Wicker outdoor furniture is some of the most popular types of garden furniture. With its combination of style, flexibility, and comfort; wicker is a great choice for anyone looking to decorate their patio, pool, or sunroom. However, wicker isn't the most durable of furniture choices, and requires some care and attention to maintain. Here are some tips to help keep your wicker pieces looking like new.

The first, and easiest, step to protecting your wicker outdoor furniture is with furniture covers. Covers come in a variety of colors and fabrics, and help protect wicker against excessive moisture. The two most popular types of covers are vinyl and polyester. Vinyl covers are tougher, cheaper, and easier to clean; but are less attractive, and tend to be heavy. Polyester covers are more lightweight and breathable, as well as being slightly more attractive. Most covers come with two or three-year warranties, and can be found in almost any size.

Moisture and mold are the biggest threats to wicker outdoor furniture. To avoid a buildup of mold, regularly rub your wicker furniture down with a damp cloth; then again with a dry cloth. Regularly washing and thoroughly drying your wicker furniture will prevent mold buildups that can cause severe damage if left untreated. Removing mildew stains from wicker patio furniture is also easy. Simply spray the mildewed areas with a combination of one part bleach, nine parts water, and let the affected areas dry in the sun. Repeat the process until the stains are gone, allowing the furniture to dry completely before spraying again.

Another option for keeping wicker outdoor furniture is to keep it indoors when not in use. While this does take up additional space, it also helps protect the furniture against excessive sunlight. If not enough interior space is available, it's best to keep wicker furniture in the shade. Excessive sunlight can cause warping in the wood, and cracking in the varnish.

Most pieces of wicker furniture come already varnished, but cracks in the varnish can occur over time and lead to significant damage. Regularly re-varnishing your wicker outdoor furniture can not only help protect it against the elements, but also helps it retain its shine and finish. There are a wide variety of varnishes available for use on wicker furniture, but those that combine varnish with a sealant provide the best level of protection.

There are many types of wicker outdoor furniture available, including bamboo, rattan, cane, synthetic, and resin. Synthetic wicker and resin-coated wicker are much less vulnerable to moisture, mildew, and sunlight, and are significantly more durable than the others. Resin-coated wicker in particular provides greatly improved durability without losing any of wicker's comfort and aesthetic appeal.

With proper maintenance, wicker outdoor furniture can last as long as any other type of garden furniture, and be a stylish, comfortable addition to any outdoor space. If you follow the tips listed above, you won't have any problems keeping your furniture looking clean and new.