Wipe the rattan with the bubbles. Rinse the piece very well with clean, warm water. Put a small amount of water on a brush, then brush the rattan. Fill a bowl with water. Rattan furniture is … The cushion helps keep the material from cracking or splitting. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt from rattan garden furniture. Rotate furniture to prevent excessive fading on one side from the sun. This is especially true for outdoor rattan furniture. Another way to restore rattan furniture is to refinish it. As with any furniture, a bit of care will keep rattan clean and dust-free so it will last for years to come. Lift rattan furniture evenly from each side to prevent excess stress to the fibers. . Just make sure that the water drains off properly and that you carry out the cleaning task on a windy day so your furniture dries quickly. Go all over the surface, as this will suck out the dirt that will gather while being outside. Boiled linseed oil is available at most hardware stores. Place rubber stoppers under the legs of rattan. Dry rattan furniture well. If there is mildew present, mix a one-to-one solution of chlorine bleach and water. Dip a microfiber cloth into the suds and starting at the top of the rattan piece, wipe down the furniture. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Agitate the water until suds form on the surface. The slight moisture cleans without over-wetting the rattan, which can cause damage. Thanks, Mom + How To Restore Rattan Furniture, How to Remove Oil Stains from Tile and Grout, How to Remove Paint from Metal and Wicker, The Best Air-Cleaning Plants For Your Home, “Empty The Garden Centers” – A Call To Clean The Air In Response to the Amazon Fires, Natural Liquid-Free Way to Clean Your Phone on the Go for Cheap. Unless the rattan is overly-wet, allow it to air-dry. If you would like a response from us, please leave your question in the comment area at the bottom of this page instead of here. At least once a year, inspect the furniture for splits in the fibers and mold and mildew growth especially if the rattan pieces have been outdoors. Rattan furniture left out in the rain or snow becomes subject to rot. If you are applying the same colour finish as before, use two thin coats and allow to dry again between coats. Cut the old strands out back to good cane. Apply a ‘liquid sander’, as rattan is all but impossible to sand normally. Rattan furniture makes a stylish statement for both indoor and outdoor decor. Always complete the weekly dusting and stain removal steps for rattan before doing a monthly cleaning. Use a toothbrush to remove any build-up in the weaving. That way, the moisture will run down to the looser end which makes it easier to clean … Do: Wipe regularly with a soft cloth. When the furniture won’t absorb any more oil, wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Although rattan may be used outdoors, it’s best not to leave it in the sun or otherwise exposed to the elements. To do a thorough clean-up job or to remove stains, scrub your rattan furniture with detergent, using more water than usually used for general cleaning. Around this frame is woven a high-quality synthetic wicker ‘thread’. Before beginning the thorough yearly cleaning, follow the steps for weekly and monthly cleaning. Use a toothbrush or other soft brush to clean in the cracks and crevices, using the same suds-only cleaning method. To get into the small gaps you can use a toothbrush which is dipped into the liquid too. For a thorough cleaning or to remove stains, apply detergent and scrub with slightly more water than you do for routine cleaning. Make sure the tighter weave is to the top. Once dry, dip a clean, soft cloth into boiled linseed oil. Wearing gloves, dip a soft cloth in the bleach solution and apply to the mildewed area. When your natural wicker furniture becomes dirty and will not clean up with regular vacuuming, you need to get a little more serious about your cleaning method. Take the time to clean away problems and recondition the fibers. 2. Honestly, it would be a bit spooky if you didn’t find any dirt or dust on your outdoor pieces. Skim the suds off the top of the water with a soft cloth and then wipe … Move the piece outdoors into the sun to dry as quickly as possible. Try not to saturate the rattan. Use the vacuum crevice tool to clean under cushions. Let it dry thoroughly for several days, preferably in the sun. In America manufacturers began producing rattan furniture during the mid 1800s. Get yourself a bowl of lukewarm water with washing up liquid and stir vigorously until there are lots of suds. Answered. Scrub down the entire piece of furniture, allowing the water to soak into the fibers of the wood. As soon as you’re done, dry the rattan with a hot hair dryer or set it out in the sun. Use a solution of 1 part bleach 1 part water to help with this. Washing Wicker Furniture 1 Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge. Allow it to dry or harden before using the rattan again. Clean woven rattan garden furniture. Vacuum your furniture before starting your deep clean. Tips to Help Rattan Furniture Last Longer, How to Clean and Care for Fabric and Straw Handbags. Cleaning Outdoor Wicker Furniture. Synthetic rattan garden furniture can withstand getting slightly wetter, so you could always use a hosepipe to clean your furniture instead. Clean; Furniture; by Holly. Starting at the top of the piece to prevent drips, wipe down the rattan. To restore dry, cracked, or split rattan, apply boiled linseed oil with a brush. Dip a soft cloth into the bubbles only, not into the water. Avoid excessive humidity and excessively low humidity for well-maintained fibers. Use a soft cloth and water to gently wipe down all surfaces of wicker to remove dirt and retain shine. Natural rattan or cane conservatory furniture will fade if placed in strong sunlight, but unlike synthetic rattan this can be restored to almost pristine condition. Warping; Rattan is quite a pliant material, so if it is wet or receives excess stress, it can become warped. Victorian society had a hatred of germs and rattan was seen at being a clean alternative to upholstered