| Wicker furniture was popular during Victorian times | | | | 2. Vacuum wicker with a brush attachment. Go with |
| and it's just as popular today. Home catalogs are | | | | the weave, not against it. While you are vacuuming |
| featuring wicker couches, lounges, tables, coffee | | | | check the piece for sharp ends, splits, and holes. |
| tables, chairs, and plant stands. Most of the furniture | | | | 3. Wipe up spills immediately with a damp cloth and |
| is woven, but other furniture looks as if it has been | | | | mild soap. |
| knit with giant needles. | | | | Work fast because unsealed wicker absorbs moisture |
| What does the word "wicker" mean? According to | | | | like a sponge. |
| wicker refers to furniture that is made from vines, | | | | 4. Dry wicker has a tendency to split, so wipe down |
| grasses and plants. The website divides wicker into | | | | your furniture regularly with a damp cloth. |
| four basic categories: rattan, reed, willow, and | | | | 5. Older wicker that has accumulated dust and dirt |
| bamboo. Wicker furniture is popular because it's | | | | may be washed down with a garden hose, according |
| strong and relatively inexpensive. | | | | to However, don't use too much pressure or a |
| Another plus is that wicker goes with almost | | | | pressure washer. Let the water drain and dry the |
| everything. Ikea sells a modern wicker chaise with a | | | | furniture with a soft cloth. |
| metal frame, for example. You can also find | | | | 6. After you have wiped or washed wicker furniture |
| reproductions of Victorian furniture. Most wicker is | | | | let it dry completely before using it again. |
| lightweight and easy to move. Unless you take care | | | | 7. Wicker furniture can be painted to go with your |
| of your wicker, however, you won't have much to | | | | decorating scheme. Your local home store should be |
| move. | | | | able to advise you on the best paint to use. If you |
| As durable as it is, wicker is also fragile, and needs | | | | use spray paint use short strokes to prevent drips. |
| regular care. Natural wicker is not intended for | | | | 8. Learn how to repair your wicker chairs. You'll find |
| outdoor use. If you want wicker furniture for your | | | | repair kits and tools on the Internet. Community |
| deck or patio you'll have to buy plastic wicker. Follow | | | | Education may also offer a course on chair caning. |
| these tips to keep your wicker furniture looking as | | | | Wicker furniture has already stood the test of time |
| good as the day you bought it. | | | | and will probably be around a long time. Look for |
| 1. Keep wicker furniture away from direct sunlight, | | | | wicker the next time you're in a home store. A |
| radiators, heating ducts, fireplaces, and wood burning | | | | wicker piece may be just the piece you need to |
| stoves. | | | | complete a room. |