Rattan furniture makes a stylish statement for decorating rooms in your house. The pieces are not only lightweight and durable but also a sustainable choice of furniture. Rattan is a vine that is a type of tropical palm found in Asia and Africa. The inside of the vine is a strong core called the cane which is used for the foundation. The outside is more malleable and cut into strips used to bind furniture joints together. The strips are also weaved together, called wicker, which is used for other components of the furniture. 

Take a little time to dust, inspect and clean your rattan furniture so it can last longer and stay in its best possible shape! Here we have broken down how to care for your rattan.

Cleaning Rattan Furniture

The design of rattan furniture makes for lots of nooks and crannies. These areas can collect dust, moisture and dirt. To keep this area clean and free from build up, dust or vacuum with an upholstery brush weekly.

If there is any food, drink or mud stains clean these immediately.

To keep your rattan looking new do a more deep cleaning monthly, and you’ll get the most out of your rattan furniture.

At least once a year, It’s best to inspect your furniture for mold or mildew. If mold/mildew are present clean these areas as soon as possible.

Here’s what you’ll need to clean your rattan furniture:

- Warm water

- Dishwashing liquid

- Chlorine bleach

- Boiled linseed oil

- Duster

- Vacuum with upholstery brush

- Soft cloth

- Toothbrush

- Soft-bristled brush

- Two buckets

- Rubber gloves

Weekly Cleaning 

Remove Dust

To remove dust from weaving it is best to use a vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment, but you can also use a duster or microfiber.

• Soft bristled toothbrushes work great on small areas
• For stubborn dust clumps try compressed air computer cleaner 

Clean Stains

If food, drink or mud gets on rattan never rub stains to remove. Instead, use a paper towel or cloth to blot away stains and if they harden, scrape off with a spoon or toothbrush. Rubbing can cause matter to move deeper into the fibers. Once stain is removed use damp cloth to wipe down and let completely dry.

Monthly Cleaning

Before doing a monthly cleaning make sure to remove dust and stains first.

Cleaning Solution

Thoroughly mix one teaspoon of dishwashing soap with four cups of warm water in a bowl.

Have a second bowl of fresh water for rinsing out your cloth.

Wiping Down Your Furniture

Use a damp cloth dipped in the cleaning solution to wipe down your furniture starting at the top. Don’t forget to frequently rinse the cloth in freshwater. 

Never over-saturate rattan with water, if necessary use a toothbrush to remove build up instead of scrubbing with a damp cloth.

Let Dry

Let your rattan furniture air dry unless it is excessively wet, then use a cloth to dry your furniture first.

Yearly Cleaning

Make sure you’ve done steps for monthly and weekly cleaning before doing a yearly cleaning.

Inspect Your Rattan 

Remove cushions and look for broken areas and mold/mildew (typically found on the legs). If there are small breaks use epoxy resin and let sit for at least 48 hours.

Remove Mold/Mildew

When there is mildew present, using gloves, make a one-to-one solution of chlorine bleach and water. Without saturating the rattan use a cloth dipped in the solution to wipe down the mildewed area. After, move the piece outside in the sun to dry as soon as possible.

Conditioning Your Rattan

Once you’ve dusted, removed mold/mildew, and wiped down with a cleaning solution make sure your rattan is completely dry (set outside in the sun until dry).

Boil linseed oil. Use a clean cloth dipped in linseed oil to wipe down your rattan furniture starting at the top to avoid drips. Let dry completely before returning any cushions.

More Tips to Make Rattan Furniture Last Longer

- When moving, lift equally from each side and never drag to prevent stress on fibers.

- Add felt or rubber pads under legs to keep from extra wear and splitting.

- Rattan is sensitive to high humidity and extra dry climates, it’s best to keep in temperate climates.

- Use cushions when sitting on rattan to help distribute weight and prevent sagging.

Disclaimer: These cleaning methods are for suggested use only. We are not liable for damages due to using these suggestions.