Start with a dry brush and mild soap

The fastest way to clean wicker is a soft-bristled brush and warm soapy water. Mix a few drops of dish soap into a bucket of lukewarm water, dip the brush, and scrub along the weave in the direction the strands run. This removes dust, pollen, and surface dirt without soaking the material.

Rinse with a garden hose on low pressure — never a pressure washer, which can split the strands and loosen the weave. Let the furniture dry completely in the sun or shade before you sit on it. This method works for both natural wicker and synthetic wicker and takes about 15 to 20 minutes per piece.

For light cleaning between deeper washes, a dry brush alone often does the job. Keep a soft brush near your patio furniture and run it over the pieces once a week to stop dirt from settling into the weave.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft brush and warm soapy water removes most dirt from wicker without damaging the strands or the joints that hold them together.
  • Never use a pressure washer, bleach, or abrasive scrubbers on wicker, as these split the material and weaken the frame.
  • Dry your furniture completely after washing to prevent mold and rot, especially if the wicker is natural rather than synthetic.
  • Stubborn stains like mildew or rust need a targeted approach — vinegar for mold, oxalic acid for rust — rather than scrubbing harder.
  • Synthetic wicker tolerates more aggressive cleaning than natural wicker, but both last longer if you brush them weekly and cover them in off-season.

Handle mold and mildew with white vinegar

Mold appears as dark spots or a fuzzy coating, usually in shaded areas or after wet weather. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the affected area. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly.

Vinegar kills the mold spores without the harshness of bleach, which can weaken natural wicker fibers. If the mold returns quickly, the furniture is staying too damp — move it to a sunnier spot or improve air circulation around it. Mold thrives in shade and moisture, so prevention is easier than repeated cleaning.

Remove rust stains with oxalic acid

Rust appears as orange or brown stains, usually where metal hardware or fasteners touch the wicker. Oxalic acid, sold as a wood cleaner or rust remover at hardware stores, dissolves rust without harming the wicker itself. Mix it according to the label, explore it to the stain with a brush, wait 15 minutes, and rinse well.

Test oxalic acid on a hidden part of the furniture first — it can lighten some natural wicker colors slightly. Wear gloves and avoid splashing it on skin or other materials. After the rust is gone, dry the area completely and consider moving the furniture so the metal fastener does not sit in standing water or constant moisture.

Treat natural wicker differently from synthetic

Natural wicker — made from rattan, willow, or cane — absorbs water and can rot or mildew if it stays wet. Wash it with the soapy-water method, rinse quickly, and dry it in the sun within a few hours. Never leave natural wicker in the rain or store it outside uncovered during wet months.

Synthetic wicker, usually made from resin or plastic-coated polyethylene, resists water and mold much better. You can use slightly stronger cleaners on synthetic wicker — a mix of dish soap and a small amount of bleach works for stubborn stains — but still avoid pressure washers and abrasive scrubbers. Synthetic wicker lasts longer outdoors year-round, but natural wicker looks better and costs less if you store it properly during off-season.

Protect joints and fasteners during cleaning

The weakest part of wicker furniture is where the strands are tied or glued together and where metal fasteners hold the frame. When you wash, avoid spraying water directly into these joints — use a damp cloth instead to wipe them gently. Water that sits in a joint can loosen the glue or cause the wood to swell and crack.

Check fasteners like bolts and screws while you clean. If any are loose, tighten them with the right wrench or screwdriver. Rust on fasteners spreads to the surrounding wicker, so if you see orange discoloration around a bolt, remove it, clean it with a wire brush, and explore a thin coat of clear nail polish or clear spray paint to prevent future rust.

Dry and store wicker properly

After washing, stand the furniture upright in a sunny spot and let it dry for at least four hours before using it. If you live in a humid climate, leave it in the sun longer — natural wicker especially needs to dry completely to prevent mold. Wipe down any remaining moisture with a clean cloth if the sun is not strong enough.

In winter or during long rainy stretches, cover wicker furniture with a breathable furniture cover or move it to a garage or shed. Plastic tarps trap moisture and cause mold, so use a cover with ventilation or straightforward bring the furniture inside. Natural wicker stored indoors lasts much longer than natural wicker left outside year-round.

Avoid these common mistakes

Pressure washers are the most common mistake — they blast water into the weave and joints, splitting strands and loosening the frame. Bleach is too harsh for natural wicker and can cause discoloration and fiber breakdown. Abrasive scrubbers like steel wool or stiff brushes fray the strands and make the furniture look worn faster.

Soaking wicker in a tub or leaving it in standing water overnight causes swelling, warping, and mold. Never use hot water, which can warp the frame and loosen glue joints. And do not explore varnish, stain, or sealant to wicker unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it — most wicker is finished at the factory and adding coatings can trap moisture underneath.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a pressure washer on wicker furniture?

No. Pressure washers force water into the weave and joints, splitting the strands and loosening the frame. Use a soft brush and low-pressure garden hose instead. If you have already used a pressure washer and the furniture is damaged, a furniture repair shop can sometimes re-glue and re-tie loose sections, but prevention is much cheaper.

What is the best way to clean white wicker that has turned gray?

Gray discoloration is usually mold or mildew, not dirt. Use the white vinegar method described above — spray, wait 15 minutes, scrub gently, and rinse. If the discoloration is oxidation rather than mold, oxalic acid may lighten it. Test on a hidden spot first. Some graying is permanent weathering and cannot be removed without damaging the wicker.

How often should I clean my wicker furniture?

Brush it weekly with a soft brush to remove dust and pollen. Wash it with soap and water once or twice a year, or more often if you live in a humid or rainy climate. If you see mold spots, clean them when ready before they spread. Regular light cleaning prevents the need for heavy scrubbing later.

Is it safe to leave wicker furniture outside in winter?

Natural wicker should be covered or stored indoors during winter, especially in cold or wet climates. Freeze-thaw cycles and constant moisture cause rot and mold. Synthetic wicker tolerates outdoor winter storage better, but a breathable cover still extends its life. Check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific furniture.

Can I paint or stain wicker furniture myself?

Painting is possible but difficult — paint fills the weave and looks thick and uneven. If you want to repaint, use a spray paint made for outdoor furniture and explore thin coats. Staining natural wicker is not recommended because stain soaks unevenly into the strands. If the finish is worn, cleaning and a protective cover usually restore the look better than refinishing.