PRODUCT CARE INSTRUCTIONS

PRODUCT CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR WICKER/RATTAN

No longer just Summertime Porch-and-Patio fare, wicker furniture is weaving its way into all areas of the home. From Wicker Outlet LLC , here are some tips on keeping wicker and rattan looking new for years:

INDOOR WICKER

FRAME CARE

· Vacuum gently or brush with a soft bristle brush to remove dust.

· Occasionally the furniture may require a more thorough cleaning. When necessary use a mild soap and water. Rinse and dry.

· Make repairs right away. To fix loose wicker wrappings, unpeel it a few turns and lightly spread glue (Duco Cement) on the frame. Rewrap the area using masking tape to hold it in place until it dries.

· Use Krylon Interior/Exterior Enamel Spray Paint (Glossy White) to touch up/freshen up white wicker. It can be purchased at any hardware store. When spraying any paints and coatings, be sure to follow instructions and apply outdoors. Be sure to cover any cement, deck, lawn, etc. that is in the vicinity.

· Clean wicker prior to storing for the winter. Store wicker indoors. If this is not possible, store close to house and cover with outdoor furniture covers.

CUSHION CARE

· Vacuum cushions regularly to remove dust.

· Occasionally the cushions may require a more thorough cleaning.

· Cushions must be professionally cleaned only.

· Re-apply Scotch-guard after cleaning.

INDOOR RATTAN

FRAME CARE

· Rattan responds well to a lemon-oil cleaning. To touch up
nicks on dark pieces, use a prepared scratch cover.

         ·        Make repairs right away. To fix loose rattan wrappings,
               unpeel it a few turns and lightly spread glue (Duco Cement)
               on the frame. Rewrap the area using masking tape to hold it
               in place until it dries.

CUSHION CARE

· Vacuum regularly to remove dust.

· Fluff cushions periodically to maintain original fullness.

· Fabrics must be professionally cleaned only.

· Re-apply Scotch-guard after cleaning.

OUTDOOR/LIMITED OUTDOOR WICKER/RATTAN

FRAME CARE

· Vacuum gently or brush with a soft bristle brush to remove dust.

· Occasionally the furniture may require a more thorough cleaning.
When necessary use a mild soap and water. Rinse and dry.

        ·     Clean wicker prior to storing for the winter. Store wicker
            indoors. If this is not possible, store close to house and
              cover with outdoor furniture covers.

CUSHION CARE

· Vacuum regularly to remove dust.

· Fluff cushions periodically to maintain original fullness.

· Acrylic cushions may be cleaned with water and a mild soap.
Rinse and dry.

WHAT IS WICKER?

Wicker is not the name of a raw material. It refers to a variety of vines, grasses and plants that are woven into furniture. In fact, wicker furniture can be made of practically any natural or man-made material that is pliable and durable enough to be woven into furniture. Some of the most of the prominent materials include Rattan, Cane, Bamboo, Reed and Willow.

WHAT IS RATTAN?

Rattan is a member of the palm family. It is durable, versatile and grows as a climbing vine in the jungles of South East Asia in lengths up to 30 feet. Strength and durability make rattan pole (sections of the full vine) an excellent framing material. The vine is comprised of an inner core which is shred long and slender and is used the weave the wicker around the frame. The rattan pole is bent into shape to make the frames. Mature rattan is harvested; it is cut near the bottom, but is not uprooted. In this way, it still lives and grows again to the heights of the canopy of the Indonesian rain forest.

WHAT IS LIMITED OUTDOOR?

Limited outdoor can be used on screened and covered porches. It cannot be used completely outdoors, but can be used indoors. Limited outdoor wicker and rattan is real wood. Frames are constructed of sturdy, maintenance-free, non-corrosive wicker and/or rattan. After the wicker/rattan frames are manufactured, the pieces are sealed in a three-step treatment process to seal every pore and form a flexible coating for moisture resistance. This advanced technology allows the frames to resist moisture and provide maximum protection against the weather. Cushions are made of 100% acrylic and are completely waterproof.

WHAT IS OUTDOOR?

Outdoor can be used completely outside on a patio, deck, or near a pool. It can also be used on screened and covered porches as well as indoors. Outdoor wicker and rattan is made of vinyl or loom which provide maximum protection against the weather. Frames are made of rustproof hand-welted aluminum finished with a baked-on overcoat. Vinyl is made of high quality, UV resistant, extruded resins hand woven over an aluminum frame. Loom, constructed from a specially treated wood-based composite, is woven over steel and loomed into sheets, attached to the frame and finished with a UV resistant outdoor finish. Because these materials are all man-made, they are able to withstand the elements. Cushions are made of 100% acrylic and are completely weatherproof.

WHAT IS POLY-WOOD?

Poly-Wood is a high performance wood-lumber substitute manufactured from high density plastic. It consists of high density polyethylene resins, select coloring and foaming agents. Poly-Wood is processed into a specification product that closely resembles painted and natural wood products. Poly-Wood absorbs no moisture, therefore it will not rot, warp, crack, splinter, or support bacterial growth.

Poly-Wood is compounded with permanent, UV stabilized colors, eliminating the need for: painting and staining, waterproofing, or stripping and resurfacing. Additionally this product is impervious to many common corrosive substances including salt water.

To maintain Poly-Wood, clean the lumber with soap and water. All-purpose cleaners or 1/3 bleach and water solutions take care of extreme cleaning needs.

UPDATED JULY 25, 2006