How to Clean Wicker and Wood FurnitureHouse Cleaning Tips

Buying furniture can take some time. If you have cats, you might look for something other than leather so they don't scratch the heck out of it.

If you have kids, you might look for furniture that can withstand spills and other messes. If you entertain and have friends and family over for barbecues often, maybe you're looking for that right piece of outdoor furniture.

When you do decide on a piece of furniture and buy it, you expect it to last for years, and it can especially if you know how to clean it the right way.

You might even find a great piece of furniture in a thrift store or estate sale, in which case these cleaning tips can come in handy.

Wicker Furniture

Wicker furniture is very attractive, making your space feel calm and special. It can be used in the home or outside on a patio.

If you're thinking of purchasing wicker furniture, don’t deprive yourself just because you think it’s going to be hard to clean. It isn't that bad.

If you have purchased some wicker furniture and it needs cleaning, here are a few tools you will need for getting the job done.

* Toothbrush.
* A paint brush with short bristles or you can take a regular paint brush and cut the bristles about half way.
* Cleaning rag.
* A medium stiff bristle brush.

Cleaning Wicker

1. Remove the dust and/or debris by vacuuming first.
2. In a bucket mix 2 tablespoons ammonia to each gallon of water.
3. Use the medium stiff bristle brush or the cleaning rag to clean the furniture. The bristle brush can be used for heavier duty cleaning. You don’t want to use a lot of pressure just enough to get the job done.
4. Keep the amount of water you use to a minimum so you don’t drench the wicker as this could possibly damage it; making it limp.
5. Use the toothbrush or paint brush to get in the nooks and crannies.
6. Carefully rinse with clean water when you're done and gently dry as best you can with absorbent towels.

If the wicker furniture is something you purchased used or it was left in the elements and is in need of a good cleaning due to mildew or mold, here's a cleaning tip for removing mold and mildew from outdoor wicker furniture.

Removing Water Stains from Wood Furniture

Water stains or ring spots are caused by minerals that are naturally present in the water and when left on the surface and allowed to air dry, a stain happens. So remember these spots can be eliminated completely by wiping surfaces dry.

Using a Dry Iron to Remove Water Stains

The heat from the iron will soften the minerals in the water enough so you can then wipe them away.
Set the iron to medium high and don’t use the steam setting.

Get a clean, lint free rag and place it over the water stain. When the iron has heated up, run it over the cloth that is covering the stain for just a few seconds.

Pick up the rag and check the water stain. Repeat as necessary. Polish or wax furniture when finished.

Removing White Water Marks from Wooden Furniture

You can use regular white toothpaste (not the gel kind) to remove white water marks on your furniture. Toothpaste has very fine abrasives and is an effective way to clean white water spots.

Slightly dampen a clean rag and apply a small amount of white toothpaste then gently rub into the water mark.

Dampen a clean section of the rag with water to remove the stain and any of the toothpaste that is remaining. Polish as you normally would.

from Mrs. Clean House Cleaning Tips https://ift.tt/2wrB4IU How to Clean Wicker and Wood FurnitureHouse Cleaning Tips