Clean & Restore Rattan/Wicker |
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Best way to go about cleaning and restoring your Rattan or Wicker furniture is to first start with a good clean.
I recommend using Sugar Soap in warm to hot water. Use a good scrubbing brush and scourer to remove
weathered dirt and grime. You may have to do this a couple of times. You could use a water pressure equipment,
but be careful not to damage any wicker.
Should you have any mold, then I would suggest you could spray on some bleach, allow a few minutes before rinsing
off well with clean water. Always allow the furniture to dry slowly and naturally. Avoid the hot sun and heaters.
Some mold spores can be difficult and even impossible to remove. There's not much you can do about this.
Once dry and you're happy with the condition, you should go over with a fine/medium sanding sponge. Ensure the surface
is smooth to touch and dust free, before applying Raw Linseed Oil (50:50) Mineral Turps. Use a brush and allow 15 mins
before wiping off any excess oil with a clean cloth. Apply a second or even a third coat after allowing the oil to dry over night.
Don't go too heavy with applying the oil, two or three thin coats are better. Buff well with a clean cloth, and you should end up
with a lovely rich natural finish. The sheen will fade somewhat over time, so you could always wipe on a little oil with a cloth.
Instead of using Linseed Oil, you might prefer to spray a Polyurethane finish. If so use a Cabot's Exterior Satin Polyurethane.
Minimum two coats is required.
Regularly clean your Rattan/Wicker furniture, and to maintain it's finish you could apply Orange Oil with a clean cloth.
This will help clean, nourish and rejuvenate the rattan/wicker furniture.