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Last Updated on August 11, 2022
Do you love rattan furniture but find it very difficult to maintain? You’ve come to the right place because you will find simple tricks to clean and maintain rattan furniture and keep them always looking new in this article, so be sure to read it!
What is rattan?
If you are in love with this type of furniture, you must already be aware that rattan is a material that can be very worked to achieve light designs and resistance.
This vegetable material comes from the Calamus rotang L. palm tree, of Asian origin, similar to bamboo cane. Rattan is a fibrous climbing vine, taken from the stems of this palm tree and woven to make furniture.
The problem lies in being a natural material, quite delicate to treat; it will be necessary to care when cleaning them. Otherwise, you may damage them. Do you want to know a simple and effective way to do it? Take note of the following indications.
Advantages vs. Disadvantages of Rattan Furniture
With the concept of “low carbon” & “eco-friendliness” gaining its foothold among the consumers, rattan furniture is becoming more sought-after in recent years. Hereafter are the advantages and disadvantages of rattan furniture :
Advantages vs. Disadvantages of Rattan Furniture
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | loosen over time |
| versatile in designs with endless wicker patterns | prone to insects, mildew |
| eco-friendly, sustainable materials | can’t soak up water (with a coating of lacquer, it can sit outside in the rain ) |
| withstand with harsh temperatures | expensive because most rattan furniture is hand-made |
How to maintain rattan furniture ?
Do you have rattan furniture but don’t know how to clean it? Rattan is a rather delicate natural product, which needs some care to look good. It won’t be difficult to keep indoor rattan tables and rattan armchairs in good condition since you only need to dust them. The problem arises if you have rattan garden furniture, subject to rain, wind, and temperature changes.
For this reason, synthetic rattan furniture has begun to be manufactured in recent years, which offers greater resistance to climatic factors. However, synthetic rattan furniture also needs to be cared for. How can you keep wicker and rattan furniture in good condition? Take note of the following tips.
Synthetic Rattan (Synthetic Resin)
Synthetic rattan consists of a strip of synthetic fiber, usually plastic, that mimics the look of natural rattan. Synthetic rattan furniture is usually mounted on aluminum frames or other material resistant to humidity, wind, salt spray, and temperature changes typical of the outdoors.
To keep rattan armchairs, rattan chairs, and rattan tables in good condition, keep the following tips in mind:
- Cleaning. To remove dust, lint, and other dirt from rattan furniture, I recommend that you use a clean cloth and dampen it in water with a splash of dishwashing detergent. Finally, dry well with a soft cloth and leave in the open air but in the shade.
- Restoration. Synthetic rattan also suffers from breakage, so you will need to make some repairs. Once you have cleaned and dried the rattan furniture, take a close look at it to see if it has any breakage. If the damage is small, such as loose strips, using a nail gun and strong glue can fix it. Otherwise, you will need the advice of a professional.
- Removing stains. To remove stains, prepare a solution by mixing one part white vinegar with two parts warm water. Dampen a sponge in the solution and rub over the stain until it comes out.
Natural Rattan
The furniture made of rattan has been normally used outdoors. However, it has never had a total resistance to the weather and the sun since it is still made of natural fibers that deteriorate quickly in outdoor environments.
Cleaning. To clean rattan, you will need the following utensils:
- Dish detergent
- Water
- A soft textured cloth
- A bucket
- A toothbrush
- Linseed oil
- Lacquer or varnish
- A brush
Follow the procedure below:
- Fill the bucket with water and add a few drops of dishwashing detergent.
- Mix well and stir until bubbles form on the surface.
- Wet the cloth only with the bubbles, not the water.
- Wipe the cloth over the entire surface of your rattan furniture. The slight moisture from the bubbles will help you clean them without damaging them.
- A toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush will be helpful in removing dirt that hides in the cracks and crevices of the rattan. Dip the bristles into the bubbles as well.
- Repeat this simple and practical procedure once a week to keep your rattan furniture looking new.
Restoration. If what you need is to seal a crack or the rattan has dried out in some area, proceed as follows:
- Heat some linseed oil and moisten a toothbrush in it.
- Pass it gently over the damaged area.
- When you see that the furniture does not absorb any more oil, clean the surface with a soft cloth, removing any remaining oil.
To remove food stains or stains from daily rubbing, you only need to moisten a fine cloth with dish detergent and rub the stain with a little water. When you have finished cleaning, let the rattan furniture air dry.
After it has dried completely, apply a coat of varnish with a brush to provide additional protection. This task should be repeated once a year. Is your rattan furniture impeccable?
Other practical ways to clean your home furniture
If you love to keep the house tidy and clean, but you do not like to use chemicals, is anything better to clean all kinds of furniture than natural products? Not only will they not cause allergies, but they will also leave your furniture in excellent condition. Let’s get to work!
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