How to Care for Your Artificial Wicker Outdoor Furniture During the Winter Months

Frosty winter mornings, chilly evenings and rainy afternoons are fast approaching. These weather conditions may offer a perfect setting for cosy indoors gatherings, but they're a stark contrast to the friendly environment of your outdoor patio where your well-beloved artificial wicker furniture resides. This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide about caring for your artificial wicker outdoor furniture in the looming winter months.

Artificial wicker, also known as all-weather wicker, is visually appealing and provides a stylish and comfortable option for outdoor furniture. Manufactured from synthetic resins, it's designed to stand up against harsh weather conditions. However, that doesn't mean a bit of TLC during the Australian winter won't go astray. Here are some essential tips for maintaining the longevity and beauty of your artificial wicker outdoor furniture during the colder months.

Cleaning your Artificial Wicker Furniture

First off, a good clean should be the initial step in preparing your wicker furniture for winter. This doesn't require any complicated solutions, just warm soapy water and a soft brush or sponge will do the trick. Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning your artificial wicker furniture:

1. Dust off the loose dirt using a soft brush or dust cloth.
   
2. Prepare a mixture of warm water and gentle detergent.
   
3. Apply the soapy solution to the wicker surfaces with a soft sponge or cloth, taking care not to soak the furniture.
   
4. Scrub gently into the grooves with the gentle brush to remove any stubborn dirt.
   
5. Rinse the sponge, and wipe down the furniture once again with plain water to remove the soap.
   
6. Dry the furniture thoroughly. Warm, sunny days are perfect for this.
   

Protective Covers

Once your furniture is clean, a great way to protect it is by using outdoor furniture covers. These covers shield your furniture from the winter elements like rain, hail, frost and even the occasional snow that can occur in some parts of Australia.

A good-quality outdoor furniture cover is usually water-resistant, UV protected and breathable to prevent condensation build-up that may lead to mould or mildew. When covering your outdoor furniture, make sure it's the right size - not too tight, as it may rip, and not too loose, as it may not offer the necessary protection.

Winter Storage

If you have available storage space, consider moving your artificial wicker furniture indoors for the winter. This doesn't just mean cramming it into your living room. A garden shed, garage, or any other storage area can work well. This will offer the best protection, as it eliminates any exposure to weathering conditions.

Tips for Storing Wicker Furniture

1. Choose a dry, cool place to store your furniture.
   
2. Although artificial wicker is resistant to mould and mildew, it is preferable to not let it stay damp for extended periods, so ensure your furniture is dry before storing.
   
3. Before storing, give your furniture a final clean by following the previously mentioned cleaning procedures.
   
4. Arrange your furniture thoughtfully. It shouldn't be stacked or squished as this could cause potential damage or deformation.
   

Maintaining Cushions

While our focus has largely been on the wicker, cushions are arguably equally important in terms of comfort and aesthetic appeal. They should not be ignored when it comes to winter care. Most cushions designed for outdoor use possess some level of water resistance, but it doesn't mean that they’re completely immune to the effects of winter weather.

Remove the cushions and store them inside during winter. Prior to storage, clean them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Always make sure the cushions are completely dry before storing to avoid mould or mildew growth.

Off-season Maintenance

Winter storage doesn't mean neglect. Regardless of whether you've chosen to store your outdoor furniture indoors or protected it under a cover, be sure to give it a 'health check' now and again. Look out for any signs of moisture build-up, dust accumulation, and pest habitation. This will ensure that your beloved wicker furniture remains in the best possible condition, ready to be used as soon as the warm, sunny days return.

Being weatherproof doesn't equate to being invincible. Just like anything else we value, outdoor artificial wicker furniture needs some care to maintain its longevity and visual appeal. The above-mentioned tips will not only help to protect your furniture from the harsh Australian winter weather but also keep it looking its best for many years to come. So, with a bit of effort now, you'll be rewarding yourself with a welcoming and stylish outdoor setting to enjoy when the warmer season rolls around again.