Wicker Patio Furniture Care: Keep Rattan Sets Looking New

Quick answer

Start with a dry brush to lift loose dirt, then wash resin wicker with mild soap and water and rinse thoroughly. Natural rattan and acacia wood need a damp cloth only and must be dried immediately. Clean and dry cushions before storing, and bring wicker furniture indoors or under a breathable cover for winter.

Know what your wicker is made of before you clean it

Resin wicker (PE) is the common all-weather option on patio sets. It tolerates water, mild soap, and a soft brush, and it will not absorb moisture the way natural fibers do. Natural rattan and acacia wood are different: they are porous, so they need a damp cloth, immediate drying, and a re-oiling routine if the finish looks dry. Using a hose on natural rattan is the fastest way to cause swelling, cracking, and mold inside the weave.

If you are not sure which material you have, check a hidden spot under the seat or behind a cushion. Resin strands feel uniformly smooth and plastic-like; natural rattan has slight color variation and a fibrous texture. When in doubt, treat it as natural and use the gentler method.

Match your cleaning method to the material

For resin wicker, mix a few drops of mild dish soap in a bucket of warm water. Dip a soft-bristle brush or microfiber cloth, scrub the weave in the direction of the strands, and pay attention to crevices where dust and pollen collect. Rinse with a garden hose on low pressure, then tip the furniture to drain any water trapped in the frame. For natural rattan, wipe with a barely damp cloth, then dry immediately with a towel and let it air out in the shade.

Avoid pressure washers, bleach, ammonia, and abrasive scrubbers on any wicker. High pressure forces water into the weave and can fray resin strands; harsh chemicals dull the finish and weaken the material over time.

Cushion care is half the job

Cushions hold moisture, sunscreen, and dust, and they are often the first part of a rattan set to look tired. Check whether your cushion covers are removable. If they are, unzip them, shake out debris, and machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water, then air dry completely before putting them back on the foam. If covers are not removable, spot clean with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth, then blot dry.

Never store cushions compressed or damp. Even a slightly damp cushion left in a storage bin can grow mildew, which stains fabric and smells musty. Rotate and flip cushions regularly so they wear evenly and dry fully between uses.

Winter storage that prevents spring surprises

If you live where temperatures drop below freezing, move wicker furniture into a garage, shed, or covered area. If that is not possible, use a breathable furniture cover rather than a tarp. Plastic tarps trap condensation against the frame and weave, which encourages mold and rust. Elevate pieces off concrete floors with blocks or pallets so moisture does not wick up from below.

For natural rattan, clean and dry it thoroughly before storage, and consider a light application of furniture oil on the frame if the finish looks dry. Resin wicker needs no oil, but it should still be clean and dry before covering. Store cushions separately indoors, never under the same cover as the frame.

Routine care that keeps rattan sets looking new

A quick weekly dusting with a soft brush or vacuum brush attachment prevents dirt from working into the weave. Once a month, do a fuller wash for resin wicker or a damp wipe for natural rattan. After rain, tip furniture to drain and wipe down metal frames to reduce rust risk. Tighten any bolts or connectors at the start and end of the season, since wicker furniture flexes slightly with temperature changes.

If you use your patio set year-round, a quarterly check of the frame, feet, and cushions will catch small problems before they become replacements. Look for loose strands, rust spots, and cushion seams that are pulling apart.

Wicker patio furniture care steps

1. Step 1: Identify the material: Check a hidden area to see whether you have resin wicker, natural rattan, or a mix with wood. This determines whether you can use a hose or must stick to a damp cloth. Common mistake: assuming all wicker is waterproof. Natural rattan and wood swell and crack when soaked.
2. Step 2: Dry brush the weave: Use a soft-bristle brush or vacuum brush attachment to remove loose dirt, pollen, and debris from the crevices before any liquid touches the furniture. Checkpoint: if you skip this, mud will smear deeper into the weave when you wash.
3. Step 3: Wash according to material: Resin wicker: mild soap and warm water with a soft brush, then rinse with low-pressure water and drain. Natural rattan or wood: wipe with a barely damp cloth and dry immediately. Common mistake: using a pressure washer or harsh chemicals. Both damage the finish and force water into the frame.
4. Step 4: Clean and dry cushions: Remove covers if possible and machine wash on gentle with cold water, then air dry completely. For non-removable cushions, spot clean and blot dry. Checkpoint: never put cushions away damp. Mildew stains are difficult to remove.
5. Step 5: Store for winter: Move furniture indoors or use a breathable cover, elevate pieces off concrete, and store cushions separately indoors. Clean and dry everything before covering. Common mistake: wrapping furniture in a plastic tarp, which traps condensation and causes mold and rust.

Product facts that affect care

• Tangkula 3 Pieces Rocking Bistro Set, Outdoor Rocker Chair with Coffee Table & Cushions: Combined with hand-woven PE wicker with natural acacia wood. The acacia wood parts need immediate drying and occasional oiling, while the PE wicker can be washed with mild soap and water. Treat the two materials differently during cleaning and storage.
• 6 Pieces Patio Furniture Set, Outdoor Rattan Sofa Set, Wicker Conversation Set: Powder-coated steel frame and weather-resistant PE rattan wicker offer durable and sturdy construction for long-term use. The steel frame is protected but not immune to moisture. Draining water after rain and covering the set in winter helps prevent rust at joints and feet.
• Tangkula 7 Pieces Wicker Patio Furniture Set with 40,000 BTU Gas Fire Pit Table & Propane Tank Cover Table & Glass Top Coffee Table: The cushions have removable covers for easy cleaning and maintenance. You can machine wash the covers on a gentle cycle and air dry them, which is far more effective than spot cleaning alone for keeping a rattan set fresh.