When you make an investment in patio furniture, you want to make sure that your purchase will give your family lasting enjoyment. Fortunately, with wicker patio furniture sets, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your pieces will remain fresh and in good repair for years of use.

Wicker furniture has special needs not shared with other types of outdoor furniture. Neglecting your wicker furniture and not providing the proper care will cause the furniture to dry out and crack or warp. You can prevent these problems and ensure the long-lasting beauty of your wicker year after year by following these five simple tips:

Choose High Quality Wicker Furniture: Selecting high quality furniture at the very beginning is really the single most important element in ensuring you will have lasting outdoor furniture. High quality wicker pieces will have an aluminum frame and a very tightly woven weave that doesn’t allow the frame to show through.

Remove Dirt and Grime: You can avoid grimy build-up that occurs natural over time and exposure to the elements by wiping down your furniture occasionally with a lightly dampened cloth and mild detergent. Make sure you don’t get the furniture too wet since soggy wicker can stretch and warp. For a more thorough cleaning, you can also use a garden hose. However, avoid using this on antique or painted furniture which may be damaged by a strong water spray.

Prevent Dryness and Warping: Wicker patio furniture sets should be placed in a shady area. Direct sunlight will dry out natural wicker fibers and cause them to become brittle. Also, keep furniture covered and out of the rain. If your patio pieces should get wet, make sure no one sits on them until they are completely dry. Wet wicker can become permanently warped and irreparable.

Replenish Moisture: At the end of the season apply a protective coat of oil to your wicker furniture. This will help your furniture to replenish its moisture. Your furniture should be thoroughly dried before the oil is applied. Carefully rub boiled linseed oil into the fibers and wipe off the excess oil with paper towels. Afterward, the wicker should look shiny. If not, keep applying oil to the wicker until it will not absorb anymore. A note of caution, linseed oil is flammable so be careful when getting rid of the used paper towels. You should allow your furniture to dry for at least 24 hours before you use it again.

Protect Your Furniture in the Off-Season: When the cold weather hits, it is time to move your wicker furniture indoors to a dry, protected location. If you do not have room to store the furniture during the winter, purchase a high quality cover for your furniture. Wicker patio furniture sets are susceptible to damage if left outside for extended periods during inclement weather.

With proper maintenance, wicker patio furniture can transform your patio into a warm and inviting space for gathering with friends and family. Wicker offers a large selection of colors and styles to choose pick from and match any dcor. There is also a wide choice of both contemporary and more traditional styles available. By choosing the furniture that best suits your needs and providing the proper care; you can have beautiful wicker furniture for years of outdoor fun.

Ensure the life of your casual wicker furniture by taking the proper steps to protect it. Visit outdoor wicker patio furniture today to discover new tips and techniques to preserving your outdoor living space.