How to Deep Clean Wicker Furniture After a Florida Winter

Florida winters may be mild compared to the rest of the country, but they still take a toll on your outdoor furniture. Between cool-season humidity, salt air drifting inland from the coast, and the occasional cold front that sends everyone scrambling for jackets, your wicker patio furniture quietly collects grime, mildew, and mineral deposits from November through March.

If your wicker pieces are looking a little dull, dusty, or spotted as spring approaches, a proper deep clean can bring them back to life. Here is a practical, step-by-step guide for Florida homeowners who want their patio looking fresh without damaging their furniture in the process.

Resin Wicker vs. Natural Wicker: Know What You Have

Before you start scrubbing, identify what type of wicker you own. This matters because the cleaning approach differs significantly.

• Natural wicker (rattan, bamboo, reed) is woven from plant fibers. It absorbs water, swells when wet, and can crack or unravel if cleaned too aggressively. Natural wicker should generally stay indoors or under heavy cover in Florida.
• Resin wicker (synthetic, all-weather) is made from polyethylene or vinyl strands woven over aluminum or steel frames. It handles moisture, UV exposure, and salt air far better than natural wicker, which is why it dominates outdoor use in South Florida.

Most outdoor wicker patio furniture sold today is resin wicker, and the cleaning steps below are tailored primarily for that material. If you have natural wicker, use minimal water and avoid soaking.

Supplies You Will Need

• Garden hose with a spray nozzle (not a pressure washer)
• Bucket of warm water
• Mild dish soap (Dawn or similar)
• White vinegar
• Soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush
• Microfiber cloths or soft rags
• Spray bottle
• Baking soda (for stubborn spots)

Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning Process

Step 1: Remove Cushions and Loose Debris

Pull off all cushions, pillows, and throws. Set them aside for separate cleaning. Use your hands or a dry brush to knock off loose dirt, leaves, spider webs, and any debris trapped in the weave. Pay attention to crevices where the weave meets the frame.

Step 2: Rinse With a Hose

Give each piece a thorough rinse with your garden hose. Use moderate pressure to dislodge surface dirt. Work from top to bottom so dirty water flows downward. Avoid pressure washers on wicker. The concentrated stream can crack resin strands and force water into frame joints.

Step 3: Scrub With Soapy Water

Mix a few tablespoons of mild dish soap into a bucket of warm water. Dip your soft-bristle brush into the solution and scrub the entire surface, working in small sections. Follow the direction of the weave when possible. Use an old toothbrush to get into tight spots where strands overlap.

Step 4: Tackle Mildew and Salt Residue

Florida’s humidity creates ideal conditions for mildew, especially on furniture that sits under a covered lanai with limited airflow. For mildew spots, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on affected areas, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub with your brush.

For white salt residue common near the coast, the vinegar solution works well too. The acidity dissolves mineral deposits without harming the resin. For stubborn salt buildup, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the spot, let it sit for five minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Step 5: Final Rinse and Drying

Rinse every piece thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap and vinegar residue. Soap left behind attracts dirt faster, defeating the purpose of your deep clean.

Drying is critical in Florida. Standing water in the weave breeds mildew within days. Stand pieces upright or at an angle so water drains out of the weave. If possible, clean on a sunny, breezy day and let pieces air dry for several hours. Wipe down frames and flat surfaces with a dry microfiber cloth to speed things along.

Dealing With Stubborn Stains

Tree sap, bird droppings, and sunscreen residue are common culprits in Florida. For tree sap, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cloth and dab the spot gently. For bird droppings, let them dry completely, scrape off the bulk with a plastic scraper, then clean the residue with your soapy water solution. Sunscreen stains respond well to a baking soda paste.

When to Stop Cleaning and Start Shopping

Deep cleaning works wonders, but there are signs that your wicker furniture has reached the end of its useful life:

• Resin strands are brittle, cracking, or snapping off
• The frame underneath is rusting through or bending
• The weave has loosened significantly and pieces sag under weight
• Fading is so severe that the color is uneven even after cleaning
• Mildew has penetrated deep into natural wicker fibers and returns within days of cleaning

Quality resin wicker furniture typically lasts 10 to 15 years in Florida conditions with proper care. If yours is showing multiple signs of wear, it may be more cost-effective to invest in new pieces rather than continuing to maintain deteriorating furniture.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Time Between Deep Cleans

A quick weekly wipe-down with a damp cloth prevents buildup. Use furniture covers during extended absences, especially during summer storm season. Keep wicker pieces under a covered lanai or screened porch when possible, as direct sun exposure accelerates fading and material breakdown over time.

Ready to refresh your outdoor space with new wicker furniture built for Florida conditions? Visit our Jupiter showroom at 105 Center Street or contact us to find the perfect piece for your outdoor space.

About the Author

Chas Crofoot

Chas Crofoot is the owner of Beach House Patio Furniture, a family-owned outdoor furniture company in Jupiter, Florida. Since 1979, Chas and his team have manufactured and sold high-quality patio furniture — specializing in wicker, cast aluminum, aluminum, poly lumber, and PVC pipe styles built to withstand the Florida climate. With over four decades of hands-on experience in outdoor furniture design and manufacturing, Chas brings deep expertise in material selection, durability, and comfort for coastal living.