Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Ways to Clean and Maintain Your Wicker Patio Furniture

Most outdoor furniture could withstand harsh environmental factors. Some are robust and durable enough that could take any harsh weather condition. Some are made of treated wood and some are made of wrought-iron that could take hot and cold weather. A plastic or aluminum furniture requires less care than wood. But if your patio furniture is made out of wicker, you have to do constant cleaning and maintain it so that it will last longer.

The first step in cleaning your wicker patio furniture is using a soft brush. Brushing the wicker with soap and water would help remove dirt and debris in the furniture. If you have a hose, you could use it to apply a little pressure on the furniture to remove the dirt. Just be sure to wipe the furniture with a cloth after washing.

Second, to prevent from damage, use a protective covering for your outdoor patio furniture. There are lots of fabrics that can be used to cover the furniture. You can use a plastic, vinyl, polyester, etc. Depending on the weather condition, these coverings will protect your furniture and it will help extend its life span.

Following these simple steps and suggestions in cleaning and maintaining your outdoor furniture will definitely help you extend the life of your furniture. It is always best to follow the manufacturer’s advice and recommendations. At the same time, have someone, a professional, to regularly clean and refinish your furniture. If you do not want to incur extra cost of maintaining your furniture, you can do it yourself and follow the above instructions.

To be sure that your wicker patio furniture will last longer than the others, you better buy the synthetic ones. The natural wicker which is made of natural products and wood would quickly deteriorate due to heat and moisture. The synthetic wicker furniture is made of plastic and is usually coated and more durable. As long as it is cleaned regularly and covered to protect from the rain, the synthetic wicker furniture will definitely last a lifetime.