Wicker can get wet, but the resulting damage depends entirely on the material. Synthetic wicker handles moisture well, while natural wicker requires immediate care. The key is to use specific protection tips to prevent warping, mold, and breakdown caused by water exposure.
This guide provides practical solutions for protecting both natural and synthetic wicker. You'll learn how to identify water damage early, apply effective protective measures, and maintain your furniture's beauty through proper care. These methods extend furniture life and preserve structural integrity.
Can Wicker Get Wet?
Wicker furniture can get wet, but the impact depends on the material type. Water affects natural and synthetic wicker differently, determining how and where you can use each type.
Natural wicker, made from rattan, bamboo, or willow, readily absorbs water. This absorption leads to rot, warping, and mould growth when moisture lingers. Natural wicker suits indoor spaces or covered outdoor areas where exposure to rain is minimal.
Synthetic wicker uses materials like HDPE, resin, PVC, or PE rattan. These materials resist water penetration and tolerate rain without structural damage. Synthetic wicker performs well in exposed outdoor settings.
Choosing the right type ensures durability. Consider where you'll place furniture and how much water exposure it will face.
Natural vs Synthetic Wicker Water Resistance
Natural and synthetic wicker differ significantly in how they handle moisture, affecting durability and maintenance in outdoor environments.
|
Feature
|
Natural Wicker
|
Synthetic Wicker
|
|
Water Absorption
|
High - absorbs moisture into fibres
|
None - repels water completely
|
|
Moisture Damage
|
Prone to swelling, warping, and rot
|
Resistant to structural water damage
|
|
Mould Risk
|
High when wet or humid
|
Low - minimal organic material
|
|
UV Resistance
|
Moderate - may fade or dry out
|
High - UV-stabilised materials available
|
|
Outdoor Durability
|
2-5 years with protection
|
10+ years in exposed conditions
|
|
Drying Time
|
Slow - holds moisture longer
|
Fast - water runs off the surface
|
|
Maintenance Needs
|
High - requires sealing, covers
|
Low - occasional cleaning is sufficient
|
Material science explains these differences. Natural fibres contain cellulose, which attracts and holds water molecules. Synthetic polymers lack this structure, creating a non-porous surface that sheds water.
Natural and synthetic wicker may share a similar appearance
What Happens When Wicker Gets Wet?
When wicker gets wet, it immediately faces four primary risks, depending on its material. Natural wicker absorbs moisture, leading to warping and mould, while synthetic wicker mainly faces UV damage. Recognizing these early warning signs prevents deterioration.
Mould and Mildew
Natural wicker retains moisture, promoting fungal growth like mould, which appears as dark spots or fuzzy patches. The musty smell often precedes visible growth. Mould spores reduce indoor air quality.
In contrast, synthetic wicker, being non-organic, resists mould growth, with fungal issues usually linked to trapped dirt or debris. Dampness between natural fibre strands fosters the ideal conditions for spore spread.
Smell
Damp natural wicker develops a musty odour due to bacterial growth and mould spores in the wet fibres. Prolonged moisture exposure traps water in the fibres, feeding odour-causing organisms.
Synthetic wicker, with its non-porous surface, prevents moisture retention and bacterial growth, rarely developing odours. Any smell typically arises from external organic matter, not the material. Prompt drying helps prevent persistent odours.
Discoloration
Water exposure darkens or stains natural wicker as tannins and oils leach out, causing uneven colouring or dark patches. This can indicate hidden mould growth.
Moisture darkens natural wicker
Synthetic wicker, however, fades from UV light exposure, a result of sun damage rather than moisture. High-quality synthetics contain UV stabilisers to slow fading. Water marks on natural wicker need prompt attention to prevent permanent staining.
Breakdown
Water absorption causes natural wicker fibres to swell, stressing joints and leading to warping with repeated wet-dry cycles. Once dried, the fibres become brittle, causing cracks and splits, especially at joints.
In contrast, synthetic wicker is resistant to moisture damage, with breakdown primarily due to UV exposure. Understanding these patterns—cracking, warping—helps assess whether natural wicker furniture is still safe or needs replacing.
How to Protect Wicker Furniture from Water Damage?
To protect wicker furniture from water and environmental damage, there are key strategies you should follow. Choosing the right type of wicker and performing regular maintenance from the start can significantly extend the lifespan of your furniture.
1. Choose the Right Type of Wicker and Material
-
Natural wicker (such as rattan or bamboo) is suitable for indoor spaces or dry, covered areas.
-
Synthetic wicker (such as resin or PE rattan) is better for outdoor use due to its weather resistance. Natural wicker lasts 2-5 years outdoors, while synthetic wicker can last 10+ years.
2. Use Furniture Covers
High-quality outdoor furniture covers provide the first line of defense against rain and snow. Choose breathable covers that prevent moisture buildup underneath while protecting against the elements.
Good covers make outdoor living easier and your furniture much more durable
For natural wicker, apply sealants or water-repellent sprays to form a protective barrier. Synthetic wicker mainly needs covers to protect from UV rays, not moisture.
3. Move Furniture Indoors During Inclement Weather or Winter
Moving wicker furniture indoors during heavy rain or winter months is a simple yet effective way to extend its lifespan, especially for natural wicker.
4. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
-
Clean wicker with mild soap and water to remove dirt and moisture-trapping debris.
-
Inspect furniture regularly for cracks, loose weaving, or joint damage, and make repairs before the issues worsen.
-
For synthetic wicker, apply UV protection sprays to prevent fading and material degradation from sunlight.
5. Best Practices for Outdoor Use
-
Place wicker furniture in covered areas such as pergolas, awnings, or covered patios to shield it from direct rain while still allowing outdoor use.
-
Clean and inspect furniture monthly during the active season, looking for early signs of water damage, loose joints, or color changes.
6. Store Furniture Indoors During Off-Season
When not in use, especially during the winter or extended periods of inactivity, store wicker furniture indoors to prevent long-term weather damage.
Keep your wicker indoors when not in use
7. Consider Environmental Factors
In high-humidity areas, use additional protective measures. For areas with strong sunlight, apply UV protection to prevent fading and material breakdown.
Cleaning and Care After Water Exposure
Quick action after water exposure is essential to prevent lasting damage. Focusing on three key actions can make all the difference.
Cleaning Natural Wicker
Natural wicker requires gentle care to avoid damaging fibres while removing moisture and dirt:
-
Dust furniture with a soft cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment before wet cleaning
-
Use minimal water during cleaning, lightly dampen cloths rather than soaking surfaces
-
Apply mild soap solution only to stained areas, avoiding excessive moisture
-
Work a soft-bristled brush into crevices to dislodge trapped dirt and debris
-
Wipe immediately with a clean, barely damp cloth to remove soap residue
-
Dry thoroughly using fans, towels, or natural air circulation in a shaded area
-
Check hidden areas under armrests and between weaves for remaining moisture
-
Allow 24-48 hours of complete drying before using or covering furniture
Cleaning Synthetic Wicker
Deep cleaning synthetic wicker for long lasting shine
Synthetic wicker tolerates more aggressive cleaning due to its water-resistant properties:
-
Mix warm water with mild dish soap in a bucket for a cleaning solution
-
Apply soapy water liberally using a soft cloth or sponge
-
Scrub with a soft brush to remove debris from textured surfaces and weave gaps
-
Pay attention to corners and joints where dirt accumulates
-
Rinse thoroughly with clean water from a hose or fresh cloths
-
Wipe away standing water with towels to speed drying
-
Allow to air dry in a shaded location to prevent water spots
-
Reapply UV protection spray after cleaning if furniture sits in sunny areas
Drying and Storage Tips
Proper drying and storage protect wicker from moisture-related damage:
-
Air-dry all wicker in shaded locations away from direct sunlight
-
Position furniture to allow air circulation on all sides and underneath
-
Use fans to accelerate drying in humid conditions or enclosed spaces
-
Avoid direct sunlight during drying, which can cause uneven shrinkage in natural wicker
-
Store furniture indoors in dry, climate-controlled spaces when not in use
-
Choose storage locations with good ventilation to prevent moisture buildup
-
Elevate furniture off concrete or other surfaces that may release moisture
-
Cover stored furniture with breathable fabric, never plastic, which traps condensation
Repairing Water-Damaged Wicker Products
Water damage can often be addressed through three key approaches. Many issues don’t require full replacement if caught early.
-
1. Identifying Repairable Damage: starts with assessment. Minor problems like loose strands, small cracks, and surface mould respond well to DIY methods. Severe damage—extensive rot, structural collapse, or brittle fibres—requires replacement for safety.
-
2. DIY Repair Techniques: restore function and appearance. Glue loose strands with wood adhesive. Wrap separated joints with matching material. Sand and refinish discoloured areas. Treat surface mould with diluted bleach solution on natural wicker only. Allow repairs to cure fully before use.
-
3. When to Seek Professional Help: depends on damage extent and the furniture value. Antique or heirloom pieces justify expert restoration costs. Structural damage affecting safety needs a professional assessment. Specialists can rebuild frames, re-weave sections, and restore pieces to original condition.
FAQs About Wicker Care and Protection
Can I Leave Wicker Outside All Year Round?
Yes, synthetic wicker can stay outside year-round, but natural wicker should be covered or stored indoors to prevent damage.
What Is the Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant Wicker?
Waterproof wicker blocks all water, while water-resistant wicker repels water but may absorb some over time.
What Happens If Rattan Gets Wet?
Rattan absorbs water, leading to swelling, warping, mould, and eventual rot if not dried quickly.
Which Types of Wicker Are Best for Outdoor Use?
Synthetic wicker (like resin or PE rattan) is best for outdoor use due to its water and UV resistance.
How Does Wicker Compare to Rattan in Terms of Water Resistance?
Synthetic wicker is more water-resistant than natural rattan, which absorbs moisture and can rot if left wet.
Conclusion
This guide helps you protect your wicker furniture from water damage by highlighting key differences between natural and synthetic materials, identifying common damage types, and offering effective prevention methods. Regular care ensures lasting beauty and durability.
At IndochinaLight, we specialize in handcrafted rattan and bamboo lighting, blending traditional weaving with modern design. Our expertise in wicker care, gained from working with these materials daily, ensures the long-lasting quality of our creations.
IndochinaLight - IndochinaHomeDecor LLC
