Cane and Rattan Furniture Cleaning | Full Guide

how to clean cane and rattan furniture

Furniture made of rattan and cane is classic and complements a wide range of styles. Usually, they are decorated with natural materials like jute, wood, and flowers or plants. They also blend well with metallic accessories and furnishings from the mid-century. Furniture made of rattan and cane can be utilized both indoors and outdoors. Cane and rattan are frequently used indoors as stools, dining sets, and lounge chairs.

The material may seem difficult to maintain, which may discourage some buyers. However, it can actually be pretty simple to clean if it is maintained consistently, just like everything else in the house.

cane and rattan furniture

Cane and Rattan Furniture Care Guide

Care Tip #1: Use gentle cleaners

It is never advisable to clean cane or rattan with paint thinner, harsh treatments, or abrasive sponges or brushes. Instead, a gentle, diluted furniture cleaner and a clean cloth are adequate. Simply combine 1 gallon of water with 3 tablespoons of soap to clean your furniture. Dish soap can also be used as a substitute if you do not have a mild furniture cleaner. Make sure to get between the rattan strands as you wipe the solution across the furniture. To reach the grooves, use a toothbrush with soft bristles.

Try to avoid oversaturating materials because this can cause warping. Leaving the furniture outside in the sun is the best method to dry it. If you choose to clean the furniture during a windy day, it will dry more quickly. In order for the furniture to preserve its original form without sagging, it’s also essential to refrain from sitting in it until it has completely dried.

Care Tip #2: Dust it regularly

To prolong the lifespan of the furniture and reduce the frequency of cleaning, you should vacuum any cane or rattan pieces you have. Vacuuming regularly between cleanings is a smart strategy to prevent cane and rattan from becoming really unclean because water isn’t good for them. Utilize a dry brush attachment for your vacuum that has medium-sized bristles. Simply vacuum the furniture with your handheld hose while being mindful of the weaving panels and crevices.

You can still dust your furniture if you do not have a vacuum and the right attachment. You’ll require a non-abrasive brush, like a soft toothbrush, paintbrush, or nail brush. Simply brush through the furniture to get rid of any dirt or dust. At the very least once per week, dusting should be done.

Care Tip #3: Remove Molds with Bleach

Cane and rattan furniture can develop mold and mildew issues. This is especially the case if you don’t give the furniture a chance to dry completely after washing it or if you leave it outside unprotected. If you notice little black patches that won’t wash out with soap and water, the cane or rattan furniture has mold. However, mold and mildew could be eliminated using a simple procedure.

You must combine 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water to remove mold and mildew. Then, put a soft bristle brush into the mixture and use it to gently scrub the mold and mildew areas away. After they go, you must use clean water to scrub the furniture completely. Bleach cleaning could harm the furniture permanently if you don’t get up afterward.

Care Tip #4: Clean Spills Right Away

If spills and slops aren’t cleaned up right away, cane and rattan may become stained. There are a few methods for removing a tough stain. You can start by using a soft cloth and a solution of soap and water to clean it. If it doesn’t work, try to add more soap to the mixture and scrub more vigorously with a brush; this ought to be enough to get rid of even a stubborn stain.

There is another option, though it should only be used in the most serious situations if the stain is still resistant to removal. Gently rubbing pure bleach into the spot with a q-tip. Remember to rinse your furniture thoroughly with clean water once the stain has been removed and dry it using a towel. Don’t let the bleach on the cane and rattan for too long because they are made from natural plant material.

Care Tip #5: Put Moisturizer

An essential stage in the cleaning procedure is moisturizing cane and rattan furniture. The natural fibers in cane and rattan can become brittle when cleaned. In order to restore moisture to cane and rattan furniture, a variety of treatments can be utilized. Glycerin- or oil-based soap is recommended. The soap needs to be diluted in water and placed in a spray bottle before applying. Furniture’s backs and bottoms can be sprayed with it, then cleaned with a cloth. Avoid spraying your furniture’s tops because doing so could leave an oily stain on your clothing.

Another helpful method for cleaning and moisturizing cane and rattan furniture is by using lemon oil. The furniture will not only be protected with lemon oil but its sheen will also be improved. It needs to be put on a fresh cloth and then wiped all over the furniture.

How to Restore the Old Furniture

Inevitably, after years of use, the cane and rattan furniture will start to appear a little worn out. Though it does not imply that they should be thrown out, it means that the furniture has to be restored. Follow these simple procedures to make your old rattan furniture look better again:

  1. Buy a linseed oil that is already been boiled
  2. Submerge a clean cloth in the linseed oil
  3. Wipe your cane and rattan furniture until it stops absorbing more
  4. Get another clean cloth to wipe the furniture clean
  5. Let it dry before using your furniture again

How to Clean Synthetic Cane and Rattan Furniture

Your patio furniture will be less flimsy if it is made of synthetic rattan. Unlike the natural plant fibers present in your cane and rattan furniture, they can be wet with water without being damaged. As a result, cleaning synthetic rattan is way easier. To make it simpler for the water to pass through the weaves, lay your synthetic rattan furniture down on its side before cleaning it with a garden hose.

To clean synthetic rattan, use the cleaning mixture of one gallon of warm water and 3 tablespoons of mild detergent or dish soap. After thoroughly wetting your furniture using the hose, gently scrub it with the soapy water mixture with a sturdy bristles brush. After giving the furniture a good clean water rinse, let it air dry, or use a soft towel to wipe it clean. 

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