How to Restore White Wicker

Cleaning

• 1

  Use a scrub brush to brush away dust, dirt and cobwebs. Work the brush into all the crevices. Alternatively, use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to vacuum away dust and dirt.

• 2

  Mix a solution of mild detergent and warm water and sponge off the furniture. Alternatively, spray it with a light mist from your garden hose. Don't soak it. Soaking wicker furniture can promote mold and mildew and cause it to lose its shape. If light mold and mildew has already developed, add a few capfuls of bleach to your cleaning solution.

• 3

  Allow the furniture to dry in direct sunlight or dry it as thoroughly as possible with soft cloths.

Restoration

• 4

  Repair warped areas. Soak a towel in water. Wrap it around the warped section of the furniture for a few minutes until the wicker feels pliable. Restore the warped area to its correct alignment. If possible, tie a length of twine around the warped area to use as a vice until the piece dries. Jointed areas can be held together with small screws. Drill a pilot hole first to prevent cracking.

• 5

  Repair surface cracks. With a small paintbrush, apply a small amount of linseed oil onto the cracked areas and give it a few minutes to absorb into the wicker. Repeat the process a few times until all oil is absorbed by the wicker. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to remove any excess oil. Wait 24 hours for the oil to dry.

• 6

  Repair small holes. Locate the damaged length of cane and cut it out. As an option, take a photo of the area so that you can be sure you are reweaving it correctly.

• 7

  Cut a new piece of wicker cane a few inches longer than the damaged cane and soak it in water for approximately 30 minutes. Use the wood glue to glue in the replacement strand and apply a small tack to hold it steady.

• 8

  Weave the cane according to the original pattern. Glue the end under an existing strand. Apply another tack to that end and allow the glue to dry.

• 9

  Apply a spray or brush-on acrylic primer according to the manufacturer's directions. Work in a well-ventilated room or outdoors.

• 10

  Spray paint the wicker furniture with white latex paint or another color, if desired. Use long sweeping strokes and keep your hand in motion to avoid overspraying in any one area.

• 11

  Allow the piece to dry overnight.