Any piece of furniture is only as attractive as the care it receives, and natural rattan is no different. This stylish and durable material is a great addition to both indoor and outdoor areas—ranging from bedrooms, living rooms, sunrooms, and kitchens to balconies and patios. Natural rattan is practical and sturdy, and with proper maintenance, it can bring a unique, airy ambiance to your space for many years.
To ensure your rattan furniture lasts, it's important to keep your rattan tables, lounge chairs, stools, headboards, and cabinets in excellent condition, which is simpler than you might think. This guide will provide you with tips on how to clean and maintain rattan furniture pieces and sets to prolong their lifespan.
Supplies required for cleaning rattan furniture
Rattan needs careful and consistent cleaning. Naturally, there isn't a universal method for cleaning furniture because different materials, woods, and stains require different approaches. For rattan, we suggest having the following supplies ready:
- Duster
- Small brush
- Vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
- Dish soap
- Microfiber cloth
- Two containers of water
- Soft dry cloth
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- Spoon or blunt knife (optional)
- Compressed air (optional)
Steps for Cleaning Rattan Furniture: A Guide
The intricate and delicate design of rattan furniture makes it an ideal complement to coastal and bohemian styles. However, the numerous small crevices in its design can trap dust and dirt, making regular maintenance and dusting crucial. Proper cleaning will help ensure that your furniture remains in good condition for many years. There are various cleaning techniques available, some of which are better suited for natural rattan, while others are designed for synthetic rattan furniture.
Follow these detailed instructions to clean both indoor and outdoor rattan furniture.
What is the best way to clean indoor rattan furniture?
Indoor rattan furniture can accumulate dust, similar to other areas in your home. To maintain its freshness, perform weekly dusting and monthly damp cleanings. If the furniture is used daily, you may also encounter accidental stains that should be addressed promptly.
Here are five essential steps for cleaning indoor rattan furniture:
- Begin by removing dust from the furniture's surface with a duster or a vacuum equipped with an upholstery brush. For hard-to-reach spots, utilize a small, soft-bristle brush. Compressed air can help eliminate stubborn dust build-up.
- For the monthly damp cleaning, combine warm water with a bit of dish soap, and prepare another container of warm water for rinsing.
- Dip a microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution, wring out any excess moisture, and gently wipe down the furniture, rinsing the cloth frequently.
- Use a clean, soft cloth to dry any wet areas and allow the remaining parts to air dry.
- If a stain occurs on the furniture, act quickly to remove it. Carefully scrape off the stain with a dull knife or spoon, taking care not to rub it into the woven fibers. Wipe the area with a damp cloth and let it air dry.
What is the best way to clean outdoor rattan furniture?
The cleaning procedure for outdoor rattan furniture is quite similar to that of indoor pieces, but you will likely find more dust and debris accumulated on your outdoor items. Even if your furniture is weatherproofed or made from synthetic rattan, it still requires regular cleaning and upkeep.
Here’s a 5-step guide to cleaning outdoor rattan furniture:
- Start by taking off cushions and any other accessories, then relocate the furniture to an open space where you can easily use water.
- Use a brush or vacuum cleaner to eliminate surface dirt, applying only gentle pressure to avoid damaging the finish.
- In a container, mix warm water with dish soap, then use a soft cloth to wipe down the furniture with this cleaning solution. For synthetic furniture, you can soak it thoroughly.
- Rinse off the soap using clean water, either with a cloth or a garden hose (this method is suitable only for synthetic furniture). Be careful not to use high pressure to prevent any damage.
- Let the furniture dry completely, then put the cushions back and return the set to its original location.
What are the steps to remove mold from rattan furniture?
Regrettably, rattan furniture is prone to mold and mildew when left outside or in humid environments. If you see black spots that can't be removed with a cleaning solution, it’s likely mold. However, there’s no need to panic – your furniture can still be saved.
To remove mold from rattan furniture, follow these steps:
- Carefully examine the furniture to identify all areas affected by mold.
- Combine a gallon of water with a cup of bleach to make a cleaning solution.
- Dampen a cloth in the bleach mixture, wring it out, and gently scrub the moldy spots. Be sure to wear protective gloves during this process. For tougher mildew, use a soft bristle brush soaked in the solution.
