How to Clean Rattan Furniture: A Quick & Easy Guide

Whether a swing-seat, day bed or dining set — rattan can add style and beauty to your indoor and outdoor spaces. Our guide will show you how to clean rattan furniture.

Rattan is a lightweight and durable material that’s flexible and can be used in furniture production. Natural rattan comes from vines and stems — often native to tropical regions of Australia, Asia, and Africa — and will last many years if properly cared for. Since rattan is often used for garden furniture items, it may be stored away for certain parts of the year. Cleaning rattan after a period of storage, after a season outdoors, or as part of regular maintenance will keep your rattan furniture in top condition.

You can clean rattan furniture weekly or monthly, using different techniques. If you are bringing it out of storage, then you’ll want to give your furniture a little more attention. Due to its design, rattan furniture has a woven structure — so as well as considering how often to clean, you’ll want to be sure to have the right cleaning materials.

Materials for Cleaning Rattan Furniture

Rattan is easy to clean, but its structure causes it to collect dirt and dust easily. Some cleaning tools are more effective than others for dealing with the woven pattern.

What you’ll need:

• A couple of soft cloths/dusters. (For a more environmental choice, avoid microfiber cloths, which cannot be recycled and which shed microplastics).
• A stiff brush or brushes. You can buy rattan cleaning kits but other types of brushes work just as well, for example, a toothbrush and a nailbrush. This also avoids the purchase of unnecessary products.
• Dustpan and brush, or a vacuum cleaner (the vacuum is not essential and uses more energy, but may speed up the process).
• A bowl of slightly soapy, warm water, made with a homemade all-purpose cleaner.
• A bowl of clean water, or garden hose (swich off between cleaning bursts to conserve water, a great method to save water at home).

How to Clean Rattan Furniture: A Step by Step Guide

Don’t be too harsh — clean, don’t scrub. Rattan is durable but can also be delicate. Take your time. Learn how to clean rattan furniture properly, and further maintenance will become an easy task.

1. Prepare your furniture for cleaning. Remove cushions and any covers. Place furniture in an area where you can move around it easily, and minimise mess — for example, clean your furniture on a patio or other open area.
2. For any patches of dried on dirt or mud, use the brushes to dislodge.
3. Using the dustpan and brush, sweep down the furniture. (If using a vacuum cleaner, gently run an attachment over the furniture to remove larger debris and surface dust).
4. Now you can get to the detail. Run the brushes over the woven rattan, giving special attention to nooks and crannies. The bristles will draw out any hidden dirt.
5. If you can safely do so, tip the furniture over gently and brush off any remaining bits and pieces. Be careful not to damage your furniture.
6. Using a soft cloth, gently wash the furniture, with warm, slightly soapy water.
7. Carefully remove the traces of soap, with clean water. If using a hose, a low setting will both save water and protect your furniture from damage.
8. Allow the furniture to air dry. It’s good practice to choose a dry day to clean your rattan furniture, so that you can allow it to dry naturally, and quickly. Don’t bring your furniture inside or store it until completely dry, to avoid water damage or mold.

Note: if the furniture has been in storage, also check for mold and mildew. You may need to use a natural mold removal remedy before you start the regular cleaning process.

After cleaning, a regular maintenance program will keep your rattan furniture in its best possible condition.

How to Keep Rattan Furniture Clean

Now that you have your furniture all spruced up, how do you maintain its beauty and lifespan?

• Wipe down furniture regularly — ideally once a week. If there are small blemishes, you can use the cleaning method outlined above to “spot clean” certain areas.
• When not in use, keep rattan covered — prolonged exposure to heat and moisture can cause fading and brittleness.
• Clean food and drink spills immediately, to avoid staining.
• Every six months, or when bringing items out of storage, check for any cracks or splits in the furniture.
• Attach felt pads under the furniture legs to avoid friction.
• If the rattan furniture is in the garden, rotate its position, minimising sun damage.
• When lifting the furniture, try to do so in an even way, so as not to put pressure on one particular area.
• Invest in cushions and other furnishings to prolong the lifespan of your furniture.

How to Keep Rattan Furniture Dry

Overexposure to the elements can take its toll on rattan. Rain and snow can decrease the lifespan of the furniture, as excess moisture can soften the material, leading to potential rot. Damp and wet weather may also lead to mold and mildew. Here are some handy tips on keeping your furniture dry:

Tips for keeping rattan furniture dry:

• Keep furniture inside if there is space to do so.
• If kept outside, keep in in a covered and proected area, when not in use. 
• You can also use a waterproof resin, to provide extra resistence against wet weather. We suggest opting for a tree- or plant-based natural resin, which you can find at local hardware or craft stores or from online retailers like Anycubic. 

Cleaning and Protecting Upholstery

Most removable upholstry can be washed in a washing machine. Otherwise you can hand wash these items.

Cleaning upholstery:

• If there is a label, check if the item requires professional cleaning, or if it can be done at home.
• Wash with only lukewarm water, unless you are trying to clean a stubborn stain.
• If using the washing machine, wash with cool water, which is easier on your clothes and uses less energy, and use a dye-free detergent
• Wash bright colors separately.
• If washing by hand, add a teaspoon of washing liquid to a bowl (or bath) of warm water, and mix to a froth before washing the item.

Protect upholstery by allowing it to dry throuoghly, and air it well. If covers and cushions are not in use, store them in a dry area, away from damp. You may also be able to vacuum the upholstery on a regular basis to keep it fresh and dust free.

Read more:

• Checklist: How to Prepare Your Garden for Winter
• DIY Upholstery Cleaner: Deep Cleaning Your Furniture
• How to Clean Your Mattress: DIY Tips and Tricks

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Tags: Cleaning Guide Practical Tips