Wicker garden furniture looks warm and inviting, and synthetic wicker needs little maintenance. Little is not the same as none, though. Sand, leaves, bird droppings and damp work their way into the weave, cushions turn grey, and a cover that goes over your set at the wrong moment can cause mould. With a few regular habits each season, your wicker will stay good-looking for years. In this guide you'll read what to do and when, how to clean wicker properly in six steps, how to tackle stubborn stains, how to look after the cushions and how to cover your set properly.
In brief: brush synthetic wicker dry regularly during the season, and give it a thorough clean in spring and autumn with lukewarm water, a mild soapy solution and a soft brush, never with a pressure washer. Let everything dry thoroughly, store the cushions dry and use a breathable cover outside the season. If a strand is loose or broken, read wicker broken? how to repair it yourself.
Which wicker do you have?
Wicker is not a material but a method of weaving. Almost all modern wicker garden furniture is woven from synthetic plastic strands, often polyethylene (PE), over a frame of aluminium or steel. That synthetic wicker can handle rain and is easy to clean, and that is what this guide is about. After years of sun and frost it can fade and become less supple, and it is exactly that which good maintenance slows down.
Do you have furniture made of natural rattan or reed? That needs a different approach: as little water as possible, indoor storage and sometimes oil or varnish. For that, read how to maintain rattan garden furniture. Not sure what you have? Check the difference between wicker and rattan or read what is wicker.
Maintenance schedule in one table
Maintaining wicker is mostly a matter of regularity. With this schedule you'll know what to do and when:
| What | How often | With what |
|---|---|---|
| Brush off dry | Weekly during the season | Soft brush |
| Bird droppings, spills | Straight away | Damp cloth |
| Thorough clean | Spring and autumn | Lukewarm water, mild soapy solution |
| Let cushions dry | After every shower | Upright, airy spot |
| Check the weave | Spring and autumn | Your eyes and hands |
| Check frame and feet | Spring | Screwdriver |
| Covering | Outside the season | Breathable cover |
Throughout the year, it helps to lift your furniture rather than drag it, and not to place it right next to the barbecue or a fire bowl: synthetic material can warp from heat.
Cleaning wicker in 6 steps
For a thorough clean you will need: a bucket of lukewarm water with a mild soapy solution, a soft brush or sponge, an old toothbrush for the corners, a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, a garden hose and a few soft cloths. Choose a dry, mild day and work in the shade, so the soapy solution doesn't dry in streaks.
Set the cushions aside and shake them out. They'll get their own clean later; if they stay on the furniture, they'll get soaked by the soapy solution and rinse water.
Brush the weave dry and vacuum the seams and corners with a brush attachment. That way you won't work sand and leaves into the weave like mud.
Work section by section with lukewarm water, a mild soapy solution and a soft brush or sponge, following the direction of the weave. Use the toothbrush for the seams around armrests and legs, as that's where most dirt collects.
Wipe the visible parts of the frame and the feet with the same soapy solution and a soft cloth. Check straight away whether the caps under the legs are still in place and whether any screws are loose.
Rinse off all soap residue with the garden hose on a gentle spray. Leftover soap becomes sticky and holds on to new dirt.
Leave the furniture to dry in an airy spot, preferably for a few hours or a whole afternoon. Tilt chairs briefly so water can run out of the seat. Only put the cushions back and only put a cover over the furniture once the inside of the weave is dry too.
Fifteen minutes of brushing off each week saves you an afternoon of scrubbing in spring. Sand and leaves that don't get the chance to cake onto the weave come off easily with a brush.
Tackling stubborn stains
The sooner you deal with a stain, the easier it comes out. Always start with the gentlest approach and test anything new on a spot underneath first.
| Stain | Approach | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Bird droppings | Leave to soak with a damp cloth, then wipe away | Don't scrape off when dry |
| Green algae | Soapy solution, soft brush, rinse | Choose a drier spot |
| Grease, suncream | Washing-up liquid in lukewarm water | Rinse thoroughly |
| Wine, soft drinks | Dab straight away, then soapy solution | Don't let it dry in |
| Black spots | Soapy solution, rinse, let dry | Check the cover too |
| Tree sap | Lukewarm soapy solution, patient soaking | No solvents |
Green algae keeps coming back?
Then the spot is the problem, not the cleaning. Furniture standing in the shade under a tree or on grass dries slowly after a shower. Place it on tiles or a patio where wind and sun can reach it, and read how to remove green algae if your patio needs attention too.
Caring for the cushions
On a wicker lounge set or garden bench, the cushions are the first to wear. They take the brunt of sun, rain and suncream, and wet cushions left lying around keep the weave underneath damp. A few habits make all the difference:
- After a shower: stand the cushions upright on their edge so the water drains out and they dry faster.
