The Rules of Thumb for Cleaning All Patio Furniture.
Whether you own a wicker set or one in wood, plastic or metal patio furniture, you cannot go wrong with the following basic cleaning routine:

• Use a soft brush to dust the surfaces often, paying particular attention to the nooks and crannies, and then rinse with water.
  But in case of wicker furniture, keep the amount of water you use to a minimum; moisture tends to damage the fibers of this material.
  
• If you want to use a cleaning solution on your patio furniture, then make sure that you use only the mildest variety and dilute it considerably.
  A solution of 1/4th cup dishwashing liquid mixed with a gallon of tepid water is safe to use on any kind of outdoor furniture.
  Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing to remove all traces of the soapy solution and then pat dry with a clean, soft, and lint-free cloth.
  
• Look out for signs of mold and mildew on your outdoor furniture set, especially after a season of heavy showers.
  Scrub or sand with a fine-grit paper, but lightly, to remove signs of mold and spores and make sure that you do not re-use these cleaning supplies.
  
• Do not use harsh and abrasive cleansers, like chlorine bleach and pine oil, on your outdoor furniture.
  If you want to try a new cleansing solution make sure that you first test it on some concealed surface.
  
• If you do not intend to use your patio furniture for some time, then cover them or store them indoors to protect them from the elements.
  

Scrubbing and dusting your furniture sets will keep them dust- and mold-free.
You will also need to maintain your outdoor furniture to retain the pristine looks and/or protect them from the elements.
Here are some pointers:

• Seal the wood on your patio furniture set to protect it from the harsh ultra-violet rays of the sun, moisture, and dirt.
  You can do this work yourself, just sand or scrub away any existing finish and coat the surfaces with a moisture-repellant preservative.
  The owners' manual for the furniture set will contain directions on how often you need to seal.
  
• Use a silicone spray to keep the glides and swivels of your metal patio furniture set twisting, turning, and sliding smoothly.
  
• You may use touch-up paint once in a while on your metal patio furniture pieces to hide bald patches.
  Apply the paint in thin coats and ensure that you let the paint dry thoroughly between coats.
  Light sanding maybe needed before you paint to smooth out the remaining paint and dislodge any rust that may have formed.
  

If the above general cleaning routine if carried out regularly, this will definitely keep your outdoor furniture sets looking like new for years on end.
So, now that you know how to care for your patio furniture sets, make sure that you do not slack off in regards to this routine.
You will be amply rewarded with not only the gushes of admiration from your guests but also with reduced costs of replacement.