Indoor Rattan Furniture Care Guide

Quick Tips

1. Daily Maintenance –

a) Dust regularly using a soft microfiber cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment.

b) Wipe away stains with a slightly damp cloth—you can even use a mild soap solution along with the damp cloth.

2. Monthly Maintenance –

a) Use a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) to scrub the woven parts gently. Mix mild detergent with water to loosen dirt, wipe with a damp cloth, and air dry in a well-ventilated space.

b) Apply boiled linseed oil or furniture polish with a soft cloth to prevent drying and maintain flexibility. Wipe away excess for a natural sheen.

3. Preventing Common Issues-

a) Avoid direct sunlight.

b) Manage humidity with a humidifier in dry seasons and ensure airflow during humid months.

c) Clean mould with a water-vinegar solution and dry in a well-ventilated area.

4. Long Term Care Tips-

a) Use cushions to protect high traffic are like the seats or arms of chairs to reduce the chances of wear in specific spots.

b) Gently push loose weaves back into place with small wooden tool or fingers

c) Revive faded rattan with paint or varnish; sand, prime, and apply your chosen finish.

d) For major repairs, seek professional help to restore your furniture properly.

Rattan furniture adds natural charm to any space, but it needs care to stay fresh. Here's a simple guide to keep it looking great.

Daily Maintenance

1. Dusting regularly

Use a soft microfiber cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment to get to those hard-to-reach spots. Doing this once a week should be enough, but if your furniture is in a high-traffic area, you might want to wipe it down more often.

2. Spot cleaning for spills and stains

If there are any spills, rattan is quite forgiving, as long as you act quickly. Wipe the spill away with a slightly damp cloth—you can even use a bit of mild soap.

Tip: Don’t soak your rattan. Water and rattan don’t go well together, and too much moisture can cause it to warp and weaken over time.

Weekly and Monthly Rattan Furniture Care

1. Deep Cleaning 

I like to follow the steps below every couple of months, or sooner if I notice the furniture looking a bit dull.

Direction-Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works wonders) to gently scrub the woven parts of the furniture. A mild detergent mixed with water will help loosen any dirt that’s built up. Afterward, wipe it down with a damp cloth, and let it air dry completely in a well-ventilated room

2. Conditioning

Indoor environments can dry out rattan over time, especially with heating or air conditioning, so this step will help prevent that.

Direction- Every few months, condition it with boiled linseed oil or a high-quality furniture polish. Apply the oil with a soft cloth, let it sit for a bit, and then wipe away any excess. This not only keeps the material flexible but also enhances its gorgeous natural sheen.

How to Prevent Common Issues

1. Avoid direct sunlight

 Too much sunlight can cause rattan furniture to fade or become brittle over time. If your furniture is near a window, consider using sheer curtains to diffuse the light.

2. Managing humidity

 Rattan thrives in environments with balanced humidity. If the air is too dry, it can crack; if it’s too humid, you risk mould and mildew. A game-changer for me was adding a humidifier in the winter to keep the air balanced and ensuring plenty of airflow during the summer when humidity spikes.

3. Handling mould and mildew

If your rattan furniture has been in a humid environment, mould or mildew might develop. Use a simple solution of water and vinegar, gently wipe down the area, and let it dry in a ventilated space, ideally with indirect sunlight.

Long-Term Care Tips for Rattan Furniture

1. Use cushions to add comfort and evenly distribute weight, reducing wear in specific spots. Occasionally shake or rotate the cushions to prevent uneven wear on the rattan.

2.If the weaves start to loosen, gently push them back into place with a small wooden tool or your fingers. For more serious issues like broken strands, consult a professional rattan restorer.

3. If your rattan furniture looks faded, revive it with a fresh coat of paint or varnish. Lightly sand the surface, apply a primer, and then finish with your chosen colour or stain.

4. For major repairs, such as broken weaves or significant damage, call a professional. They have the right tools and expertise to restore your furniture without compromising its structure or beauty.

Taking care of your indoor rattan furniture doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a little bit of regular maintenance, some mindful care, and a few deep cleans here and there, your rattan furniture will look stunning for years to come. Discover our exquisite rattan pieces designed to add timeless elegance to your home. Shop now and find the perfect addition to your space!