- During the season: brush them regularly and dab stains straight away. Many manufacturers recommend a textile protector against dirt and moisture; see also how to make garden cushions waterproof.
- Washing: check the label to see whether the covers can go in the washing machine. For detailed advice, read how to clean garden cushions and how to wash lounge set cushions.
- Storage: during prolonged bad weather and outside the season, bring the cushions completely dry indoors or store them in a cushion box or cushion bag. More ideas in how to store garden cushions.
Primo cushion box 490 litres
View box →
Coverit cushion bag 200 x 75 cm
View bag →All storage boxes
View range →Have your cushions faded or gone flat despite everything? Then read how to replace the cushions of your lounge set.
Maintenance by season
It's easiest to link your maintenance to the seasons. That way you won't forget anything, and each session stays manageable.
Spring: getting ready for use
- Take the cover off on a dry day and let it dry before you store it.
- Give the weave and frame a thorough clean following the six steps above.
- Check the armrests and the front of the seat for loose or broken strands.
- Tighten any loose screws and check the caps under the legs.
- Only put clean, dry cushions back.
Summer: keeping on top of it
- Brush the weave regularly and wipe away bird droppings and spilt food straight away.
- When it rains, bring the cushions indoors or stand them upright afterwards to dry.
- Don't place your furniture right next to the barbecue or a fire bowl.
- Use a parasol or a spot in partial shade: that spares the weave and the cushions.
Autumn: preparing for winter
- Sweep away leaves before they rot into the weave.
- Give everything another thorough clean and let it dry completely.
- Store the cushions clean and dry.
- Cover the furniture with a breathable cover, or put it in the shed or garage.
Winter: checking
- After a storm, check that the cover is still secure and that no water is pooling on it.
- Brush snow off the cover so no heavy wet layer is left lying on it.
- In frost, don't put a lot of weight on cold wicker or drag it around.
- On a dry day, leave the cover open for a while so the air can circulate underneath.
You can read more about the winter period in getting garden furniture ready for winter and what to do with garden furniture in winter.
Covering properly
A breathable protective cover keeps sun, rain, leaves and bird droppings off the weave and saves you a lot of scrubbing in spring. Keep three things in mind:
How to cover wicker properly
- Choose a breathable cover, not a plastic sheet: condensation gets trapped under an airtight cover
- Measure the width, depth and height and choose a cover that is just a little larger; for a high back, check the height too
- Only put the cover over clean, completely dry furniture
- Use a cover support so rainwater doesn't pool on the cover
- Secure the cover with the cord or fastening, so it doesn't blow off
A protective cover is never completely waterproof. That's why it's important that rainwater can run off it. You place the Coverit cover support between the furniture and the cover, so that a run-off is created. The Platinum AeroCover covers below are breathable, counteract mould formation and have a drawstring cord with two stoppers for a good fit.
AeroCover bench cover high back 200 x 90
View cover →
AeroCover chair cover high back 78 x 78
View cover →
Coverit adjustable cover support
View support →You'll find more sizes in our protective covers and lounge set covers sections. Which cover fits which piece of furniture is explained in covering garden furniture.
Common mistakes
Using a pressure washer
Quick, but the hard jet pushes the weave loose, blows open the ends and sprays water deep into the seams. A garden hose on a gentle spray and a soft brush are all you need.
Bleach, chlorine or abrasive cleaners
Harsh chemicals can damage plastic and fade the colour. A mild soapy solution does the job; even with stains, start with the gentlest approach.
Putting the cover over wet furniture
Under a cover, moisture dries very slowly. The result in spring: black spots and green algae. Let everything dry completely first, including the inside of the weave.
Leaving cushions outside
Cushions that stay wet for days start to smell musty and keep the weave underneath damp. Bring them in when it rains or stand them upright, and store them dry outside the season.
Dragging across the patio
Dragging scrapes the underside of the legs and pulls at the weave, especially when it's cold. Lift chairs and benches when you move them.
Oil or varnish on synthetic wicker
Synthetic wicker doesn't absorb oil, and varnish doesn't bond well to it. You end up with a sticky layer that holds on to dirt. For synthetic wicker, clean and dry is the best care.
When maintenance is no longer enough
Regular maintenance keeps wicker looking good, but sometimes there's more going on. If you see a loose or broken strand, hairline cracks, or weave that feels stiff and brittle, read wicker broken? causes, prevention and how to repair it yourself. If your set has become dull, grey or green after a few years without maintenance, restoring weathered rattan garden furniture offers a six-step refresh. If you have an all-weather lounge set with other materials too, see maintaining an all-weather lounge set.
