Guide to Safeguarding Artificial Wicker Outdoor Furniture During Winter

Outdoor living spaces can feel like a private oasis when they’re well-curated and furnished appropriately. When it comes to durable, lightweight and versatile outdoor furniture, artificial wicker is often the go-to choice for many homeowners. However, it's important to maintain the aesthetics and longevity of these outdoor items throughout the year, particularly during the cold winter months. With the winter season in full swing, frost, snow, and extreme cold can take a toll on your outdoor setting. So, how do you protect your artificial wicker outdoor furniture during this harsh climate? In this blog post, we'll discuss some practical steps you can take.

1. Regular Cleaning

Your artificial wicker furniture requires regular cleaning. While being artificial makes it more resistant to the elements than natural wicker, it can still suffer from dirt and mildew build-up. Any debris left can hold moisture and lead to deterioration. Hence, it's essential to adopt the proper cleaning techniques.

To clean your artificial wicker furniture, you'll need:

• A soft brush
• Mild soap
• Warm water

Mix the mild soap with warm water, create suds, and use a soft brush or cloth to clean the furniture gently. The brushing should be as gentle as possible to avoid unintentionally damaging the wicker. Once you are done, rinse away the suds using a garden hose and allow the furniture to dry under the sun.

2. Protective Covers

One of the easiest ways to protect your artificial wicker furniture from winter damage is by using water-resistant or waterproof covers. This method is especially necessary for those colder climates where furniture might be subjected to snowfall or rainfall. While artificial wicker is designed to handle moisture better than natural wicker, consistent exposure to damp winter conditions can still cause damage.

Ensure to measure your furniture correctly before purchasing covers so that each piece is completely protected from the elements. It's also essential to secure the covers properly, which prevents cracking from cold weather and inhibits mould growth.

3. Store Furniture Indoors

If you have sufficient indoor space, consider moving your artificial wicker furniture indoors during the winter season. This option provides optimum protection against harsh weather conditions. However, ensure you clean your furniture thoroughly before moving it indoors to prevent carrying in dirt and insects. If you don't have enough room in your house, you might want to consider investing in a garden shed or outdoor storage box.

4. Protection Against Frost

Artificial wicker furniture can also be damaged by frost. To prevent this, it's recommended to apply a protective layer of resin or varnish. This process should be after thorough cleaning and drying of the furniture. A spray-on polyurethane product is ideal for this purpose. It's easy to apply, dries quickly and provides strong protection against frost as well as moisture.

5. Cushion Care

Cushions for outdoor furniture should always be taken inside during wet or winter conditions. Even cushions that are marketed as 'weather-proof' can be damaged over time with constant exposure to harsh weather. When not in use, cleaning and storing these items indoors will prolong their lifespan.

6. Regular Maintenance Checks

Schedule regular maintenance checks even during the winter season. Check for any signs of damage such as mildew growth, loosened wicker strands, or weakened structure. Early detection and appropriate measures can prevent further damage and costly repairs.

In conclusion, safeguarding your artificial wicker outdoor furniture during winter involves regular cleaning, using protective covers or moving the furniture indoors, applying protective solutions against frost, storing cushions indoors, and conducting regular maintenance checks. With these practical steps, your outdoor setting will not only withstand the winter season but also retain its aesthetic appeal and functionality for many years. Always remember that a bit of maintenance and care can go a long way in preserving your outdoor oasis.