Maintaining rattan

Maintaining rattan furniture is important to ensure it lasts and remains as good looking as the day you bought it.

Rattan furniture is popular for its beauty and durability, and is made from a sustainable and eco-friendly material. Rattan furniture is made from the Rattan climbing palm, a type of vine that is native to tropical parts of Africa, Australia, and Asia, and is valued as a weaving material for its lightweight and flexible properties. As it is made from a natural fibre, rattan requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it in good condition. At French Knot, we have compiled our top tips for maintaining your rattan furniture.

Why You Should Choose Rattan Furniture

Rattan furniture is a great choice for your home, as it requires little maintenance compared to other materials. Solid wood furniture requires regular polishing and waxing, and if it dries out, it can form large cracks that ruin the whole furniture piece. Fabric stains easily and inevitably degrades over time with regular exposure to friction, not to mention it can develop an unpleasant musty smell. Metal can tarnish and rust, and often requires special cleaning solutions. Rattan, on the other hand, is simple to maintain, and can easily last you decades.

Why Does Rattan Need to be Maintained?

Rattan requires regular maintenance to ensure its longevity. As rattan is made from a natural fibre, it is prone to drying out over time with regular sun exposure. If left in sunlight, it can fade and crack, as over time the UV light breaks down a compound in the rattan called lignin. Rattan, like many natural materials, is porous, meaning it can absorb water and thus develop mould.

How to Clean Rattan Furniture

Rattan furniture should be vacuumed once a week to prevent the build up of dust and dirt, using an upholstery brush attachment to allow you to remove dust from tight spaces. Once a month, wipe down the rattan with a soft damp cloth, making sure the cloth is not too wet to prevent the rattan from eventually developing mould. For more stubborn dirt and grime, don't use harsh cleaning solutions, simply use a small amount of mild detergent if necessary.

Regularly inspect your rattan furniture for mildew and mould, especially the legs of the piece as mould commonly develops here. Mould should be addressed quickly, first using a soft-bristled brush to remove most of the mould, then cleaning remaining mould stains by applying a solution of water, mild soap, and a little bit of vinegar with a toothbrush. For stubborn stains, use a solution made of 50% water and 50% chlorine bleach. Before applying either cleaning solution, test it in an inconspicuous area of the rattan.

After cleaning, allow the rattan to air dry, or dry with a soft cloth if it is particularly wet.

Maintaining The Appearance of Rattan

Maintaining the appearance of rattan furniture requires very little effort. To prevent drying and cracking, apply boiled linseed oil once a year. Apply with a brush, brushing on as much as it will absorb, before wiping away the excess with a soft cloth. Allow the rattan to dry for at least 48 hours before replacing the cushions.

Prevention is Key

Preventing future damage to your rattan pieces is the key to ensuring it lasts for years. Keep the furniture out of direct sunlight or use protective covers, as prolonged sun exposure can cause fading and drying out of the fibres. Rattan furniture should also be kept in a dry environment to prevent mould formation. If it becomes wet, make sure to dry it quickly. Any spills should be cleaned immediately with a damp cloth.

Use cushions or seat covers on rattan chairs to distribute weight evenly and prevent sagging. Cushions also prevent any sharp objects, such as keys in pockets, from cutting or damaging the rattan. Place felt pads or rubber caps on the bottom of chair and table legs to prevent the legs splitting. Check regularly for any loose canes or poles, and slip these back into place by hand to stop them from catching on things and breaking.

Maintaining rattan is a relatively simple and stress-free process, and is important to protect your furniture for years to come. Discover French Knot's wide selection of Furniture, to find gorgeous rattan pieces you will love.