How to Clean & Stain Wicker

Since wicker furniture tends to be used for the patio or the backyard, it can get pretty dirty. Luckily, it is fairly easy to clean. Once you clean your wicker furniture, you will want to stain it if it's not already treated. That way, it is more resistant to water and other weather damage. Do this even if you keep your furniture inside as it will help to extend its life. Plus, it will protect it in case of spills.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cotton rag
• Old toothbrush
• Feather duster or vacuum with hose
• Ammonia
• Rubber gloves
• Garden hose
• Paper towels or terry towel
• Dowel
• Wood stain
• Sandpaper
• 2-gallon bucket

Instructions

1. Take a sturdy feather duster or the hose nozzle on your vacuum cleaner and loosen and remove any surface dust and dirt. The feather duster can better reach inside the spaces between the gaps in the wicker and is easier to use outside, but the vacuum will keep the dust from flying back in your face.

2. Open the windows and doors if you are inside to give yourself good ventilation. Then pour a gallon and a half of lukewarm water into your bucket and add 2.5 tablespoons of ammonia. Put on your gloves and mix the solution with your hands.

3. Dip your cotton rag in the solution. Wring it out so it isn't dripping (you don't want to get wicker too wet). Wipe down the wicker using a minimal amount of force. Scrub the areas you can't get with the rag with an old toothbrush.

4. Wet a second cloth and rinse off the cleaning solution or spray the wicker with the hose, only turning it on halfway so the pressure doesn't get too high.

5. Gently dry your wicker with a terry towel or paper towels or set it in the sun for two hours. Make sure it is completely dry before you apply the stain.

6. Stir the can of stain with a dowel so that the color is uniform. Then dip the paintbrush in the stain, making sure only the bristles get wet. Wipe the bristles on the rim of the can so the brush doesn't drip.

7. Apply a thin, even layer of stain to all parts of the wicker. Use a watercolor brush for any parts you can't reach with the regular paintbrush. Let the wicker dry for two hours. Then apply a second coat. If you'd like, you can apply furniture wax on top of the stain, but it is not necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• You can dry your wicker faster using the hairdryer, but keep it at least a foot away so you don't burn it or dry it unevenly. Sand off any lumps in the stain. Then apply new stain in these areas. Cover wicker furniture if you expect severe weather.
• Don't sit on wicker furniture when it's wet.

Resources

• More about wicker care