People often think of rattan furniture as one of the viable choices when it comes to outdoor furniture. Its aesthetics and elegance can easily fit in any architectural style. To preserve these gems over time, you should know how to care for rattan furniture properly. Here are some quick techniques and skills we think might be useful for you:

Rattan vs Synthetic rattan: Are they different?

Yes, they are. Often, when people only mention rattan furniture, they mean the natural rattan growing mainly in Southeast Asia. This plant has a light, yellowish-brown color, and can be bent and polished. Thanks to its resilience and durability, people use natural rattan to make furniture frames.

Yellowish-brown color of natural rattan

Synthetic rattan, on the other hand, is made from plastic, or polyethylene in the shape of long strands. This material is well-known for its durability when put outdoors and usually comes in various colors and patterns.

It is necessary to distinguish these two seemingly the same material as each type has a different application for indoor or outdoor furniture. Natural rattan strings are used to make indoor items due to their vulnerability to moisture. Meanwhile, synthetic rattan can effectively withstand detrimental impacts from the outdoor environment. Therefore, cleaning rattan furniture, both natural and synthetic, is significantly different and requires certain techniques. Don’t worry, you will find it super easy to follow our instructions

What to prepare before the rattan furniture maintenance?

You may find no struggle to gather these items for your cleaning rattan furniture project:

• A soft toothbrush: To reach out to narrow corners of the furniture, especially the weaves.
• Wet warm cloth: To easily wipe out dust and stains, a water bucket to re-wash the cloth is preferable.
• Mild detergent: a solution for stubborn stains and to clean rattan wicker furniture effectively, avoid using intense substances as they may wear the color out. You may find hand-washing liquids, and baby laundry detergent in your home is mild detergent. Meanwhile, dishwashing liquids, laundry detergent powder, and industrial cleaning liquids are deemed intense ones. In case you have to use a strong detergent, make sure to dilute it with a large amount of water before use. If you run out of detergent, vinegar should be a viable option.
• Spray bottle (applying detergent mist to minimize its impact on the natural rattan surface)
• Dry cloth or feather broom.

Dust eliminating instruments

• Linseed oil (for natural rattan, optional)

Linseed oil to prolong the natural rattan furniture lifespan

• Vacuum (optional)

Basic items in your home

Guide to Cleaning Synthetic Wicker Furniture

Synthetic rattan furniture care is not a burden as people may think. This task not only serves you a refreshing sitting experience but also a boost to your self-esteem for the precious time and effort you invest in, believe me.

Before we commence the cleaning, make sure all the items are laid near your cleaning site so that you do not waste time looking here and there for a dry cloth or a plug for your vacuum. Now follow these steps when you are ready:

Step 1: Remove the cushions

Remove the cushions from the rattan furniture set. If your cushion covers need cleaning, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface. Detergent is unnecessary in this case. This is because the cushion covers are normally water resistant, which makes it hard for dust and stains to stay on its surface. A simple piece of cloth can easily do the job.

Cushion removing

Step 2: Wipe out initial dust

Use a dry cloth or feather broom to wipe the dust throughout the furniture, then vacuum the place.

A clean cloth for dust eliminating

Step 3: Dilute detergent liquid

Mix a spoonful of detergent liquid/powder with warm water, gently dissolve the mixture then pour it in the spray bottle.

There’s no need for too much of detergent

Step 4: Cleaning the set

Gently and slowly wipe the damp cloth on the surface of the rattan furniture set, only apply detergent mist on stubborn stains to avoid bleaching unwanted areas. For crevices and corners, use the soft toothbrush.

Gently move along the whole surface

Step 5: Dry cloth cleaning

Use a dry and clean cloth to wipe the set, pay close attention to corners and crevices (armrest joints, behind and underneath the object, etc), you don’t want mold and mildew grow wildly on these usually-forgotten surfaces.

Remember the hard-to-reach corners

Step 6: Vacuum the surroundings, rearrange the cushions

Look for small debris or dust lying on the ground, use the vacuum to clean. Wrap the cushions with clean covers then rearrange them to the set.

Vacuum leftover dust

Guide to Cleaning Natural Wicker Furniture

For the natural wicker, you can follow the steps for the synthetic one. The fact that natural rattan fiber is far more sensitive to plastic rattan makes it harder to clean. It is highly recommended that you use vinegar for the cleaning. Simply apply undiluted droplets of vinegar on the surface where stains, mold and mildew grow, then use a clean cloth to wipe. Repeat the process until these are gone.

For the conditioning part, take out the linseed oil and apply a small amount on a clean cloth, rub it around the bending section of the set to prevent cracking and make the fiber supple.

Applying linseed oil to prolong natural rattan furniture lifespan

Tips to keep your rattan wicker furniture in good condition

Prevention is always better than cure, and it is also correct in rattan furniture maintenance. Indeed, the best way to clean rattan furniture is to keep them out of reach of damaging causes. Here are some suggestions:

• Cover the rattan furniture set: Although it may seem unnecessary to do so, the cover will help prevent negative impacts from the environment. For example, in the rainy season, moisture cannot directly affect the rattan furniture set with product cover.
• Place the rattan furniture set in a shadow to prevent direct UV light. UV beams cause wear and tear to the rattan color
• Keep natural rattan furniture indoors and in dry places. You should not place it in your bathroom, kitchen or damp grass as these areas are known for high humidity.

• Regularly check for any sign of mold and mildew on the surface of your rattan furniture, especially where your eyesight cannot reach. Do not hesitate to eliminate them immediately otherwise it will spread out real quick.

A product cover can effectively shelter your rattan furniture set against dust, UV rays, and moisture

Regularly doing the rattan furniture maintenance will help your items remain intact and shine bright. We hope the instructions are clear and straightforward so that any members of your family can partake in this necessary yet joyful task. Also do not forget to apply preventive tips to prolong your rattan furniture lifespan.