How to Clean Wicker Furniture

It is normal that you have difficulties when you want to clean rattan furniture, especially the wicker one. It is because of the structure of the wicker is full of narrow and small gaps where the dust and dirt can hide inside. This should be an excuse to clean it often, not otherwise.
First important step is, make sure you know the type of furniture material that will be cleaned, whether it is real or synthetic rattan. Each type requires a different washing method. Synthetic furniture is usually more durable than natural materials, especially when placed outside the house. Natural materials need a protective layer to make them last longer.
Follow these steps according to the type of wicker furniture material.
1. Remove dust with a vacuum cleaner
(Suitable for all kinds of woven materials)
Do this step before washing wicker furniture. You can do it weekly as weekly clean routine even if you don't want to wash it.
Use the long-bristled end of the vacuum cleaner to reach the dust and dirt in the crevices.
Avoid pressing the webbing surface too hard so the braid or scratch the webbing material won’t remove.
2. Use an old toothbrush
(Suitable for all kinds of woven materials)
To deal with certain parts not covered by the machine, use an old toothbrush with bristles that are still upright.
You can wet the bristles to catch the dust better.
If the bristles of the toothbrush aren't stiff enough to remove certain debris stuck in crevices, use the end of a stick, wire, or other sharp object.
Do this carefully without loosening the webbing.
3. Trim with scissors
(Suitable for all kinds of woven materials)
The older the rattan table and chairs, the more fibers are pulled up and need to be trimmed. To tidy them up, don't pull out the fibers because this method will actually cause a further damage to your rattan furniture. Use scissors to cut at the base of the loose fibers.
4. Wipe with detergent solvent
(Not suitable for natural material types)
You can use water gun and hose off the furniture directly. Previously, you can spread the detergent or apply liquid dish soap in several parts. If this step is not possible to do, you can simply wipe it with a damp cloth.
For natural rattan, you can use a damp cloth with a detergent solvent to wipe the surface of the webbing without getting it soaked.
Do not use water on hemp webbing.
Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
5. Dry it until completely dry
(Do this carefully on all types of woven materials)
You can use a fan, hairdryer, or sunlight to dry the furniture.
Synthetic woven furniture can be dried in direct sunlight.
Do not use a hairdryer to dry a furniture with synthetic material. It can cause the material to melt if they get too hot.
Natural woven furniture can be dried with a hairdryer on a cool temperature setting or with a fan. High temperature from the hairdryer can burn the material.
Natural wicker furniture that is left wet for too long could potentially overgrown with mold and mildew.