- Rinse the furniture with clean water.
- Wipe the furniture dry with a soft cloth and place it outside in the sun to ensure it dries thoroughly and quickly.
Tips for Maintaining Rattan Furniture: 5 Suggestions to Prolong Its Durability
You've mastered the cleaning aspect, but to prolong the lifespan of your rattan furniture, it's essential to perform proper maintenance as well. There are several straightforward measures you can implement to keep your rattan looking fresh for many years. Here are 5 simple tips to help you care for your rattan furniture.
1. Avoid placing natural rattan furniture outdoors
Rattan furniture is easy to handle due to its lightweight nature, allowing for convenient storage indoors after outdoor use. It’s best not to leave it outside for extended periods without protection, as it may suffer damage in various ways.
Is rattan durable for outdoor use?
The simple answer is no. Natural rattan will not endure outdoor conditions for an extended period without some form of cover or protection. Prolonged exposure to humid environments can lead to fiber damage and mildew growth, while very dry or cold air can cause the fibers to become brittle and break. Additionally, direct sunlight will cause significant fading. If you keep your natural rattan furniture outside, its lifespan will be much shorter compared to when it is kept indoors.
Is it possible to leave wicker furniture outdoors?
Whether wicker furniture can be left outdoors depends on the materials used and their finish. There are two primary categories of wicker furniture:
- Synthetic rattan wicker furniture: This type is suitable for outdoor use and requires regular cleaning.
- Natural rattan wicker furniture: This variety should not be left outside for extended periods. It is advisable to apply waterproofing and weatherproofing if it will be used outdoors.
2. When using your natural rattan furniture outdoors, make sure to protect it from the weather by making it weatherproof and waterproof
To ensure that rattan furniture remains attractive for many years, the best approach is to store it indoors or on a sheltered patio. If you must place it outside, we suggest treating it to be water and weather-resistant. Even if the item had a protective coating when you bought it, this layer will diminish over time. To extend its durability, apply a fresh coat of varnish to your furniture and enjoy its beauty for years ahead.
How to make rattan furniture waterproof?
Here are the steps to make rattan furniture waterproof:
- Apply paint to the furniture. Select a paint specifically designed for wicker furniture. Ensure you cover every part evenly from top to bottom, paying attention to all the small spaces. If you prefer the existing color of your furniture and wish to keep it unchanged, you can skip this step.
- Once the painting is complete, apply a spray varnish (ensure it's appropriate for natural rattan). Allow the first coat to dry fully before applying a second coat. If you chose not to paint the furniture, add a third coat.
- Make sure the furniture is completely dry before using it.
- Repeat this procedure every three years.
How to protect rattan furniture from the weather?
If you prefer not to paint or varnish your furniture, applying tung oil can also provide some weather resistance. However, be aware that tung oil does not offer protection against heavy rain.
To weatherproof rattan furniture with tung oil, follow these instructions:
- Apply the oil using a cloth and thoroughly wipe down the furniture, ensuring there are no dry areas left.
- Reapply the tung oil every six months—once at the start of the season and again at the end.
For chairs or sofas with upholstery that you wish to waterproof, consider using a water-repellent spray or another type of fabric protector. If possible, take the cushions off the rattan frame and spray them outside or in a well-ventilated area.
3. Regularly maintain your rattan furniture
We suggest light dusting once a week and damp cleaning of the furniture once a month, along with a comprehensive inspection each year to identify any frayed fibers or mold, which should be addressed immediately.
4. Attempt to refrain from pulling it to prevent the fibers from separating
Avoid sliding your rattan furniture on the floor, as it may damage the fibers. Instead, lift the furniture when relocating it, applying consistent pressure on both sides. To provide extra protection, consider using felt pads or rubber caps on rattan furniture that has cane legs.
5. If you see mold, remove it right away
If you notice mold or mildew on your rattan furniture, address it right away to prevent further spread. Apply a strong bleach solution to the affected spots and ensure it dries completely outside. Depending on how much mold is present, you may need to clean it multiple times to completely eliminate the problem.
Before you start cleaning your furniture, select the most suitable method based on its type and condition. With regular cleaning and maintenance, you can keep your rattan furniture in great shape and enjoy its beauty for many years.
