When it comes to patio furniture, natural fibers like wicker and rattan can be especially challenging to clean and keep clean. With wicker and rattan furniture, you need to take special precautions while cleaning to avoid harming the natural fibers. Here are some tips and tricks to help you clean your wicker and rattan patio furniture with ease. 

When cleaning furniture with natural fibers, it’s important to not get the material overly wet in order to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Get the fibers too wet and you risk increasing the chances of rot and causing irreparable damage to your furniture. The best way to avoid this is by using the “suds only” method when cleaning wicker and rattan furniture.

Cleaning wicker and rattan furniture can be done in four easy steps:

1. Add a small amount of dish detergent to water.
2. Agitate the water until suds appear on the surface.
3. Skim off the suds and use them to wipe off the furniture without getting the fibers wet. 
4. Wipe dry with a clean, dry towel.

For small cracks and holes in the weaving, you can use a toothbrush with the same “suds only” method to remove any mildew and buildup.

Your wicker and rattan furniture can also benefit from thorough cleaning once a year. This can help remove any major buildup and prevent further damage. To do this, scrub the surface with detergent and water and set outside as soon as possible to dry. Deep cleanings are recommended on especially sunny days so the furniture can properly dry. Alternatively, a hair dryer can be used to dry the wood, but this is not recommended. Once the fibers are completely dry, a coat of shellac or lacquer can be applied to seal the wood.

If your wicker and rattan furniture is in disrepair, we have you covered! DeVries is New Jersey’s best selection of outdoor patio furniture with an expansive showroom of the latest in patio trends. We offer elegant and affordable pieces for all your patio furniture needs. To get started contact us or call (732) 297-1244 today!

The summer is a great time to be outdoors, but did you know it can also be a great place to be productive. While the patio is often thought of as a spot for weekend barbecues, it can also easily be converted into an outdoor office. Working outdoors has been linked to higher productivity, creativity as well as better mood overall. Interested in your very own outdoor office? Read on to find out how to turn your patio into an outdoor workspace.

Incorporate shading

While to point of being outside is to enjoy the natural lighting, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is harmful for your skin. Too much sunlight can also make it extremely difficult to see the screens of electronic devices, making it nearly impossible to read text or do edit images. An outdoor shading system such as a patio umbrella is perfect for blocking those pesky rays. A more permanent shading solution would be to install a retractable awning which blocks the sun and has more benefits like protection from the elements and keeping your house cooler.

Give yourself space

Nothing is worse than working in a cramped space. That’s why giving yourself enough “desk” space is crucial to an outdoor office. Ditch that tiny wobbly end table and upgrade to a more spacious option. A 55-inch square or round table gives you more than enough space to spread out everything you need to be productive and accommodate others comfortably. Just remember to utilize paperweights to keep any important documents from flying away.

Comfortable seating

While an office chair provides all the comfort and lumbar support you need, they aren’t exactly designed for outdoor use and will suffer damage if not brought indoors after use. Not to mention office chairs are notoriously clunky. For this purpose, you should find a comfortable patio chair with good enough lumbar support for extended periods of sitting, preferably one with a waterproof cushion for maximum comfort.

DeVries is New Jersey’s best selection of outdoor patio furniture with an expansive showroom of the latest in patio trends. We offer elegant and affordable pieces for all your patio furniture needs. To get started on the ultimate outdoor office, contact us or call (732) 297-1244 today!