Can Wicker Get Wet? The Complete Guide to Protecting and Maintaining Your Wicker Furniture

When people shop for natural home décor or outdoor furniture, one of the most common questions they ask is "can wicker get wet"? It seems simple, but understanding how wicker behaves around moisture can make a huge difference in how long your furniture lasts, how you care for it, and how confident you feel choosing the right pieces. Whether you're decorating your balcony, styling a cozy indoor corner, or investing in long‑lasting outdoor items from brands like Rowabi.com, knowing the truth about wicker and water is essential.

This guide breaks everything down in a friendly, easy‑to‑follow, and practical way. It is designed to help you feel informed, empowered, and ready to care for your wicker furniture with confidence. Let’s dive deep into how wicker reacts to moisture, how to protect it, and how to make sure your investment always stays beautiful.

Understanding What Wicker Actually Is

Before we answer "can wicker get wet", we need to clear up an important point: wicker is not a material. It’s a weaving technique. That means there are many different types of wicker, each with different strengths, care needs, and moisture tolerance.

There Are Two Main Categories of Wicker

Natural wicker – made from organic materials like rattan, bamboo, seagrass, water hyacinth, reed, or willow.
Synthetic wicker – made from man‑made materials such as resin, polyethylene (PE), or PVC.

Each category reacts very differently when exposed to moisture. Natural wicker has the beauty and charm of organic fibers, but it also has vulnerabilities. Synthetic wicker is highly durable and intentionally engineered to handle outdoor conditions.

Understanding this difference is the foundation of knowing how to manage water exposure.

So, Can Wicker Get Wet? The Short Answer

The keyword question "can wicker get wet" has two answers:

Yes, synthetic wicker can get wet. It is water‑resistant and built to withstand rain, humidity, and temperature fluctuations.
Natural wicker can get wet, but it shouldn’t stay wet for long. Moisture can cause swelling, warping, mold, or weakening of fibers if it is not dried properly.

Let’s explore both types in detail so you always know what to expect.

What Happens When Natural Wicker Gets Wet?

Natural wicker is loved for its warmth, texture, and handmade beauty. However, because it comes from organic plants, moisture can affect it in different ways:

1. Absorption of Water

Rattan and other natural fibers absorb water the same way wood does. When they take in excess moisture, they become softer and weaker.

2. Expansion and Warping

Prolonged moisture can cause the fibers to swell, which may lead to:

misshapen weaving,
loose fibers,
sagging areas,
long‑term structural weakness.

3. Mold and Mildew Growth

If left damp for too long, organic materials become a breeding ground for mold. This can cause permanent stains, unpleasant smells, and deterioration.

4. Discoloration

Water can sometimes leave marks or patches, especially on lighter‑colored wicker.

5. Reduced Lifespan

Repeated moisture without proper care can shorten the lifespan of the furniture significantly.

So yes, natural wicker can get wet, but it must be dried promptly and protected long‑term.

What About Synthetic Wicker? Can It Get Wet?

Synthetic wicker—often found in outdoor furniture—is designed specifically to handle moisture. High‑quality synthetic wicker, especially high‑density polyethylene (HDPE), can resist rain, sunlight, humidity, and even chlorine.

Why Synthetic Wicker Handles Water Well

It does not absorb moisture.
It does not warp or swell.
It is resistant to mold and mildew.
It withstands outdoor environments year‑round.

This makes synthetic wicker a perfect choice for patio sets, poolside loungers, balcony seating, and garden décor.

That said, not all synthetic wicker is created equal. HDPE woven furniture (often used by high‑quality brands like Rowabi) lasts far longer than PVC or low‑grade plastics.

How Much Water Exposure Is Too Much for Natural Wicker?

Even though natural wicker can handle light moisture, there are limits.

Safe Levels of Moisture

Light humidity
Occasional brief splashes
A small amount of rain exposure that is dried quickly

Unsafe Levels

Heavy rain
Soaking or flooding
Consistent exposure to outdoor humidity
Placement in unprotected outdoor areas

If you're styling an outdoor space, synthetic wicker is always the safer choice. Indoors, natural wicker performs beautifully as long as you care for it properly.

