To clean outdoor wicker furniture, mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bucket of warm water, then wipe and gently scrub the weave with a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush. Rinse with a low-pressure hose and let it air-dry fully before replacing cushions. For synthetic resin wicker, do this every few weeks; for mold or mildew, use a diluted vinegar or bleach solution.
What supplies do you need to clean outdoor wicker?
You only need a few basics, most of which you already have at home. Gentle tools protect the weave, so avoid anything stiff or abrasive:
- Mild liquid dish soap (a few drops is plenty)
- A bucket of warm water
- A soft cloth or sponge
- A soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush for tight corners
- A garden hose with a low-pressure nozzle
- White vinegar or diluted bleach (only if mold or mildew is present)
- A dry towel and a shady spot for air-drying
What's the difference between resin and natural wicker care?
The two look alike but clean very differently. Synthetic resin wicker is woven from UV-stabilized polyethylene (often over a rust-resistant aluminum frame), so it's fully weatherproof and can be washed, rinsed, and even lightly soaked without harm. Natural wicker — rattan, reed, or willow — is a plant fiber that absorbs water, so it needs a gentler, quick-dry approach and should never be left soaking or sitting in the rain. Most modern outdoor sets, including our Panama Jack resin wicker collection, use synthetic weave for exactly this reason.
How do you clean resin wicker furniture step by step?
Cleaning synthetic resin wicker takes about 20 minutes and just five steps. Follow the sequence below and your furniture will look factory-fresh:
- Brush off loose debris. Sweep away dust, leaves, and dirt with a soft brush or a vacuum brush attachment so you don't grind grit into the weave.
- Mix mild soap and warm water. Add a few drops of dish soap to a bucket of warm water. Skip harsh, solvent-based, or abrasive cleaners.
- Scrub the weave gently. Work the soapy solution into the weave with a soft brush, reaching the crevices where grime and pollen collect.
- Rinse thoroughly. Flush every strand with a low-pressure hose. Never use a pressure washer — it can split the weave and strip the finish.
- Air-dry completely. Let the frame and weave dry fully in the shade before you put cushions back on, so moisture doesn't get trapped underneath.
How do you remove mold, mildew, and stains from wicker?
For mold, mildew, or musty smells, step up from soap to a diluted solution. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water, or a quarter-cup of bleach per gallon of water, and apply it with a soft brush to the affected spots. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, scrub gently, then rinse well and dry fully. Vinegar is the safer first choice for both resin and natural wicker; reserve bleach for stubborn resin-wicker mildew and always rinse thoroughly afterward. Test any solution on a hidden area first.
How do you protect outdoor wicker furniture from sun and rain?
To protect outdoor wicker, keep it shaded or covered during long stretches of harsh sun, and store or cover it during winter and heavy storms. Use breathable furniture covers rather than trapping moisture under plastic, bring cushions indoors when they're not in use, and give the set a quick rinse after coastal or poolside exposure to wash off salt and chlorine. These simple habits are what turn a few seasons into a decade-plus of use, and they keep our outdoor daybeds and patio chairs looking new for years.
How often should you clean outdoor wicker, and how long does it last?
Wipe resin wicker down every two to four weeks during the season, with a deeper clean once or twice a year. Well-made synthetic resin wicker lasts about 10–15 years or more outdoors when cared for, while natural rattan wicker typically holds up only 2–5 years in the elements before it dries out or unravels. That longevity gap is the main reason we favor synthetic weave for outdoor and poolside use, and reserve natural rattan for covered or sunroom settings. For a broader look at how wicker compares to teak, aluminum, and HDPE, see our outdoor furniture materials guide.
FAQs
Q: Can outdoor wicker furniture get wet or be left in the rain?
Synthetic resin wicker can get wet and handles rain well, since it's made from waterproof polyethylene over a rust-resistant frame. Still, don't leave it sitting in standing water, and dry cushions promptly to prevent mildew. Natural rattan wicker should not be left out in the rain — it absorbs moisture, then swells, sags, and eventually rots. When in doubt, cover or store your set during heavy weather.
Q: Can you pressure wash resin wicker furniture?
No, avoid pressure washing wicker of any kind. The concentrated stream can split the weave, loosen strands, and strip protective finishes, leaving permanent damage. Instead, use a garden hose on a low-pressure setting to rinse. If grime is stubborn, scrub gently with a soft brush and soapy water first, then rinse. Gentle, repeated cleaning protects the weave far better than one aggressive blast of high pressure.
Q: How do you get a mildew smell out of wicker furniture?
To remove a musty mildew smell, wipe the wicker with a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water, which neutralizes odor-causing spores. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, rinse, and then dry the piece completely in direct sunlight, since UV light helps kill lingering mildew. For deep-set odors, repeat the process. Storing wicker fully dry and in a ventilated space prevents the smell from returning.
Q: Should you cover or store wicker furniture in winter?
Yes, covering or storing wicker over winter noticeably extends its life. Resin wicker tolerates cold but benefits from a breathable cover or indoor storage to shield it from freeze-thaw cycles, ice, and heavy snow. Natural wicker should always be moved indoors, as freezing temperatures make its fibers brittle. Before storing, clean and fully dry the furniture, then keep it somewhere ventilated so trapped moisture doesn't lead to mold.
Q: What should you not use to clean wicker furniture?
Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, stiff wire brushes, and strong solvents, all of which scratch or degrade the weave and its finish. Skip pressure washers entirely. On natural wicker, avoid soaking or excess water. Undiluted bleach can discolor and weaken strands, so always dilute it and rinse thoroughly. Stick to mild dish soap, warm water, soft brushes, and — for mold only — a properly diluted vinegar or bleach solution.
Q: How long does outdoor resin wicker furniture last?
Quality outdoor resin wicker typically lasts 10–15 years or more with routine care, thanks to UV-stabilized polyethylene strands and a rust-resistant aluminum frame. Lifespan depends on sun exposure, climate, and upkeep — regular cleaning, shade, and off-season storage push it toward the higher end. Cheaper, non-UV-treated resin may fade or crack within a few years, which is why buying furniture-grade synthetic wicker pays off over time.
Q: Is resin wicker better than natural wicker for outdoor use?
For outdoor use, resin wicker is the better choice. It's waterproof, UV-resistant, and easy to clean, lasting 10–15 years or more with minimal effort. Natural wicker looks beautiful but absorbs water, fades, and breaks down in 2–5 years outdoors, making it better suited to covered porches or sunrooms. If you want the woven look outdoors with real durability, choose synthetic resin wicker over natural rattan.
Keep your wicker looking new
A quick soap-and-water wipe every few weeks, a gentle mold treatment when needed, and off-season storage are all it takes to get a decade or more out of quality resin wicker. Ready to add weatherproof woven pieces to your space? Explore our Panama Jack resin wicker collection, relax in an outdoor daybed, or browse the full Go Time Patio outdoor furniture collection to bring your patio to life.
