A Guide to Caring for Outdoor Wicker Chairs
Outdoor wicker chairs are becoming an increasingly popular choice for many homeowners, providing an effortlessly classic and stylish look to any outdoor living space. Not only does wicker offer an exceptional aesthetic appeal, but it’s also a durable and easy-to-maintain material. However, if you want to get as much longevity out of your wicker furniture as possible, it’s important that you take the time to regularly clean and maintain it. This quick guide will provide some tips for choosing the right wicker chair for your outdoor space, go over some general best practices for cleaning and maintenance, and explain how to fix common types of damage that typically occur with this furniture.
Tips for Choosing the Right Wicker Chair for Your Outdoor Space
When choosing wicker chairs for your outdoor space, there are a few critical factors to consider, including:
- It’s important to think about the size of the wicker chair you want to buy and whether you have an adequate amount of room in your outdoor space to use the chair comfortably.
- You should consider the style of the chair. Wicker chairs come in a variety of styles and designs, and it’s important to choose one that doesn’t clash with your existing decor, unless you want the wicker chair to act as a statement piece.
- You should be wary of the quality of the material used in construction – look out for signs of low-grade manufacturing, such as cracks or fraying fibres within the wicker itself. While most wicker furniture in Australia is made to a high standard, occasionally grey imports from other countries will circulate in the market that can be made with lower-quality materials and techniques.
How to Clean & Maintain Your Wicker Chair
Cleaning wicker chairs regularly is essential for keeping them looking their best and preserving the longevity of the furniture over its lifecycle. Fortunately, cleaning wicker furniture is relatively simple and only requires a small time commitment every week.
Start by removing any visible dirt or debris that has settled on the surface of the furniture with a vacuum cleaner or soft brush. You can then use a mild soap and water solution to wipe down the entire chair, making sure to rinse off any excess soap afterwards.
If there are any areas that are particularly dirty or grimy, use a soft-bristled brush and some soapy water and apply a firm but even pressure to scrub them clean. It’s important to always let the chair air dry completely, preferably out of direct sunlight, before using it again.
Repairing Damage on a Wicker Chair
Sometimes your wicker furniture may be damaged by the elements or through natural wear and tear. If your wicker chair becomes damaged, it’s important to take steps to repair it as soon as possible. Start by inspecting the chair for any broken or torn fibres within the wicker – if you find any, replace them with new ones that match the material of the original chair. If the damage is more extensive, you may need to use a bonding agent or glue to hold pieces together. In case there are any cracks in the frame of the chair, fill them in with wood filler and sand down until smooth. If you’re not confident in your ability to work on the chair, it may be best to consult with a furniture restorer who specialises in wicker chairs.
