Simple solutions keep wicker, cane furniture beautiful

As summer and fall comes to an end, we start buttoning up our homes for the winter. All of our outdoor furniture must be cleaned and put away so that it can be used for the next season. A lot of us have and use wicker chairs, couches and cane products.

In this week's article, I thought I would discuss the cleaning and maintenance of these products. Wicker is a very durable product and, if cleaned properly, will last through years of continued use.

Cleaning wicker — I usually use my wet vacuum to clean off most of the loose debris. Wicker furniture can be cleaned by rubbing it down with a stiff brush dipped in warm salt water. The salt should prevent it from yellowing. Take care not to wet it too much.

For really stubborn dirt, add a couple of drops of Dawn dish soap to the salt water. Borax soap also works well. After the wicker is dry, if it has been painted, touch it up with the same color that was originally used. Note: Do not use heat to dry the wicker. If you do, you risk cracking the wicker.

Cleaning cane — Cane can be cleaned by adding a little lemon juice and salt to warm water. Using a stiff brush, scrub the cane well with the solution. This solution will help keep the cane from yellowing. If the cane furniture has been lacquered, use a little ordinary furniture polish.

Sometimes wicker can be restored by using a little lemon oil. Wicker and cane products hate cold temperatures, so please bring them inside for the winter months.

If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabrics and paints before using any chemical compound. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed Madan at Northwest Environmental Services (255-2266) or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified executive housekeeper and certified fire, water and mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is chief executive officer of Northwest Environmental Services, which specializes in commercial, residential construction, and crime scene/meth lab cleanup.