A medium bristle brush and 30 ml of linseed oil are sufficient to give new life to chairs, armchairs or baskets in wicker and rattan. It takes 10 minutes of application and a 12 -hour laying time to see them soft, shiny and compact, without cracks or opacity.
Those who have already tried this treatment recommend it above all for Outdoor furniture who tend to disconnect or tick. Tested on terraces exposed to the sun and on wet verandas. The Wicini is a fascinating material, with that intertwined plot of his who knows of crafts and of past times. But like everything beautiful, it requires care. Over time, in fact, it tends to lose elasticity, becomes opaque, dry out. Rattan, his tropical “cousin”, suffers in the same way the wear, especially if kept outdoors. Fortunately, there is a simple remedy, within everyone’s reach, which returns splendor without the need for expensive products or professional treatments. A nourishing mix based on vegetable oils that penetrates the fibers and revives its structure. The result? A “wow” effect that can be seen from the first step.
There is no need to be restorers or do-it-yourself lovers: just know the right steps, choose the suitable materials and take a pinch of time. After all, who has never wanted to return those bamboo chairs inherited by the grandmother to return like new?
Ideas and tricks to treat wine and rattan without making mistakes
The first step is always one accurate cleaning. Although in the eye they seem clean, dust and residues nest between the intertwined fibers, compromising the effectiveness of the treatment. An old toothbrush, a nail brush or medium bristles broom are perfect for this phase. Better to avoid excess water. The wicker easily absorbs liquids and could deform or darken. A pass with a cloth just moistened is more than enough. If there are stubborn stains, you can use a light mixture of White vinegar and warm waterbut it must be rinsed immediately. Once clean and dry, you can proceed with nutritious treatment. The choice of oil makes the difference: Lino’s is the most suitable for his ability to penetrate deeply and feed the fibers. Alternatively, it can be used Tung or walnut oilboth with a protective and polishing effect.
The product must be applied with circular movements, using a soft cloth or a brush. Better to work on sections, making sure that each part is well covered. After 10 minutes, the excess can be removed with a dry cloth and let the treated object rest for at least 12 hours. Curiosity: Many craftsmen use this method also on decorative baskets and frames in rattan, with surprising results. An ancient technique that does not stop surprising.
How to keep the effect longer: effective strategies
The beauty of the treatment is that it lasts over time, but with some precautions you can extend its effect. For example, it is useful Repeat the application every 3-4 months If the furniture is outdoors, or every 6 months if kept inside.
Avoid prolonged exposure to the direct sun or rain. If possible, cover the furniture during the winter or move them in a repaired environment. Rattan does not like excessive humidity, but not even the dry heat.
A little known trick? Every now and then vaporizes a light solution of Water and essential oils (such as lavender or tea tree) to maintain elastic and fragrant fibers. The important thing is not to wet too much.
And if you notice small breaks or loose weaves, it is better to intervene immediately: with a tweezers and a little vinyl glue you can easily repair. Alternatively, many crafts shops sell kits to restore the do-it-yourself wicker.
Here are other suggestions to keep in mind before the summer:
- Clean regularly with a dry or slightly humid cloth
- Don’t sit on wet or wet chairs
- Avoid aggressive chemical detergents
- Do not overload light furniture in rattan
- Use cushions to protect the sessions
Necessary to clean wicker and rattan
Before starting, better to have everything at hand. You don’t need who knows what, but every object makes the difference. Those who have tried several times guarantees: preparing the material well makes you save you more time than you imagine. And let’s face it, the satisfaction of seeing them all ordered on the table is already half a motivation.
- Medium bristle brush
- Soft cotton cloth
- Linseed oil (or tung/walnut oil)
- White vinegar (for any stains)
- Warm water
- Pinzetta and vinyl glue (for small repairs)
- Vaporizer (optional, for essential oils
Quick steps
You never want to start something, but don’t know where to start? Here, here no. This mini guide accompanies you step by step. Those who have two hands and a little patience can get a manual result. No hurry, just follow the order and enjoy every step.
- Sprinkle carefully with brush or dry cloth
- Remove any stains with vinegar and warm water
- Dry each part well, without wetting too much
- Apply nourishing oil with circular movements
- After 10 minutes, remove the excess with clean cloth
- Let them rest at least 12 hours before use
Errors to avoid
It often happens, taken from enthusiasm, of wanting to do everything immediately. But with Wichas you need a pinch of more patience. Even a neglected detail can compromise the work done. Better to take a look at these common mistakes before starting:
- Dip the wicker in the water or wash it under the jet
- Use abrasive sponges or degreasing products
- Apply oil on dirty or wet surfaces
- Leave the oil for a long time without removing the excess
- Exposed to the direct sun immediately after the treatment
Where and when you clean wicker and rattan for a perfect result
The ideal time to feed the wicker is the primaverawhen temperatures start to rise but they are not yet too high. Better to work in well -ventilated environments, but not to the direct sun.
If possible, choose a dry day, without rain. The best place is a covered terrace, a veranda or even a room with open window. The important thing is that there is air circulation to encourage the absorption of oil.
And for those who have little time? One piece can be treated at a time, perhaps during a quieter weekend. A chair today, a basket tomorrow: calmly and constantly, the effect will be surprising.
Rattan does not forget those who take care of it.
Photo © Stock.adobe and Ai
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