How to care for rattan

All rattan is weather resistant and relatively easy to clean and maintain. Here are a few wicker furniture care tips which will help your items look its best throughout its long life.

How to care for rattan:

- AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT: While rattan furniture may be used outdoors, it should not be placed within direct sunlight. Direct exposure to the sun may weaken the material and cause it to become dried out or brittle. If you are using your rattan for garden or patio furniture, remember to keep it out of direct sunlight. The same applies to other direct heat, such as a fireplace.

- KEEP YOUR RATTAN DRY: This is one of the most important things to note about your rattan furniture. If you have cleaned your rattan with a damp cloth, make sure to dry it immediately – either in the sun or with a hair dryer. And of course, if you are using your rattan outdoors, be sure that it is not left in the rain, which may leave it permanently damaged.

- USE A BRUSH OR VACUUM: When cleaning your rattan, its essential to remove dust or mildew that may build up within in the fibres. Remove the dirt from the harder to reach places using a soft brush or a hand held vacuum cleaner. This can be done on a weekly basis for best results.

Follow these steps to clean your rattan furniture:

• Use a handheld vacuum or a brush attachment to remove loose dust and soil.
• Use a toothbrush, cocktail stick or any other fine tool to remove stubborn soil or debris.
• Using a bowl of warm, soapy water or a garden hose, remove all soil and debris and scrub thoroughly.
• Collect only the bubbles with a soft cloth and wash the rattan surface with this.
• Use a toothbrush to apply the bubbles to cracks and crevices.
• Place the furniture outside in the sun, or a well-ventilated area and allow it to dry thorough