Know your wicker first
“Wicker” describes a weaving style, not a single material. Before you clean anything, work out which kind you have, because the safe method differs.
- Natural wicker is woven from plant fibers such as rattan, bamboo, willow or reed. It can swell, warp or mold if it stays wet, so it needs a light touch.
- Synthetic wicker (often called resin or all-weather wicker) is a plastic-type fiber woven over a frame, usually aluminum or steel. It tolerates water far better. If this is your furniture, see our dedicated guide on how to clean resin wicker furniture.
Wicker vs rattan. Rattan is a climbing palm that is used as a raw material. Wicker is the woven result, and it can be made from rattan or from other natural or synthetic materials. So a piece can be both rattan and wicker. If you cannot tell by looking, check the manufacturer’s tag or paperwork. As a rough clue, synthetic fiber often looks very uniform and slightly glossy, while natural fiber shows more variation and a fibrous grain. When in doubt, treat it as natural wicker and be gentle.
What you need
- Vacuum with a soft brush attachment, or a dry paintbrush
- Soft-bristled brush and an old toothbrush
- Two buckets or one bucket and clean water for rinsing
- Mild dish soap
- Microfiber cloths or soft sponges
- Garden hose with a gentle setting
- Clean, dry towels
Safety before you start
- Never mix cleaning products. Bleach must never be combined with vinegar or ammonia, because the mixtures can release dangerous gases. Do not mix bleach with other cleaners at all. Use one product at a time and rinse thoroughly between products.
- Ventilate and protect yourself. Work outdoors, and wear gloves and eye protection if you use anything stronger than diluted dish soap.
- Keep pets and children away. Keep them out of the area while you clean, and until the furniture has been rinsed and is fully dry. Pets and small children put their mouths and paws on furniture, so residue matters.
- Test first. Try any cleaner on a hidden spot and let it dry before cleaning the whole piece.
Step-by-step: cleaning wicker patio furniture
Dry clean first
Remove cushions and cushion covers. Vacuum with a soft brush attachment or brush the furniture with a dry paintbrush, working along the direction of the weave. This removes cobwebs, dust and debris that would turn to mud once wet.
Wash with mild soap
Mix a small amount of mild dish soap into a bucket of warm water. Dip a soft brush or cloth, wring it out until it is damp rather than dripping, and wipe the surface gently. Work in sections. With natural wicker, keep the fibers as dry as you can. With synthetic wicker, you can be a little more generous with water.
Clean the crevices
Use an old toothbrush to reach tight corners and the gaps where the weave meets the frame. Brush with the weave, not across it, and avoid pressing hard.
Rinse and dry
Wipe soap off with a cloth dampened in clean water. Synthetic wicker can be rinsed with a hose on a low-pressure setting. For natural wicker, rinse sparingly or wipe only. Then blot with a towel and let the piece dry completely in a ventilated, preferably sunny spot before putting cushions back or sitting on it.
Natural wicker: extra care
Natural fibers are the ones that suffer when drying is rushed. Avoid soaking, avoid letting water pool in seats, and do not sit on the piece while it is damp, since it can stretch or sag. Some manufacturers recommend a specific oil-based soap for natural wood and cane, so check the care tag. Strong chemicals, harsh scrubbing and high-pressure water can all roughen or break natural fibers.
Synthetic (resin) wicker: what is different
Synthetic wicker handles moisture and regular washing well, so you can use a bit more water and a firmer, still soft, brush. It is still not indestructible: heavy pressure, abrasive cleansers and stiff bristles can scuff the surface or loosen strands. For product advice, lifespan and Murphy’s oil soap questions, read how to clean resin wicker furniture.
Removing mildew and stains
For light mildew, a common approach is a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, sprayed on, left a few minutes and scrubbed gently, then rinsed with clean water. Test first, since acids may affect some finishes. Do not follow this with bleach, and never combine the two.
Some manufacturers allow a diluted bleach solution on synthetic wicker only. If you consider it, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, ventilate, rinse thoroughly, and keep it away from natural wicker, cushions and metal frames, where it can cause damage.
For stubborn stains, a dedicated mildew remover used according to its label is another option. Rinse it off promptly so it does not discolor the finish.
If mildew keeps coming back, the cause is usually moisture. Improve airflow, dry the furniture after rain, and store or cover it in damp seasons.
Cushions, straps and seasonal dirt
Cushion covers often have their own care labels, so follow those. If your chairs or loungers use flat vinyl webbing, see our guide to cleaning vinyl straps on patio furniture. During spring, a yellow film is likely to be pollen, which should be rinsed rather than dry-wiped. Our article on how to clean pollen off patio furniture explains how.
Can you use Dawn to clean wicker?
Many guides recommend a few drops of mild dish soap such as Dawn in warm water for wicker, and it is a common choice because it is gentle and cuts grime. Use only a small amount, rinse well so no film is left in the weave, and avoid soaking natural wicker. If the manufacturer names a different cleaner, follow that.
Cast iron and other frames
Wicker is often paired with metal frames or sits next to cast iron garden furniture. For powder-coated aluminum frames, the gentle soap-and-rinse routine in how to clean powder coated aluminum railings applies to the same finish. For cast iron, a typical approach is to brush off loose dirt and rust flakes, wash with mild soapy water, rinse, and dry promptly, since moisture encourages rust. Check for chipped paint, which is where rust starts, and touch up with an appropriate rust-inhibiting paint if needed. Keep soapy runoff off nearby wicker if you can.
Whitewashing wicker
Whitewashing is a finishing project, not cleaning. It usually means lightly sanding or cleaning the piece, then applying a thinned white paint or stain. Natural wicker can take paint, though results vary and it is easy to clog the weave. Synthetic wicker may need a plastic-suitable primer. Because outcomes depend heavily on the material and product, follow the paint manufacturer’s directions and test on an out-of-sight area first.
Keeping wicker clean longer
- Use breathable covers when the furniture is not in use, rather than airtight plastic that can trap moisture.
- Dust or vacuum regularly so dirt does not work into the weave.
- Wipe up spills quickly.
- Check the frame and weave each season for loose strands or damage.
- Some manufacturers suggest a UV protectant for synthetic wicker; follow product directions.
FAQ
How often should I clean wicker patio furniture? A light dusting or vacuuming every few weeks during use, and a proper wash at the start and end of the season, is a sensible routine for most homes.
Can I pressure wash wicker? It is risky. High pressure can snap or loosen fibers, and many sources advise against it. If you do use a pressure washer on synthetic wicker, use the lowest setting and a wide spray from a distance, after checking the manufacturer’s guidance.
Should wicker dry in the sun? Good airflow is the priority. Sun helps drying, but prolonged direct sun can fade some materials, so dry it somewhere warm and ventilated.