prone to breakage. If you don’t have storage, cover the furniture to protect it from the snow and cold.
Other Maintenance Tips
In addition to keeping the furniture free of dirt and away from harsh climates, you should also protect it from extreme heat. Never place resin wicker furniture near a fire pit, fire table or campfire. Not only is it at risk of going up in flames (or melting), the heat softens the resin weaving causing it to stretch and distorting the shape. Always carefully pull out any twigs or leaves that may get lodged between the weave before they can cause damage. If you discover your wicker is fading in colour, you can touch it up with spray paint. Just check with the manufacturer to ensure you get the type that suits the material and colour of your current furniture.
Resin versus Rattan
These tips are intended for use with resin wicker furniture, which is different than rattan wicker. First off, resin wicker is more resistant to moisture. Resin is a natural material made from tree sap, but it can also be manufactured and is similar to plastic. Rattan furniture, while similarly popular for outdoor furniture, is more sensitive to wet environments and cleaning because it’s made with organic materials, usually fast-growing reeds. Always check what type of material you have before use or cleaning.
Resin wicker furniture is one of the most popular choices for patio and outdoor furniture because it has a summery style, easy maintenance and lightweight structure. Durable and attractive, it can withstand years of parties and never go out of style. Keep your resin wicker furniture looking beautiful for years with these easy tips.
If you are interested in learning more about the different materials we think are great for outdoor furniture, contact one of our experts to talk today.
