How to Care for Your Artificial Wicker Outdoor Furniture During Winter

Winter is coming! While we find comfort in Casimir quilts and fireplaces, our outdoor furniture, especially those made of artificial wicker, can't enjoy such bliss. If you have invested good money in beautifully crafted outdoor furniture, you might be pondering on how to protect them during the frosty winter spells.

Don’t you worry, mate! This blog post will guide you through the steps that are essential to take care of your artificial wicker outdoor furniture during the winter.

Why Do You Need to Protect Your Outdoor Wicker Furniture in Winter?

Outdoor furniture adds a nice touch to your backyard, balcony, or patio, creating a perfect place for barbies, relaxation, or a small gathering with your mates. Artificial wicker furniture, also known as resin wicker or all-weather wicker, is incredibly popular because it's durable, lightweight, and resistant to the sun's UV rays and rain.

During winters, however, they might not fare so well against frost, ice, and snow which can cause cracking. Hence, it's essential to take some measures to protect your beloved outdoor wicker furniture.

Steps to Protect Your Artificial Wicker Outdoor Furniture in Winter

Here we have listed down a comprehensive care guide to maintain and protect your outdoor wicker set during winter.

1. Clean Them Properly

Before you do anything else, give your furniture a good clean. This is essential as the dirt, tree sap, and bird droppings that accumulate over time can cause spots and stains once the furniture is wet.

To clean your wicker furniture, simply use a soft brush attachment on a vacuum to remove loose dirt and dust. Wipe the furniture gently with a rag dampened in soapy water. Let it dry naturally and completely before moving to the next step – don’t be tempted to rush the process by using a hairdryer. Ensure that your furniture is squeaky clean before you prepare it for winter storage.

2. Apply a Protective Sealer

Applying a protective sealer can protect your wicker furniture from harsh winter conditions. The sealer will provide an extra layer of protection against moisture that can potentially damage the furniture. You can find several types of sealers designed specifically for artificial wicker furniture at your local hardware store. Follow the product instructions to apply the sealer correctly.

3. Use Protective Covers

Furniture covers provide protection from snow and ice accumulation. It also keeps the furniture clean from dust and dirt during winter. It's best to buy waterproof and heavy-duty covers built for artificial wicker furniture. They usually come with secure ties and vents to prevent moisture build-up.

4. Store Them Inside

If you have enough space, the most effective way to protect your furniture is to store it indoors. This could be in your garage, shed, or any unused room in your home. You may also disassemble larger pieces to save space.

5. Have a Maintenance Check

Before the frost bites, check the furniture for any signs of damage or wear. Any loose ends of the artificial wicker should be cut off and glued back into place. If the furniture seems unstable or shaky, you might need to tighten some screws. A routine maintenance check before storing can ensure longevity.

Additional Tips to Remember

Besides these steps, here are a few additional tips to bear in mind:

- Remove any cushions and store them indoors. Since these are more susceptible to moisture, it is best to keep them dry and warm during winters. - Avoid using any type of heating device to dry the furniture. Too much heat can damage the synthetic wicker. - Always remove snow from your outdoor wicker furniture. Using a plush broom can effectively remove the snow without damaging the furniture. Don’t let the snow accumulate, as the continued weight may cause damage. - If you have to stack your chairs for storage, ensure that you neatly align them to avoid breaking or warping.

So, there you go! With good care, your artificial wicker outdoor furniture can sustain even the harshest winters and will be ready to serve you again when spring rolls around. Remember, the key is to be proactive and take preventative measures before winter storms arrive and damage your furniture. After all, a stitch in time saves nine!

We sincerely hope our post today will be of help to you in protecting your treasured outdoor living space. Until our next blog post – take care, mate, and stay warm this winter!