How to Clean Wicker Furniture (Easy Soap and Water Method)

Wicker traps dust in every weave, and it gets worse fast on pieces that sit outside or come from a thrift store. The good news is that cleaning wicker furniture is easy. All you need is soap, water, a brush, and some sunshine.

What You’ll Need

You probably have everything already. Nothing fancy here.

• Mild dish soap
• A bucket of warm water
• A soft scrub brush
• A cleaning pad
• A clean paintbrush for dusting

Check Your Wicker Type First

Wicker is a weaving style, not a material. Your piece could be natural (rattan, cane, bamboo) or synthetic (resin or vinyl). The method is the same, but how wet you get it is not.

Synthetic wicker handles a hose and a good scrubbing. Natural wicker can swell, warp, or loosen if it stays soaked. Use less water, work in sections, and dry it fast.

Not sure which you have? Look for a plastic-like sheen and a uniform color. That usually means resin.

How to Clean Wicker Furniture Step by Step

Do the dry work first. It keeps you from turning dust into mud.

Dust It Off

Take the piece outside if you can. Vacuum with a soft brush attachment, then go over the weave with a dry paintbrush to pull dust out of the tight spots.

A small handheld vacuum for fine dust works well for this. It reaches the creases a full-size vacuum can’t.

Scrub With Soap and Water

Mix a few squirts of mild dish soap into warm water. Dip your cleaning pad and wipe down the larger surfaces first.

Then switch to a soft brush for the cracks and crevices. Brush with the weave, not against it. Dirty wicker can look rough, but it is delicate, so keep the pressure light.

Rinse Well

For synthetic wicker, give it a good hosing. For natural wicker, wipe it down with a damp cloth and clean water instead.

Soap left behind attracts new dirt. Rinse until the water runs clear.

Dry It Completely

Spread out a towel and set the piece on top. Sun is your best friend here. Wicker dries fast outside, often in 30 minutes to an hour for smaller pieces.

Larger chairs and sofas take longer. Let them dry fully before you add cushions or move them back indoors.

Small Baskets and Trays Are Even Easier

Smaller wicker pieces like trays and baskets can go right in the sink. Spray them down, scrub with a pad, then use a brush on the crevices.

If the piece is a thrift store find, expect a lot of dust. One good wash takes care of it. Then lay it out in the sun and it dries before you know it.

How to Keep Wicker Furniture Dust Free

Washing is for deep cleaning. You don’t need to do it often.

For regular upkeep, grab a clean paintbrush. Brush it over the wicker whenever you dust the room. The bristles get into the creases that a cloth skips.

This takes about a minute per chair. It also means you rarely need to wash at all. If dust bothers your allergies, pair it with the best vacuum for allergies to keep the rest of the room in check.

What About Stubborn Spots?

Some dirt needs a little extra work. Plant stains, bird droppings, and built-up grime in the weave are common on outdoor pieces.

Dip an old toothbrush in your soapy water and work the spot in small circles. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Repeat once if needed instead of scrubbing harder.

Cushions are a separate job. Check the care tag and wash or spot clean them on their own so the wicker stays dry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Most wicker damage comes from too much force or too much water. Here’s what to skip.

Pressure washers. The spray can snap fibers and unravel the weave. A regular hose is plenty.

Soaking natural wicker. It can swell and warp. Keep it damp, not drenched.

Harsh chemicals. Bleach and strong cleaners can discolor or weaken wicker. Mild soap does the job.

Drying in a closed, damp space. Trapped moisture leads to mildew. Give it airflow and sun.

Frequently Asked Questions