What resin wicker is, and is it real wicker?
Resin wicker is a synthetic fiber, usually a plastic-type material such as polyethylene, woven over a frame in the style of traditional wicker. Many retailers use “resin wicker,” “synthetic wicker” and “all-weather wicker” to mean the same thing.
So is it real wicker? It has the woven look and is sold under the wicker name, but it is not made from plant fibers like natural rattan or reed. Whether it counts as “real” is partly a matter of definition: wicker is a weaving technique, and resin is simply a different material. The practical difference is that resin wicker is much more resistant to moisture than natural wicker, so it is easier to clean. If you have a mix of materials, see our main guide to cleaning wicker patio furniture.
What you need
- Soft-bristled brush
- Mild dish soap or a mild non-bleach laundry detergent
- Bucket of warm water
- Sponge or microfiber cloth
- Optional: hand vacuum and a garden hose
Safety first
- Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia, and avoid mixing any cleaners together. Some combinations release harmful fumes. Use one product at a time and rinse well in between.
- Work outdoors, wear gloves, and consider eye protection when using anything stronger than dish soap.
- Keep children and pets away while you clean and until the furniture has been rinsed and dried. Residue from cleaners should not be left where they sit or lick.
- Test any cleaner on a hidden area first.
Step-by-step cleaning
Remove cushions and brush off debris
Take off cushions and covers and set them aside. Brush or vacuum loose dirt, leaves and cobwebs out of the weave first, so you are not turning them into mud.
Wash
Mix a little mild dish soap into warm water. Some manufacturers suggest roughly a quarter cup of detergent per gallon, but a smaller amount of dish soap is often enough and easier to rinse; follow your furniture’s care instructions if they differ. Dip the soft brush, then scrub lightly, getting the bristles into the nooks of the weave. Let the suds sit briefly on grimy spots instead of pressing harder.
Rinse
Rinse with a garden hose on a gentle setting until no suds remain. Soap left in the weave attracts dirt.
Dry
Let the pieces dry fully, ideally in a sunny or breezy spot. Some manufacturers suggest at least a couple of hours before you put cushions back, and longer in humid weather. Cushions should be completely dry too, since trapped moisture is a common cause of mildew.
What is a good cleaner for resin furniture?
For routine cleaning, plain warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap is the usual recommendation, and it is generally the safest place to start. A mild non-bleach laundry detergent is also commonly suggested. Avoid abrasive powders, steel wool and stiff brushes, which can scratch the surface.
For occasional tough problems, dedicated products exist, such as mildew removers and sap or adhesive removers. Follow the label, do not leave them to sit, and rinse promptly so they do not dull or discolor the finish.
Can you clean resin wicker with Murphy’s oil soap?
Murphy’s oil soap is a diluted wood cleaner, and it is often recommended for natural wood and wicker. For resin wicker, plain mild soap is usually enough, and an oil-based soap may leave a film that attracts dirt if it is not rinsed well. If you want to use it, dilute it according to the label, test on a hidden area, and rinse thoroughly. If your furniture’s manufacturer gives different advice, follow theirs.
Mildew, sap and stubborn marks
- Mildew: Try a dedicated mildew remover according to its directions, or a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, sprayed on, left a few minutes, gently scrubbed and rinsed. Test first. Some manufacturers allow diluted bleach on resin wicker; if you use it, follow their guidance, ventilate well, rinse thoroughly, and never combine it with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaners. Keep it off cushions, fabric and metal frames.
- Tree sap: A sap or adhesive remover used per its label, then rinsed right away.
- Bird droppings and food: Wipe up promptly with soapy water.
Pressure washing
Resin wicker is often described as tolerant of water, but high pressure can still loosen strands or damage the weave. A hose with a gentle spray is safer. If you use a pressure washer, check your manufacturer’s guidance and keep it on the lowest setting from a distance.
How long does resin wicker furniture last?
There is no single answer. Lifespan depends on the quality of the fiber, the frame material, how much sun and weather the furniture sees, and how well it is cared for. Higher-quality sets with UV-resistant fibers and rust-resistant frames tend to last longer, and sun exposure is a common cause of fading and brittleness over time. Check the warranty for the manufacturer’s own expectation, and inspect for cracking, loose strands and frame rust each season.
Care tips
- Use breathable covers or store pieces indoors in harsh seasons.
- Clean regularly so grime does not build up.
- Check cushions and straps too; for flat webbing on loungers, see how to clean vinyl straps on patio furniture.
- In spring, rinse off yellow dust before it bakes on; our guide to cleaning pollen off patio furniture explains how.