Chloe Zhang
Plastic wicker furniture is a great, durable option for outdoor spaces. However, it does require some care to keep it looking its best. The maintenance of plastic wicker furniture is generally less demanding than that of other materials, as it is more resistant to moisture and weather conditions. Nonetheless, it is important to keep it away from harsh climates and extreme heat, as this can cause the resin to melt or soften, distorting its shape. Regular cleaning will also help to maintain its quality and appearance. This involves removing any cushions and vacuuming or brushing away dust and dirt. For mud and grime, a hose or sponge and mild soap can be used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Durability | Resin wicker furniture is durable and requires minimal maintenance. |
| Weather-resistance | Resin wicker is more resistant to weather changes and moisture than organic rattan. |
| Cleaning | Use a soft brush to dust off light soot and a vacuum with a brush attachment for hard-to-reach dirt. For mud and grime, hose off the pieces with a mild multi-surface cleaner or soapy water. For mildew, use a common mildew remover. For sticky messes like tree sap, try a commercial product like Goo Gone or rubbing alcohol. |
| Sunlight | Keep resin wicker furniture away from direct sunlight to prevent discolouration and distortion. |
| Heat | Do not place resin wicker furniture near a fire pit or campfire, as the heat can soften and melt the resin. |
| Storage | At the end of the season, move the furniture to a covered area and drape it with cloth sheeting to prevent dust. |
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What You'll Learn
Remove cushions and clean them separately
To remove dirt and dust from your plastic wicker furniture, start by removing any cushions and setting them aside. You can clean the cushion covers separately by first loosening the dirt with a soft-bristle brush. If your cushion covers are made of nylon fabric or Sunbrella, they will be easy to clean. You can then vacuum the cushion covers.
For the cushions themselves, always clean them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most cushions can be cleaned with a mild detergent or a non-bleach laundry detergent. You can also use a cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer.
If your plastic wicker furniture has been exposed to tree sap, you can use a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove it. You can also use commercial products like Goo Gone, but these products must be rinsed away as soon as you are done with them. Prolonged exposure to these agents can cause fading and discolouration.
If your furniture is placed outdoors, it is bound to collect dust and dirt over time. You can use a soft brush to dust off light soot and a vacuum with a brush attachment for more stubborn dirt. If your furniture is muddy, you can hose it off with a gentle stream of water. Avoid using a powerful stream, as it may damage the weave.
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Hose down the furniture
To care for your plastic wicker furniture, you should regularly hose it down to prevent the build-up of dirt and dust. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Firstly, fill a bucket with warm water or use a garden hose to soak the furniture. If you are using a hose, set it to a moderate pressure setting to avoid damaging the wicker. Avoid using a powerful stream, as this could damage the furniture.
Next, mix a mild detergent or dish soap with warm water. A gentle, multi-surface cleaner is best. You should use approximately one part soap to eight parts water. Stir the mixture until it begins to foam.
Now, dip a soft-bristled brush into the soapy solution and lightly scrub the furniture. Pay particular attention to the cracks between the weaves, ensuring you clean out all the hard-to-reach spots.
Once you have scrubbed the entire piece of furniture, rinse away the soap with a hose or a bucket of water. It is important to ensure that all the soapy residue is removed.
Finally, leave the furniture to dry in a sunny spot for at least two hours. Do not place the cushions back on until the furniture is completely dry, as moisture can lead to mould or mildew.
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Use a soft-bristled brush and a mild detergent
When it comes to plastic wicker furniture, resin wicker is a popular choice for outdoor spaces due to its durability and weather resistance. To keep your resin wicker furniture in good condition, regular cleaning with a soft-bristled brush and a mild detergent is recommended. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Mix about a quarter cup of mild detergent or dish soap with approximately one gallon of warm water. You can also use mild dish soap or non-bleach laundry detergent. Stir the mixture until you see foam on the surface. This solution will help to lift away dirt and grime from your furniture. If you live in a humid climate, consider adding a quarter cup of white vinegar to the mix to prevent mildew growth.
Loosen the Dirt
Before you start scrubbing, it's a good idea to loosen any caked-on dirt or dust. You can do this by spraying your furniture with a hose on a gentle setting or using a damp cloth. Avoid using a high-pressure stream, as it may damage the wicker.
Scrub with a Soft-Bristled Brush
Dip your soft-bristled brush into the detergent solution and lightly scrub the surface of your furniture. Pay special attention to the cracks and crevices between the weaves, as dirt and grime tend to accumulate in these areas. Use the brush to gently clean out these hard-to-reach spots. If there are corners or tight spaces that the brush can't reach, you can use a toothbrush to get into those areas.
Rinse and Dry
Once you've finished scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the furniture with clean water to remove any soap residue. You can use a hose for this step or a bucket of water. After rinsing, let the furniture air dry completely in a sunny spot. It is important to ensure that your furniture is completely dry before using it or storing it away.
Caring for Cushions
If your plastic wicker furniture has cushions, remember to clean them separately according to the manufacturer's instructions. Remove the cushion covers and set the cushions aside. You can use a soft-bristled brush to loosen any dirt on the covers before vacuuming or washing them. Always ensure that your cushion covers and cushions are completely dry before placing them back on your furniture.
By following these steps and using a soft-bristled brush with a mild detergent, you can effectively clean and care for your plastic wicker furniture, keeping it looking fresh and prolonging its lifespan.
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Rinse and dry
Rinse your plastic wicker furniture with a hose or a bucket of water to remove any soapy residue. It is important to ensure that all cleanser is washed off before drying.
If you have used a commercial cleaner to remove mildew or tree sap, it is especially important to rinse these agents away once you've cleaned the problem areas. Extended exposure to the chemicals in these products can cause plastic to degrade and fade, shortening the lifespan of your furniture.
After rinsing, let your furniture air dry in the sun for at least 2 hours. It is important to ensure that your plastic wicker furniture is completely dry before use, as this will help to prevent the formation of mold or mildew that comes from moisture accumulation.
If you are unable to air dry your furniture in the sun, you can also use a cloth to wipe down the surfaces and remove any remaining moisture. Make sure to get into all the cracks and crevices, as these areas can be particularly susceptible to moisture accumulation.
Once your furniture is completely dry, you can return any cushions to their covers and place them back on the furniture.
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Store in a covered area
Plastic wicker furniture is durable and can withstand the elements, but it still needs to be protected from harsh climates and extreme heat. At the end of the season, it's important to store your plastic wicker furniture in a covered area, such as a garage or shed, to protect it from the elements.
Before storing your plastic wicker furniture in a covered area, it's important to clean it thoroughly. Start by removing any cushions and cleaning them separately, following the manufacturer's instructions. Then, use a soft-bristled brush and a mild multi-surface cleaner or soapy water (one part mild soap to eight parts water) to clean all surfaces. Pay special attention to the nooks and crannies of the wicker, as dirt and grime can get trapped in these areas. If you live in a very wet climate, you can add one part white vinegar to the cleaning solution to prevent mildew growth.
Once you've scrubbed all the surfaces, rinse the furniture with a hose and let it dry completely in the sun. You can also use a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove any tree sap. After the furniture is completely dry, you can move it to the covered area for storage.
In addition to storing your plastic wicker furniture in a covered area, it's a good idea to drape it with cotton canvas sheeting or drop cloths to protect it from dust. This will help keep your furniture looking clean and dust-free when you take it out of storage.
By storing your plastic wicker furniture in a covered area and taking the necessary cleaning steps, you can ensure that your furniture stays in good condition and maintains its appearance.
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