Tag Archives: wicker

Spruce Up Any Area With Wicker Furniture

Wicker furniture is one style that holds a timeless attraction for many people. The ancient Egyptians brought this to light many years ago and other cultures helped to put their own twist on it. The backyard is the predominant area of the home for this type of furniture, but many people are finding that it adds a unique charm to the interior of the house.

There are many styles available and for the most part, these are meant to be used outside. They have been manufactured and treated to handle anything Mother Nature can throw at them and still look great. The sealers that the manufacturers use are designed to withstand all types of weather, year after year, and maintain the original color and finish.

Moving indoors, the wicker pieces have become more and more preferred by many people for their intricate weaves and unique patterns. These can be accent pieces or can be used to create a unique look in any room. Imagine bringing a little slice of the outdoors right into the living room, or even the bedroom, to create a relaxing atmosphere that brings to mind a spring day in the backyard.

One nice feature of wicker is that its color can be changed at the drop of a hat. Should a homeowner decide to change the look of a room using this, it is a simple matter of repainting it to match the new dcor. The stain is a bit more difficult to obtain and should be found through a manufacturer or supplier.

White is the predominant color for wicker but literally any color can be found or at minimum, applied by the homeowner. It is a simple matter to prepare the wicker properly for the new coat of paint and do it yourself, if you so choose. Be sure to use an oil based primer first, then coat the wicker a minimum of two times, waiting at least 4 hours between coats in order to ensure good coverage.

Stained wicker, on the other hand, is probably best if bought directly from the manufacturer or supplier in the color desired. The steps needed to stain wicker are labor intensive and should be avoided if at all possible. If the homeowner cannot find the color they want, many manufacturers do offer unfinished pieces and this will at least make applying the stain and sealer much easier than trying to redo a piece that has an existing coat on it.

Indoor wicker furniture can transform a room in to a relaxing place to be. There are many models and styles of this that will fit in any dining room, kitchen or even the bedroom. This lets the homeowner bring a slice of summer living into the home all year long.

Read more about Wicker Furniture at Jimmi’s site Wicker Furniture Advice

Tips to Cleaning Your Outdoor Wicker

Do you own wicker garden furniture but not quote sure how to clean it? Well, it is not rocket science. Actually, it pretty much common sense. If you keep your wicker patio furniture outside all of the time it probably needs a bit more maintenance. The sun, wind, snow and rain can do a number on it. Here are a few tips to cleaning:

Wash – Neglecting your furniture will shorten the lifespan. Wash your wicker furniture with a wet cloth and mild detergent. Get an attachment for your garden hose that allows you to spray a fine mist. Wet down your furniture and scrub off any dirt or grime. Use the fine mist to remove any left over detergent. Let your wicker dry out in the direct sunlight.

Vacuum – Vacuuming your wicker garden furniture regularly is preventative maintenance. It will keep your furniture looking good. Use a brush attachment if possible to dig in to the wicker fibers. This will help get out debris and dirt and suck it up. Be careful not to use a vacuum that is too powerful as this might hard your furniture.

Killing Mold – I have seen mold grow on wicker furniture. There is a strong chance that if you keep your furniture outdoors all of the time that mold will eventually find it. If you live in a humid climate there is a strong chance that will happen. Use warm water and bleach to clean your wicker. This works well on most types of wicker including bamboo, rattan or willow, reed and plastic. Apply the solution of bleach and water and scrub the mold off. When finished spray a fine mist of water to clean it off. Again, let it sit in direct sunlight to dry it off.

These simple but effective cleaning tips will help add years to the life of your wicker garden furniture. Regular vacuuming and cleaning will keep it looking great and comfortable.

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