Omar Khalid
Plastic wicker furniture is a popular choice for outdoor spaces due to its durability, lightweight structure, and weather-resistant finish. However, to preserve its quality and longevity, regular maintenance and cleaning are required. This includes protecting the furniture from extreme weather conditions, removing dirt and dust, and addressing any mould or mildew issues. Proper care can ensure that plastic wicker furniture remains attractive and functional for many years.
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What You'll Learn
Regular cleaning with a soft brush or cloth
Use a soft brush to dust off light soot whenever you notice it beginning to collect. Alternatively, a vacuum with a brush attachment can be used to reach any stubborn dirt in the nooks and crannies of the wicker. A soft cloth can also be used to wipe down the furniture and remove dust from the surface.
If there is more significant dirt or grime, a soft-bristled brush can be used with a mild detergent and water solution. First, soak the furniture with a garden hose or a bucket of warm water. Then, mix about 1/4 cup of detergent or dish soap with 1 gallon of warm water, stirring until foam forms on the surface. Dip the soft-bristled brush into this solution and lightly scrub the dirt and grime from the wicker, paying special attention to the cracks between the weaves.
After brushing, be sure to rinse the furniture thoroughly with a hose or bucket of water to remove all soapy residue. Then, let the furniture dry completely in the sun. If there is not enough sun, you can place a fan outside to help speed up the drying process.
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Removing mould with a vinegar and water solution
Plastic wicker furniture is durable and lightweight, making it a popular choice for outdoor furniture. To preserve your plastic wicker furniture, it's important to keep it away from harsh weather conditions, such as direct sunlight, extreme heat, and cold temperatures. Regular cleaning and maintenance will also help to ensure the longevity of your furniture.
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water to create a 50/50 solution. You can also use a ratio of one part vinegar to four parts water.
- Dip a soft-bristled brush into the solution and lightly scrub the mouldy areas. Make sure to get into the cracks and crevices of the wicker. Alternatively, use a sponge or a microfiber cloth to apply the solution.
- Let the solution sit for about 10 minutes.
- Rinse the furniture thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry the furniture completely. You can place it in front of a fan or outside in the sun to speed up the drying process.
The vinegar in the solution disinfects and kills mould spores, while the water helps to dilute the vinegar and prevent any discolouration or damage to the furniture. It is important to dry the furniture completely after rinsing to prevent water spots and ensure the mould does not return.
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Using a sealant to protect from moisture
While resin wicker furniture is more resistant to moisture than other materials, it can still benefit from additional protection. Sealing your plastic wicker furniture is an effective way to safeguard it from moisture damage. Here are some steps to ensure your furniture is well-protected:
Firstly, clean the furniture thoroughly. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any surface dirt or dust. For a deeper clean, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to reach any stubborn dirt in the wicker's crevices. You can also use a soft cloth dipped in a mild detergent and water solution to wipe down the furniture. Ensure you don't soak the furniture, as excess water can cause mould and mildew, which can be challenging to remove.
Once the furniture is clean and dry, you can apply a sealant. Paint is a popular choice and is readily available. It is recommended to apply two coats of paint specifically designed for outdoor use. You can also use waterproof spray, such as Tung oil or timber varnish, to provide an extra layer of protection. Always read the instructions on your chosen product before application.
By regularly cleaning your plastic wicker furniture and applying sealants, you can effectively protect it from moisture damage and ensure its longevity.
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Keeping furniture out of direct sunlight
Sunlight can cause plastic wicker furniture to fade and degrade over time. To keep your furniture out of direct sunlight, try to place it in shaded areas, such as under trees, covered porches, or pergolas. If you don't have access to natural shade, you can create temporary shade using patio umbrellas, curtains, or retractable awnings.
When arranging furniture inside your home, consider the position of windows and how much sunlight streams into each room throughout the day. Avoid placing furniture in areas that receive a lot of direct sunlight. Instead, rearrange your layout to minimise your furniture's exposure to UV rays.
