Natural wicker furniture used frequently or left at a sunny location may fade and wear a bit with time, resulting in slight discoloration in some regions. As opposed to painting the furniture to make the piece seem more uniform, treat problem areas with wax or cleansers to restore its natural beauty.
A Thorough Cleaning
Sometimes, wicker may appear dark or discolored simply because it’s dirty. Employing the furniture within this condition could wear away some of the dirt, like on a chair seat, causing a seat that appears as if it has worn into a lighter color than the remainder of the slice. Vacuum the entire wicker piece with an upholstery brush attachment. Afterwards, clean it with a damp cloth dipped to a mild soapy solution, followed with a damp cloth with soap. Use a toothbrush or cotton swab to reach into crevices and corners. Do not oversaturate the wicker, as it may damage the piece. Allow the furniture to air dry completely and avoid using it for several days to ensure it’s truly dry.
Mildew-Spot Discoloration
Mildew or mold occurs when wicker furniture is left in a humid or damp environment with little exposure to daylight, leaving behind little dark spots and a musty odor. Eliminate these spots first by brushing off as much of it as possible with a nylon-bristled brush outdoors. Wipe the spots with a toothbrush dipped in equal parts bleach and water, testing an inconspicuous area. In case the entire wicker slice is covered in mildew spots, wipe it down with a damp sponge dipped in a milder bleach water solution, like one part bleach, two or three parts water. Vinegar can be utilised in place of bleach. Use the toothbrush on stubborn spots. Wipe again with a damp sponge and air dry the wicker on a breezy afternoon, waiting several days prior to utilizing the furniture; otherwise, then it may warp a little. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection and function in a well-ventilated place when handling bleach.
Worn, Faded Finish
Wicker furniture left its natural color is frequently covered with lacquer or varnish to help safeguard the fibers. Finally the end loses its luster and also appears a little dull, particularly on well-used places like a chair’s seat or armrest. Restore its like-new glow by wiping the entire furniture slice down with lemon oil or furniture polish applied to a rag.
Fixing Chipped Finish
The lacquer or varnish protecting the furniture may chip away in tiny places, leaving behind places that appear more dull than the remainder. Repair the end by applying a little polyurethane into the affected regions with a little brush, or by utilizing a spray-on edition, covering the surrounding regions to avoid overspray. If large regions of the end have chipped away, you may choose to apply polyurethane to the entire piece. A spray-on polyurethane continues at a thin coat without undermining or seeping as a brush-on sealer can.