How to Revitalize Your Artificial Wicker Outdoor Furniture in the Spring Period

As winter turns to spring, it's the perfect time to freshen up your outdoor living space. One of the key elements to consider for this seasonal transition is your artificial wicker outdoor furniture. Often, these pieces have been through the harsh winter conditions and might appear dull, faded, and uninviting. So, how can we breathe new life into these vital outdoor assets and prepare them for sunny days and balmy nights?

In this blog post, we will walk you through some effective methods to clean, maintain, and upgrade your artificial wicker furniture, ready to face the pleasant spring weather in style.

Cleaning Your Artificial Wicker Furniture

The chilly winter months may cause dust, dirt, and moisture to accumulate on your artificial wicker furniture. So, the first step towards revitalising your furniture is giving it a thorough clean.

A step-by-step guide

1. Start the cleaning process by removing any cushions, pillows, or any other removable textile elements from your furniture. Ideally, these should be cleaned separately following the manufacturer’s instructions, likely using gentle cycle settings and specific detergents suitable for outdoor fabrics.




2. Next, prepare a gentle cleaning solution. A mixture of mild soap or dishwashing detergent combined with warm water works well. Avoid using harsh cleaners or solutions containing bleach as they may discolour or damage the wicker.




3. Dip a soft bristled brush in the solution and gently scrub your furniture, reaching into the strands of the wicker as much as possible. This will help to remove any dust or dirt accumulated in the small crevices and nooks of your furniture.




4. Following this, rinse your furniture with lukewarm water using a low-pressure hose, ensuring all soap residues are properly washed out.




5. Lastly, let your furniture air dry completely before using or reassembling any textile elements.

Maintaining Your Artificial Wicker Furniture

After cleaning, it's time to turn our attention to maintenance, which is a key step to ensuring your artificial wicker furniture remains durable and attractive throughout the spring, and beyond.

Sealing Your Artificial Wicker

One of the maintenance activities is sealing your artificial wicker furniture. Sealing provides an additional layer of protection to the furniture and helps maintain its fresh, new look for longer. It can also give your furniture a shiny, elegant finish.

Painting Your Artificial Wicker

If your wicker furniture shows signs of fading, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders. Make sure to use mild, outdoor-friendly paint and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

1. Begin by securing a well-ventilated workspace, free from dust and dirt.




2. Next, ensure that your furniture is thoroughly clean and completely dry. Any dust or moisture left can affect the paint's adherence.




3. Apply a base coat of primer specific to wicker or rattan. This enhances the paint adhesion and increases its durability.




4. Let the primer dry completely before proceeding with the application of your chosen paint colour.




5. Apply the paint in light, even strokes, ensuring it reaches into the crevices of the wicker weave. Two light coats generally produce better results than a single heavy one.




6. Finally, allow ample time for the paint to dry before using your furniture.

Upgrading Your Artificial Wicker Furniture

Sometimes, even after cleaning and maintaining, your artificial wicker furniture might still lack a certain ‘spark’. Enhancing your furniture's comfort and aesthetic appeal with some additional upgrades is a great way to revitalize it completely.

Adding Cushions and Pillows

One of the easiest upgrades you can make to your artificial wicker furniture is adding new cushions and pillows. These lively additions can revamp old furniture, providing a pop of colour and injecting personal style into your outdoor space.

Incorporating Accent Pieces

Consider adding a few accents like an outdoor rug, a side table, or some decorative items such as lanterns or candles. These additions transform your outdoor seating area into a comfortable and cosy sanctuary.

Conclusion

Revitalising your artificial wicker furniture for the spring season doesn't have to be a daunting task. With these practical tips on cleaning, maintaining, and upgrading, you'll have your outdoor space spring-ready in no time. Ready to embrace the pleasant weather, surround yourself with loved ones, and make wonderful memories in your freshly revitalised outdoor setting.