Wicker and the manufacturer's advice
Are you ready for new furniture? Look for an aluminium frame, which doesn't rust, and tightly woven wicker. Also check the manufacturer's maintenance advice: it says a lot about how to keep the furniture looking its best. Below are a few available wicker pieces, all on an aluminium frame, along with what the manufacturer itself recommends. You can see the current prices on the cards.
Milwaukee three-seater garden bench
The Milwaukee has an aluminium frame with hand-woven half-round synthetic wicker in vintage willow. The bench is 195 cm wide, with a seat height of 48 cm, and comes with four cushions with a water-repellent coating. The manufacturer's advice: clean the wicker with a mild cleaner and a soft brush, use a textile protector on the cushions, and store the cushions in a dry space when the weather is bad or when you won't be using the bench for a longer period.
Milwaukee three-seater garden bench wicker
Tennessee three-seater bench
The Tennessee is a lounge bench 225 cm long with an aluminium frame and half-round wicker in vintage willow, with anthracite Texfiber cushions and seat cushions 13 cm thick. The bench is designated all weather. The manufacturer advises wiping the frame with a mild soapy solution and a soft cloth, rinsing with clean water and letting it dry thoroughly, and storing the bench in a dry place during prolonged bad weather or in winter, preferably with a protective cover.
Tennessee three-seater bench
Osborne adjustable garden chair
The Osborne has an aluminium frame with hand-woven half-round wicker and a backrest that you adjust with a gas spring on the side. The seat width is 62 cm and the seat height 48 cm. According to the manufacturer, you can easily clean the wicker with a soft brush or cloth and lukewarm water, and protect the cushions against dirt and moisture with a textile protector.
Osborne adjustable garden chair wicker
Veracruz lounge chair with footstool
The Veracruz is a lounge chair with an aluminium frame with protective powder coating and half-round wicker in vintage willow. You adjust the backrest steplessly with a gas spring, the seat is 59 cm wide and 65 cm deep, and the footstool in the same wicker is included. The three cushions are made of water-repellent polyester. The manufacturer advises cleaning the frame and the wicker regularly with a mild soapy solution, and storing the cushions dry during bad weather.
Veracruz lounge chair with footstool
Also worth a look:
Bahama lounge dining set
View set →
Margriet dining garden chair
View chair →All wicker lounge sets
View range →Or browse all wicker garden furniture and wicker garden chairs. Still unsure which material will give you the least work in your garden? Read rope or wicker, or let the selection guide help you decide.
Checklist: maintaining wicker
Tick off what you've done this season:
- Weave brushed off dry regularly during the season
- Spring clean done with lukewarm water, a mild soapy solution and a soft brush
- Frame, screws and caps under the legs checked
- Armrests and front of the seat checked for loose strands
- Cushions left to dry upright after rain
- Autumn clean done and everything left to dry completely
- Cushions stored dry indoors, in a cushion box or cushion bag
- Breathable protective cover and cover support placed over the furniture
Frequently asked questions
How often should you clean wicker garden furniture?
Brush the weave dry roughly once a week during the outdoor season, and wipe off bird droppings or spilt food straight away. A thorough clean with lukewarm water, a mild washing-up liquid and a soft brush is needed at least twice a year: in spring before you start using the furniture again, and in autumn before you cover it.
What should you use to clean synthetic wicker?
Lukewarm water, a mild washing-up liquid and a soft brush or sponge. Work in the direction of the weave, rinse with a garden hose on a gentle spray, and let everything dry thoroughly. Bleach, chlorine, solvents and abrasive cleaners can damage the synthetic material and cause the colour to fade.
Should wicker garden furniture be brought indoors in winter?
Synthetic wicker on an aluminium frame can stay outside over winter. Clean it first, let it dry completely and cover it with a breathable protective cover. Store the cushions somewhere dry. If you have a shed or garage with space, bringing it indoors is even better. Natural rattan, however, should be kept indoors.
How do you remove green mould from wicker?
Brush off the mould with a soft brush and a mild washing-up liquid, then rinse thoroughly. An old toothbrush helps in the corners and crevices. If the mould keeps coming back, the furniture is probably too damp or in too much shade. Place it somewhere it can dry out after a shower.
Can you clean wicker with a pressure washer?
No. The harsh jet can force the weave loose, blow open the ends and spray water deep into the joints. A garden hose on a gentle spray and a soft brush are enough to get synthetic wicker clean.
How do you keep the cushions of a wicker lounge set looking good?
Don't leave the cushions out in the rain, stand them upright after a shower so they dry quickly, and brush them down regularly. Wash them according to the label. A textile protector helps against dirt and moisture. Out of season, store them completely dry, for example in a cushion box or cushion bag.