How to Protect Natural Wicker From Damage

If the question "can wicker get wet" concerns your natural wicker furniture, don’t worry—moisture doesn’t have to ruin it. With simple care steps, you can keep your wicker strong, fresh, and long‑lasting.

1. Keep It Dry Whenever Possible

Move natural wicker away from rain, damp basements, or areas with constant humidity.

2. Use Furniture Covers Outdoors or in Semi‑Outdoor Areas

If you keep wicker in a patio or balcony, invest in breathable covers to block moisture.

3. Apply Protective Sealants

A thin layer of clear lacquer, varnish, or shellac can help repel water. This must be reapplied periodically.

4. Clean With Gentle, Dry Methods First

Avoid soaking. Use a vacuum, soft brush, or microfiber cloth.

5. Dry Immediately If It Gets Wet

Never let natural wicker stay damp. Use:

a fan,
direct sunlight (for short periods),
a dry towel.

6. Keep It in Ventilated Spaces

Proper airflow prevents moisture buildup.

Can Indoor Wicker Handle Humidity?

Many people live in climates with rainy seasons or high humidity and want to know whether natural wicker can thrive indoors. Fortunately, the answer is almost always yes—as long as indoor humidity does not stay excessively high.

Air‑conditioned homes, ventilated rooms, and indoor spaces with stable temperatures are very safe environments for natural wicker. Even in tropical climates, furniture lasts for years when handled with care.

Can Outdoor Wicker Handle Rain?

If your question "can wicker get wet" is based on outdoor use, then the answer depends on the type of wicker.

Synthetic wicker: Yes, it can handle rain regularly.

Natural wicker: It should stay in covered areas.

Covered patios, roofed balconies, pergolas, sunrooms, and screened porches are excellent places for natural wicker pieces.

How to Dry Wicker Properly After It Gets Wet

If your wicker does get wet, drying it correctly prevents long‑term damage.

Step‑by‑Step Drying Method

Wipe off excess water with a dry cloth.
Place the furniture in a warm, well‑ventilated area.
Use a fan for faster drying.
Avoid prolonged direct sunlight—natural fibers can become brittle.
Check hidden areas such as joints or under the seat.

Proper drying can reverse most short‑term water exposure.

Common Mistakes People Make

1. Leaving natural wicker outdoors uncovered

This is the fastest way to cause damage.

2. Using too much water during cleaning

A damp cloth is fine—soaking is not.

3. Drying with heaters

This can dry out the fibers unevenly and cause cracking.

4. Not cleaning mold soon enough

Early treatment prevents permanent stains.

How Long Does Wicker Last When Properly Cared For?

Natural wicker can last 10–20 years or more indoors. Synthetic wicker can last even longer outdoors. Care and environment play the biggest roles, not age.

Many homeowners who choose handmade woven pieces from brands like Rowabi enjoy their wicker items for years simply because they follow simple maintenance routines.

Should You Choose Natural or Synthetic Wicker?

If you’re deciding which type suits your space and lifestyle, here’s a quick comparison.

Choose Natural Wicker If You:

love handcrafted details,
prefer sustainable materials,
will use the furniture indoors,
want organic beauty and texture.

Choose Synthetic Wicker If You:

need outdoor‑ready durability,
live in a humid or rainy climate,
prefer low‑maintenance care,
want year‑round protection.

Both have their strengths, and your lifestyle determines the better option.

Final Thoughts: Can Wicker Get Wet?

The keyword "can wicker get wet" is essential for anyone choosing décor or furniture that combines beauty, practicality, and longevity. And now you know the answer clearly:

Yes, wicker can get wet.
But whether it’s safe depends on the material.

Natural wicker needs thoughtful care. Synthetic wicker can handle water confidently.

When you invest in high‑quality pieces—especially from trustworthy names such as Rowabi—you get durability, beauty, and craftsmanship that lasts.

Take good care of your wicker, keep it dry when possible, and choose the right type for your environment. With simple habits and the tips in this guide, your furniture will stay beautiful for many years to come.

More information: https://www.rowabi.com/blogs/lab-of-wabi-sabi-blogs/how-to-clean-wicker-furniture

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