Window treatments such as blinds, shades, and curtains can also help block out sunlight and protect your furniture. Blinds allow you to change the angle of the slats and raise or lower their level to control the amount of light entering the room. Shades can be adjusted to block out the sun from the top half of the window while still permitting light to come through the bottom half. Window-length or floor-length curtains can be opened or closed to regulate incoming light levels.
Tinted window film is another effective way to block harmful UV rays without restricting your view of the outdoors. Solar blinds are another option, blocking up to 95% of UV rays while still allowing natural light into the room. If you're due for new windows, consider investing in modern windows with UV-blocking properties and specialty glass that can prevent sunlight from damaging your furniture.
In addition to keeping your furniture out of direct sunlight, regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for preserving its condition. Use a soft-bristle brush and a mixture of detergent or dish soap with warm water to lightly scrub and remove dirt and grime from your plastic wicker furniture. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose or a bucket of water to remove all soapy residue, and allow your furniture to air dry completely before using it.
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Storing furniture inside during winter
Plastic wicker furniture is more resistant to moisture and weather than organic rattan, but it still requires maintenance to remain in good condition. Here are some tips for storing plastic wicker furniture inside during the winter:
Cleaning
Before storing your furniture inside, ensure that it is clean and free of any dirt, grime, mildew, or sap. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove light soot and a vacuum to suck out any stubborn dirt from the cracks between the weaves. For mildew and tree sap, use a common mildew remover like Tilex and a grime-eliminating product like Goo-Gone, respectively. Remember to rinse these cleaning agents away promptly to avoid fading or bleaching. Finally, spray the furniture with water and let it dry completely before storing it.
Storage Space
If possible, designate a storage space inside your home, such as a garage, shed, or workshop. Ensure that the space is secure and climate-controlled to protect your furniture from extreme temperature changes, which can make plastic wicker brittle and prone to breakage. If you don't have indoor storage space, consider renting a self-storage unit to keep your furniture safe from the elements.
Cushions and Accessories
Remove and clean the cushions from your furniture before storing them separately. Wash removable cushion covers and vacuum seal the cushions to protect them from pests, moisture, and dirt. Store them in a storage bench, patio storage bag, or another designated area that is dry and covered. Additionally, if your plastic wicker furniture has any accessories, such as grills or fire pits, disconnect any propane tanks and store them safely.
Pest Prevention
To prevent pests from infesting your stored furniture, seal any gaps or openings in your storage area with weather-resistant caulk or tape. Elevate the furniture off the ground to discourage pests from nesting underneath. Regularly inspect your stored furniture for any signs of pest infestation and use natural pest-repelling methods, such as EarthKind products, to keep your storage areas pest-free.
Orientation
When storing your plastic wicker furniture, ensure that it is right-side-up to allow any moisture inside the frames to escape through drainage holes. This will help prevent water damage and mildew growth during the winter months.
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Frequently asked questions
First, soak the furniture in water using a garden hose or a bucket of warm water. Then, mix around 1/4 cup of detergent or dish soap with 1 gallon of warm water. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the solution and lightly scrub the furniture. Make sure to get into the cracks between the weaves.
If you need to remove mildew or tree sap, use a common mildew remover or a grime-eliminating product. Rinse these cleaners off as soon as you're done. After brushing the furniture, spray it down with water and let it dry in the sun for at least 2 hours.
Keep the furniture out of direct sunlight when not in use and store it in a secure space during the winter to protect it from the cold. You should also protect it from extreme heat—never place plastic wicker furniture near a fire pit or campfire, as the heat can distort its shape.
Clear lacquer sealant can be applied by spraying or with a paintbrush. Tung oil or shellac are also effective sealants. Water-resistant paints can further seal the wicker, and a thin coat of liquid furniture wax will keep bamboo wicker looking glossy.
Check for any damage, such as fraying, weaving problems, or loose joints. Glue any broken pieces back into place with wood glue and let it dry. If the weave is unraveling, carefully weave in replacement wicker strands using a needle-nose plier or spring clamp to hold the joints together.
