How to Maintain a Wicker Chair
- 1). Use the soft bristle attachment on the end of your vacuum cleaner to very gently vacuum any loose dust or debris from your chair. Do not press on the chair or force the attachment into the crevices. You may use the crevice tool lightly if the bristle attachment is not able to reach an area.
- 2). Use an ordinary pair of household tweezers to remove any strings, cloth scraps, or other material that may have gotten stuck in the fibers of your wicker. Pull gently on the material so as not to rip or tear the caning of the furniture.
- 3). Wash the chair with soap and water, taking care not to soak the seat excessively. This is especially true if the chair is made from a paper fiber which cannot stand excessive moisture. A mild solution of Murphy's Oil Soap and warm water on a damp cloth will usually remove any grease or caked on dirt without destroying the fibers or finish. Never immerse your chair in water or use abrasive materials such as steel wool to scrub wicker. Dry your furniture lightly with a lint-free cloth or allow to air dry.
- 4). Coat your chair lightly with a few drops of lemon oil lightly dabbed onto a dusting cloth. This should ideally be done twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall. You may do this more often if your chair has a dry feel but the oiling will probably not be neccessary more than three or four times annually.
- 5). Place your chair in a location that is out of direct sunlight and, if possible, out of rain and snow as well. The area in which your chair is located should have adequate air flow but it should not be placed directly in the area of a heat source since this may cause the fibers to weaken and crack. Consider bringing your furniture indoors during the harsh winter months or storing it in a garage or storage building. If this is not possible, cover with vinyl chair covers to protect your piece from the elements.
- 6). Cover your chair bottom with padded chair covers that completely cover the seat. Make sure these are at least an inch thick and made of a waterproof material if you place the chairs outdoors. A padded cover over the back of the chair will help reduce friction and wear in that section and keep any protruding edges from poking you or your guests.
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