How to Winterize Outdoor Wicker Furniture
Last Updated: October 29, 2026
Quick Summary
To winterize wicker furniture, clean it thoroughly, let it dry completely, and cover it with a waterproof, breathable cover. Synthetic resin wicker can stay outside with good cover and care, but natural wicker should come inside or into a sheltered, dry spot.
- Brush or vacuum debris from crevices, then wipe with mild soap and warm water and dry fully.
- Skip the pressure washer, since high pressure forces water into the weave and loosens fibers.
- Bring cushions and pillows inside for winter because they can hold moisture.
- Choose a cover that is waterproof, breathable, and sized with a little room to spare.
- Group pieces to share warmth and block wind, and keep them off bare ground.
Table of Contents
- Can Wicker Furniture Stay Outside in Winter?
- Step 1: Clean Your Wicker Furniture Before Storage
- Step 2: Store Outdoor Cushions in Winter
- Step 3: Pick the Best Covers for Outdoor Wicker Furniture
- Step 4: Choose a Sheltered Spot and Prep for the Cold
- Frequently Asked Questions
Can Wicker Furniture Stay Outside in Winter?
Yes, wicker furniture can stay outside in winter if the material and prep are right. Synthetic resin wicker generally handles cold and moisture better than natural wicker, which soaks up moisture and can crack.
Cold is the real enemy of natural wicker: water gets into the fibers, freezes, expands, and cracks the weave. Resin wicker avoids most of this, though ice and heavy snow can still stress the frame.
Synthetic wicker can stay out with good cover and care, while natural wicker should come inside or into a sheltered, dry spot. Check the tag or look for a plastic-like sheen (resin) versus a woody grain (natural) if you're unsure.
U.S. EPA guidance on household mold and moisture is a good reminder that trapped moisture is what causes mold and mildew, not cold alone. That's why every step below focuses on keeping things dry.
Here's how the two wicker types compare for winter weather.
| Wicker type | Winter handling | Key risk |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic resin wicker | Can stay out with good cover and care | Ice and heavy snow can stress the frame |
| Natural wicker | Should come inside or into a sheltered, dry spot | Moisture freezes, expands, and cracks the weave |
Step 1: Clean Your Wicker Furniture Before Storage
Cleaning comes first because dirt, leaves, and grime trap moisture against the weave. Brush or vacuum debris out of the crevices, then wipe with mild soap and warm water, rinse lightly, and wipe dry. For help choosing a safe cleaning method, see our guide to natural wood cleaners for patio furniture.
Skip the pressure washer, high pressure forces water into the weave and loosens fibers.
Let everything air-dry completely in the sun before covering or storing; leftover moisture becomes condensation, and condensation becomes mold.
Once the furniture is clean and bone dry, a good cover is your best defense. Our 4-piece waterproof patio furniture cover set fits a loveseat, two chairs, and a coffee table with hidden vents to keep air moving, and the large all-weather furniture cover is designed to protect a patio furniture set.
Step 2: Store Outdoor Cushions in Winter
Cushions and pillows are best brought inside for winter, since they can hold moisture. Clean them per the care label and dry fully before storing.
Patio Furniture Covers Set 4 Piece,600D Heavy Duty Outdoor Furniture Covers →
Store cushions in a dry, ventilated spot.
If a cushion or club chair has to stay out, cover it with a fitted, water-resistant cover. Our heavy-duty club chair cover is designed to stay flexible in extreme cold down to -35°F and uses a breathable membrane.
Step 3: Pick the Best Covers for Outdoor Wicker Furniture
A good cover for outdoor wicker furniture is waterproof, breathable, and sized with a little room to spare.
Look for these features:
Secure the cover at the bottom and check it after storms. Brush off piled snow rather than letting it weigh down the frame.
Step 4: Choose a Sheltered Spot and Prep for the Cold
Placement matters as much as covering. A covered patio, garage, or spot against the house out of the wind is ideal. Group pieces to share warmth and block wind, and keep them off bare ground so water doesn't wick into the legs.
If the furniture must stay fully outdoors, a tarp over the cover adds a layer, but never let a tarp touch the wicker directly. Plastic traps moisture against the weave.
A quick seasonal checklist:
A quick late-winter check catches small problems before they spread, and a proper spring setup gets your set ready for the first warm weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can wicker furniture be left outside in the rain?
Resin wicker handles occasional rain well because the strands are synthetic and the frame is usually aluminum or steel. Natural wicker is a different story: repeated soaking softens the fibers and invites mold. Either way, standing water is the enemy, so tilt pieces so water runs off and dry them fully after a storm. A breathable cover keeps rain off without trapping condensation, which matters more than the rain itself.
How do you clean outdoor wicker furniture before storing it?
Vacuum the weave with a brush attachment, then wash with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush. Rinse and wipe the frame dry. Skip pressure washers, which can fray resin strands and force water into the frame. Let every piece air-dry in the sun for a full day before covering or moving it to winter storage, since trapped moisture causes more damage than cold air.
Should you cover wicker furniture for winter?
Cover it if the piece stays outdoors, but choose a breathable, water-resistant cover rather than a plastic tarp. Plastic traps condensation against the weave, and that moisture freezes and thaws through the season. Look for covers with mesh vents, drawcord bottoms, and a fabric rated to stay flexible in cold. Backyard Comfort CO's 600D Oxford covers include hidden vents and pull ropes for a snug fit.
Winter doesn't have to mean replacing your patio set every few years. The right material, a clean and dry start, and a quality cover do most of the work. At Backyard Comfort CO, we build weather-ready furniture and covers designed to hold up season after season, with free shipping on most orders within the continental U.S. and a straightforward 30-day return policy. Get started with Backyard Comfort CO and give your outdoor space the protection it deserves.
