How to Revitalize Your Artificial Wicker Outdoor Furniture for Spring

How to Revitalize Your Artificial Wicker Outdoor Furniture for Spring

As the days get longer and warmer, one can start to feel the arrival of spring. This time of the year, many Australians begin to give a touch of spring cleaning to their homes, shedding the winter blues. A vital part of this spring cleaning ritual involves preparing the outdoor living area, particularly the artificial wicker outdoor furniture, for the sunny and balmy days ahead.

If your synthetic wicker furniture is looking a tired, dusty, or stained, there's no need to despair. This does not necessarily mean that a trip to the furniture store is imminent. Instead, this blog will walk you through the steps of revitalizing your old synthetic wicker furniture and giving it a new lease on life, just in time to enjoy the Aussie spring.

Cleaning

The first step to revitalizing your artificial wicker outdoor furniture is to give it a thorough cleaning. This entails removing any dust, debris, stains, and mould that may have accumulated over the colder months.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Start by dry cleaning. Use a soft-bristle brush or a dry cloth to dust off the surface of your artificial wicker furniture. Remember to vacuum the furniture, focusing on the corners and crevices.


2. Proceed to wet cleaning. For this, you will need a bucket of warm water mixed with a generous squirt of dish soap. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wash the furniture. Make sure you rinse off all the soap with clean water to avoid any residue.


3. For stubborn stains, consider using a specialised outdoor furniture cleaning product. Always test it on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it will not damage the colour or texture of your furniture.


4. Finally, thoroughly dry your furniture. You can let it air dry in the sun, or use a hairdryer for a quicker result. In either case, ensure the furniture is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Repairing

Artificial wicker furniture is long-lasting and resilient. However, it's not unusual for minor damages to sneak in over time. Fret not! Most damages can be fixed at home, requiring just a bit of patience and DIY spirit.

The most common damages to look out for are loose strands of wicker, cracked arms or legs, and sagging seats. If you notice any of these issues on your furniture, here's what to do:

1. For loose strands: Simply apply a bit of clear craft glue on the end of the loose strand, then carefully push the strand back into its original spot. Allow the glue to dry fully before you put any weight on the repaired area.


2. For cracked arms or legs: You can use a two-part epoxy resin to mend these cracks. Remember to follow the instructions provided with the epoxy resin for the best results.


3. For sagging seats: You can tighten saggy seats by simply weaving an additional layer of artificial wicker or even twine across the existing seat. This can give the seat more support and prevent further sagging.

Protecting

Once your artificial wicker furniture is clean and any necessary repairs have been made, it's time to protect it for the future. Water, sunlight, and heavy use can all contribute to wear and tear over time. Thus, it's essential to add an extra layer of protection to keep your revitalized furniture looking its best.

Here's how to best extend the life of your artificial wicker furniture:

1. Apply a UV protector. This will protect the furniture from the harsh Australian sun and prevent the colour from fading.


2. Wax or seal your furniture. Despite being more resilient to moisture than natural wicker, artificial wicker furniture can still benefit from a bit of water-proofing. Use a clear marine varnish to seal your furniture and protect it from moisture and mildew.


3. Regularly cover your furniture when not in use or during harsh weather conditions.

Prettifying

Last but certainly not least, after cleaning, repairing and protecting our furniture, it's time to prettify! Spring is the perfect time to change up the colour scheme or style of your outdoor space to reflect the new season.

Here are a few options to consider:

1. Get fresh, spring-themed cushions or covers. Bright colours and floral prints can liven up your space and make it look more inviting.


2. Consider painting your furniture a new colour. Although this is a bit more work, it can give you a 'brand-new' set of furniture for far less cost than actual new furniture! Just be sure to choose a paint type suitable for outdoor use and artificial wicker.


3. Add accessories. Lanterns, fairy lights, rugs, planters—all can enhance the look of your revitalized furniture and create a cosy outdoor living area.

By following these four steps— Clean, Repair, Protect, and Prettify, you'll have your artificial wicker outdoor furniture ready for spring in no time. After investing a weekend or two working on these steps, there's nothing more to do than reward yourself by lounging on your spruced-up outdoor furniture, sipping a cool drink, and soaking in the pleasant Australian sun. Spring is in the air, and you've earned it!