The general question people keep asking is, "Should I oil my wicker patio furniture made from PE?" This is an excellent question, and it's an extremely common one, indeed. So, we shall discuss whether or not it is a good idea to oil PE wicker furniture. Now, we shall look into what experts say and what you can do to make your outdoor furniture remain great for years to come. Whether you're new to PE wicker or have owned it for years, the practical tips will definitely help to make a better decision in maintaining your furniture.
What Is PE Wicker and How Is It Different?
PE wicker is a type of outdoor furniture material made from plastic. It's designed to look like natural wicker but is much more durable. PE stands for polyethylene, which is a strong, weather-resistant plastic.
Key Features of PE Wicker
- Weather-Proof: PE wicker doesn't soak up water, so it won't rot in rain or snow.
- Sun-Resistant: It won't fade quickly in sunlight.
- Easy to Clean: You can usually clean it with just soap and water.
- Strong but Comfortable: It's tough but still flexible enough for comfortable seating.
How PE Wicker Compares to Natural Wicker
- Lasts Longer: PE wicker can withstand outdoor conditions much better than natural wicker.
- Less Care Needed: You don't need to oil or protect PE wicker like you do with natural wicker.
- Cost: PE wicker might cost more at first, but it lasts longer, so it can save money over time.
PE wicker is a good choice for outdoor furniture because it looks nice, lasts a long time, and doesn't need much care.
Why You Need to Take Care of Your Outdoor Furniture
Even though PE wicker is made to last outside, it's still important to take good care of it. Just like any outdoor furniture, PE wicker can be affected by things in the environment that can change how it looks and how long it lasts.
What Can Harm Outdoor Furniture
When furniture is outside, it faces many challenges. Sunlight can make the color fade and the material weaker if the furniture is in the sun for too long. Rain, snow, and humidity can cause mold and mildew to grow if the furniture doesn't dry properly. Very hot or cold temperatures can make the material expand, shrink, or get brittle over time. Dirt, pollen, and other small pieces of stuff can also collect on the furniture and make it look less nice.
How PE Wicker Reacts to Different Ways of Cleaning
PE wicker is stronger than natural wicker, but it can still be affected by different cleaning methods. Strong chemicals or rough cleaners can hurt the surface of PE wicker, making it less shiny or smooth. Using oils or sealants that aren't made for PE wicker can clog up the tiny holes in the material, which can cause the color to change or the fibers to get weaker. Cleaning PE wicker with water that's sprayed too hard can make the fibers come apart or get loose, which can damage the furniture.
To keep your PE wicker furniture looking and feeling great, it's important to follow what the maker says about how to take care of it. Use products that are made for outdoor furniture like PE wicker. Clean it often with gentle soap and water, store it the right way, and protect it from the weather. This will help your PE wicker furniture stay in good shape for a long time.
Should You Oil PE Wicker Furniture?
Many people wonder if they should put oil on their PE wicker outdoor furniture. Some think it's a good idea, while others say it's not needed and could even be bad for the furniture.
What Oil Might Do to PE Wicker
Those in favor of oiling PE wicker consider the fact that it could help keep the furniture in good shape and also look nice. They believe the oil could avoid the material from cracking, and its color from washing away, under the sun. Some think it could make the furniture gleam prettily.
But putting oil on PE wicker might do more harm to the very end than good. The oil would lead to the weakening of the material in the long run by making it easy to break. It will also make the furniture dirtier by trapping dust and grime, which would clean off hardly.
What Experts Say About Oiling PE Wicker
Most companies making PE wicker furniture tell you not to put oil on the furniture. They insist that PE wicker is already made up for things like sun, rain, and other related problems with the outdoors. Special ingredients are put in it to help protect it from damage.
Experts are concerned that the oil may interfere with those unique protections already inherent in PE wicker. Experts say that the best thing to have your PE wicker look good is to clean it gently, often, and put a cover on it when it is not in use. This will stop damage and keep the furniture looking great for a long period.
Therefore, even though putting oil on PE wicker would seem a good idea, it probably isn't. Simply follow what the firm suggests for maintaining it. If you clean the product regularly and shield it from elements, you'll be on pretty safe ground. This is the safest way to guarantee that you can keep on enjoying your PE wicker furniture for the years that are to come.
How to Take Care of Your PE Wicker Furniture
If you're not supposed to oil your wicker PE furniture, then how should you care for it? Here are the few simple things you can do to make your outdoor furniture look nice without any oil.
Clean It and Protect It
Also, clean your wicker PE furniture regularly with a soft-bristled brush or soft cloth by lightly brushing off the dirt/dust; however, in the case of dirtiness, clean it with a small amount of mild soap and water. Just be sure to rinse well and dry thoroughly.
Another good idea is to keep your PE wicker out of the sun whenever possible. Too much sun can make the color fade and the material get weaker. You may buy special covers for your outdoor furniture or just put it in the shade when you are not using it.
Tips from the Pros
According to the experts, using furniture covers while off the usage of a PE wicker is one of the best things one can do. It helps in keeping away dirt, rain, and sun damages.
Many other experts, in particular, also advise that if you happen to live in a cold area, consider storing your PE wicker furniture inside during the cold winter. This might help prevent the material from turning brittle or cracking due to the freezing temperature.
So, instead of wondering if you should oil your PE wicker, focus on these simple ways to take care of it. Your furniture will be happy, and you'll be able to enjoy it for many years to come.
Enjoy Your PE Wicker Furniture with Easy Care
Taking care of your PE wicker furniture is easier than people think. You do not need to oil it or use any fancy treatments. Clean and protect it from the elements with just a few simple steps. Wipe it down with a soft cloth after use, mild soap and water for tougher dirt, and of course, good rinsing. Keep it out of direct sun when possible and covers while it is not in use. Store it inside during the winter if you live somewhere cold. With such ease of care, your PE wicker furniture will be as beautiful and comfortable as it can be for many happy years.
