There’s nothing better than kicking back on your comfy wicker patio furniture on a nice day. It looks great and can turn a plain backyard into a cozy little retreat. But since it lives outside, it’s going to get dirty. Dust, pollen, bird droppings, and the occasional spilled drink are just part of life. The good news? Cleaning it is a lot easier than you think.
This guide will walk you through the simple steps to get your rattan and wicker furniture looking brand new again, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time actually enjoying it.
What Kind of Wicker Do You Have?
Before you start scrubbing, it’s really important to know what your furniture is made of, because it changes how you should clean it.
PE Rattan (The Modern, All-Weather Stuff)
Most of the "wicker" furniture you buy for your patio these days is actually made from PE rattan. "PE" is just short for polyethylene, which is a tough, weather-resistant plastic that’s woven to look just like the real thing. If your furniture was advertised as "all-weather wicker," this is what you have. This stuff is a dream to clean because it doesn't mind getting wet.
Natural Wicker (The Classic, More Delicate Stuff)
Natural wicker is made from real plant fibers, like rattan or bamboo. It’s beautiful, but it's a lot more delicate. It really doesn't like to get soaked with water, as it can make the fibers swell up or even get moldy. This kind of wicker is best for covered porches or sunrooms. You’ll need to be much gentler when you clean it.
For this guide, we'll mostly be talking about PE rattan, since that's what the majority of outdoor furniture is made of.
The Go-To Cleaning Method for Most Situations in 5 Steps
For a regular cleaning to get rid of the usual dust and grime, a simple bucket of soapy water is your best friend. Doing this a couple of times a season will keep your furniture looking fresh.
Step 1: Brush Off the Loose Stuff
Before you get it wet, you need to get all the surface dust and cobwebs off. The easiest way is with the soft brush attachment on your vacuum. It’s great for getting into all the little woven nooks and crannies. If you don't want to drag your vacuum outside, a dry, soft-bristled brush works just fine.
Step 2: Mix Up Your Cleaning Solution
You don't need anything fancy here. Just fill a bucket with some warm water and add a few good squirts of a mild dish soap, like Dawn. Give it a stir until you have some suds. This simple solution is perfect for cutting through everyday dirt without being too harsh.
Step 3: Wipe It Down
Dip a soft cloth into your soapy water and start wiping everything down on your outdoor furniture, working from the top to the bottom. For any stubborn spots or dirt that’s really stuck in the weave, use a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush is perfect for this) to gently scrub it out.
Step 4: Rinse It Clean
This is the most important step for avoiding a streaky, soapy film when it dries. The best way to rinse PE rattan furniture is with a garden hose on a gentle setting, like "shower" or "mist." A powerful jet spray can be too harsh. Give everything a good rinse to get all the soap off. If you're cleaning delicate natural wicker, do not use a hose. Instead, just use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the soap.
Step 5: Let It Air Dry
Now just let the sun and air do the rest of the work. If you can, tip the furniture on its side to let any trapped water drain out, and then leave it in a sunny spot to dry. It usually dries pretty quickly. Just make sure it’s completely dry before you put your cushions back on.
How to Deal with Tougher Stains
Sometimes, you'll run into a mess that soapy water just can't handle. Here’s how to deal with the common culprits.
Getting Rid of Mildew
If you see some spots of mold or mildew, you'll need something a little stronger. Mix up a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. The vinegar is great at killing mildew. Use a cloth or a soft brush to apply it to the spots, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse it off really well.
Bird Droppings and Tree Sap
For sticky messes like bird droppings or tree sap, try to clean it up as soon as you can. Scrape off any solids with something plastic, like an old credit card. Then, use your soapy water and a soft brush to scrub away what's left.
Scuff Marks
For those annoying scuff marks from shoes, a magic eraser-style sponge can often take them right off. Just be sure to test it on a small, hidden area first to make sure it doesn't affect the color or finish of your furniture.
Don't Forget About the Cushions
Clean furniture with dirty cushions doesn't do you much good. Taking care of your cushions is just as important.
The first thing you should always do is check the care tag. It will tell you the best and safest way to clean them. Most outdoor cushion covers are made to be removed and thrown in the washing machine.
- For Machine-Washable Covers: Unzip the covers, and wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle. It's best to let them air dry to make sure they don't shrink.
- For Spot Cleaning: If you can't remove the covers, you can just spot clean them. Mix a little dish soap with warm water, and use a clean cloth to gently dab at the stain. Try not to rub too hard. "Rinse" the spot by dabbing it with a clean, wet cloth, then let it air dry.
3 Tips to Keep Your Furniture Cleaner, Longer
A little bit of prevention will make your next big cleaning job much easier.
- Get Furniture Covers: This is the single best thing you can do. When you're not using the furniture for a while, cover it up. This will protect it from everything—rain, sun, dust, and birds.
- Bring Your Cushions Inside: If you know a big storm is coming, or if you're not going to be using the furniture for a few weeks, bring the cushions inside. Keeping them dry is the best way to prevent mildew.
- Do a Quick Wipe-Down: After a dusty or windy day, it only takes a minute to wipe the furniture down with a dry cloth. This stops a light layer of dust from turning into a thick layer of grime.
Keep Your Wicker Furniture Beautiful Year-Round
Cleaning your outdoor wicker furniture is probably one of the easiest chores on your list. With just a bucket, some soap, and a little bit of time, you can keep your patio set looking great all year long. By following these simple steps for cleaning and protecting your furniture, you'll make sure your backyard is always a clean, comfortable, and inviting place to hang out with friends and family.
