How to Clean Wicker Furniture: Natural and Resin Wicker Guide

Wicker furniture cleaning requires a gentle hand — the woven structure traps dirt deeply, but excess water and pressure damage the fibers permanently. Natural wicker (rattan, willow, bamboo) and resin (synthetic) wicker have different tolerances: natural wicker can be damaged by too much water, while resin wicker handles more moisture but still needs gentle care. Here’s the complete guide for both.

What You’ll Need

• Soft-bristle brush or toothbrush (for crevices)
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Microfiber cloths
• Bucket of warm water and mild dish soap
• White vinegar (for mold/mildew)
• Boiled linseed oil (for natural wicker — annual conditioning)
• Garden hose on low setting (resin wicker only)

Safety and Precautions

Never soak natural wicker in water — it causes warping, mold growth, and fiber weakening. Natural wicker that dries while bent or twisted stays deformed. Clean natural wicker in dry conditions and ensure it dries completely and in its normal position. Don’t use a pressure washer on wicker of any type — the force unravels fibers and damages weave patterns. Keep wicker furniture out of prolonged direct moisture — rain cover or indoor storage when not in use extends life dramatically. For outdoor furniture care generally, see our outdoor furniture cleaning guide.

How to Clean Natural Wicker

1. Vacuum First

   Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment on the lowest suction setting to vacuum all wicker surfaces. Move the brush in the direction of the weave to pull debris out of crevices. This dry step is the most important — removing loose dirt before introducing any moisture prevents muddy residue embedding deeper in the weave.

2. Detail Clean Crevices with a Dry Brush

   Use an old toothbrush or narrow soft brush to dislodge dirt from tight weave crevices that the vacuum can’t reach. Work in the weave direction. A compressed air can also works well for this step.

3. Wipe with a Barely Damp Cloth

   Wring a microfiber cloth thoroughly — it should be nearly dry, not damp. Wipe down all wicker surfaces. The goal is to pick up surface grime with minimal moisture. Never let water pool on natural wicker.

4. Treat Stains with Diluted Soap

   For stubborn spots, dip just the tip of a soft brush into diluted dish soap solution (a few drops in warm water), scrub the spot gently, then immediately wipe with a barely damp cloth to remove all soap residue. Work quickly on each spot — don’t let soapy water sit on the wicker.

5. Remove Mold or Mildew

   Apply white vinegar to a cloth (don’t pour it onto the wicker directly) and wipe mold-affected areas. Let sit 2–3 minutes, then wipe with a clean barely-damp cloth to remove the vinegar. Dry the piece immediately and thoroughly. For persistent mildew, see our mildew removal guide.

6. Dry Completely in Position

   Allow natural wicker to dry in its normal, upright position with good air circulation. Drying in a bent or distorted position causes permanent deformation. If possible, dry in sunlight — UV helps kill remaining bacteria and mold. Complete drying takes 24–48 hours in humid conditions.

7. Condition Annually

   Once per year, apply a thin coat of boiled linseed oil to natural wicker with a cloth to prevent drying and cracking. This is especially important in dry climates or for any wicker stored in air-conditioned spaces. Wipe off any excess after 20 minutes.

How to Clean Resin Wicker

Resin (synthetic, all-weather) wicker is significantly more durable and water-tolerant than natural wicker:

1. Vacuum or Brush First

   Remove loose dirt with a vacuum or soft brush. Resin wicker’s synthetic fibers hold less loose debris than natural wicker, but trapped dirt in crevices is still best removed dry first.

2. Wash with Soapy Water

   Mix dish soap in warm water. Use a soft brush to scrub all surfaces, including inside the weave crevices. Resin wicker tolerates this level of wetness without damage.

3. Rinse with a Garden Hose (Low Setting)

   Rinse with a garden hose on a low-pressure setting — hold 12+ inches away. Don’t use the jet setting — even though resin wicker is durable, high pressure forces water into the wicker frame joints and can accelerate corrosion of the metal frame underneath.

4. Dry Thoroughly

   Tip the furniture to let water drain from the weave and metal frame. Air dry in sunlight. Even though resin wicker tolerates moisture better than natural wicker, leaving it wet for extended periods corrodes the internal metal frame that gives the furniture its structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can wicker furniture get wet?

Resin/synthetic wicker can tolerate rain and moderate wetness. Natural wicker should not get soaked — extended moisture causes warping, mold, and weakened fibers. Both types should be dried after cleaning and stored covered or indoors during extended rain or off-seasons.

How do I remove mold from wicker furniture?

Apply white vinegar with a cloth to mold spots, let sit briefly, then wipe with a barely damp cloth and dry immediately. For resin wicker, a diluted bleach solution handles heavy mold more effectively. Let the piece dry completely in sunlight to kill remaining spores.

How do I restore faded or brittle natural wicker?

Clean thoroughly first, then apply boiled linseed oil sparingly to restore flexibility and prevent further drying. For very brittle wicker, a thin application of linseed oil followed by 24-hour drying can significantly improve the texture. Severely degraded natural wicker may need professional repair or replacement.

How often should wicker furniture be cleaned?

A deep clean at the start and end of each outdoor season is the minimum. Monthly dusting or vacuuming during the active season prevents buildup. Spot-clean spills and bird droppings immediately — fresh deposits don’t penetrate wicker weave as deeply as dried ones.

What is the difference between wicker and rattan?

Rattan is a specific material (a tropical vine), while wicker refers to the weaving technique — rattan can be woven into wicker, but wicker can also be made from bamboo, sea grass, paper fiber, or synthetic resin. Most “wicker furniture” sold today is either rattan wicker or resin wicker. The cleaning approach is the same for natural material types.

Conclusion

Wicker furniture cleaning is primarily about using minimal moisture on natural wicker and ensuring complete drying after any cleaning. Resin wicker is more forgiving but still needs the same care with drying to protect the internal frame. Annual conditioning with boiled linseed oil keeps natural wicker flexible and extends its life significantly. For the rest of your outdoor furniture, see our outdoor furniture cleaning guide for methods on every material type.