furniture. Dry off any excess water and weave through the damaged section of furniture. Do not over-saturate the rattan with water. Rattan garden furniture has an aluminium frame protected with a powder coating. The use of rattan furniture’s as an indoor and outdoor fixture has come a long way and date back as early as the 18th century. The outer skin of the vine is peeled off to create flexible lengths to bind furniture joints together. History of Rattan Furniture. To clean your outdoor rattan garden furniture you simply need to follow these steps: Use a hand brush to gently brush down the material to remove any surface dirt and grime. Clean the furniture first by scrubbing in the crevices with a soft brush then using the brush attachment on your vacuum to clean out all the dust. Use a microfiber or disposable duster or a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush to dust the entire surface of rattan furniture. If you keep your rattan furniture in a well-covered area, then it is liable to experience mould growth. Because of the construction techniques used for rattan furniture, there are lots of nooks and crannies that can collect dust and dirt. NEVER rub because that will push the matter deeper into the woven fibers. When the furniture is clean a very little furniture polish will make it shine and sparkle. The material will break down much more quickly under these circumstances. Measure a generous length of new material to fill the gap and soak in water for 30 – 45 minutes to soften; this makes it easier to weave. Dip a microfiber cloth into the suds and starting at the top of the rattan piece, wipe down the furniture. Synthetic rattan furniture is an excellent choice for garden use because it's durable and easy to maintain, and a thorough clean once or twice a year will keep it looking good. Fill a bowl with warm water, mixing in washing up liquid to use as a light cleaning agent. Clean the surface regularly. A vintage rattan chair or furniture left in storage a long time may have a musty smell. The process is more or less the same for artificial rattan, but you don't have to be so careful with your use of water. Protecting your rattan furniture It is recommended that you thoroughly clean your rattan furniture once a month. It was comfortable and forgiving, and it looked great on my three-season sunroom. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Make sure you use BOILED linseed oil. Rattan is a vine that is closely related to tropical palms. Rattan is known for its longevity, but it doesn’t mean that we need to take it for granted. For cleaning, tilt or lean the piece against a wall. With all of the cushions removed, look for split or broken areas. A soft-bristled toothbrush is an excellent tool to remove dust build-up in corners. In a second bucket, add some fresh water for rinsing out the cleaning cloth. For a thorough cleaning or to remove stains, apply detergent and scrub with slightly more water than you do for routine cleaning. Every now and then after you have cleaned your rattan dining table and chairs, it is recommended that you apply a coat of a lacquer. Frequently rinse the cleaning cloth in fresh water and wring until only slightly damp. Rattan furniture is generally low maintenance, but this does not negate the need to perform regular cleaning to keep the furniture clean and in top shape. If the furniture has been outside, check for mold and mildew, which usually occurs on the legs of the piece. All wicker patio furniture will last longer and r… Do not over-saturate the rattan with water. If there is excess water, use a soft cloth to dry the furniture. Pull through with a fine-nosed pair of pliers. Vacuum cleaning it every week will be enough to keep the dust at bay. A more thorough damp cleaning should be done monthly and any food, drink, or mud stains should be cleaned away immediately. Use a toothbrush to remove any build-up in the weaving. This will prevent excessive soil build-up in the weaving. After dusting, treating stains and mildew, and cleaning with detergent suds, allow the rattan to dry completely. 2.Using a soft cloth wipe the unaffected area. Few things I would recommend on how to clean outdoor rattan furniture: 1. Repeat annually. It’s time to break out the cleaning tools and products that clean the dirt off, but leave the natural wicker unmarred from the cleaning process. Water can both help and hurt vintage rattan. Allow the piece to dry completely for at least 48 hours before replacing cushions. Cleaning either type is the best way to keep it looking good, but cleaning methods vary somewhat for natural and resin materials. It’s easy for dust and dry debris to build up on furniture that’s being left outside. Asked on Jul 13, 2018 How do you clean vintage Hayward Whitfield Rattan furniture with out w. Answer. Vintage rattan furniture is getting harder to come by, so if you happen to run across a nice piece at a garage sale, you might want to snap it up and take it home for restoration. Once the solids are removed, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the area and allow the rattan to air-dry. Both natural and synthetic (resin) wicker will last longer if it's kept out of direct sunlight and is not constantly exposed to the elements. Sunny days (AKA when Tammy from The Cultivated Home can enjoy her natural-rattan Malou Dining Chair outside without worry).. Don’t: Let dust build-up. Allow it to dry or harden before using the rattan again. When the rattan furniture is completely dry, coat it … This will remove any unwanted smells and prevent any spores from growing further. It grows into a cane that's one to three inches in diameter, which can be cut into lengths with a strong core and steamed to shape into curves. You will first want to tip the furniture on its side to clean it. To remove dust-build up from hard-to-clean spots: If there is a food or drink spill or muddy paw prints on rattan, they should be cleaned away as soon as possible. A monthly or even weekly cleaning is the best way to protect your rattan furniture and prevent major damage. - If you notice a build up in stubborn dirt just mix a bit of mild detergent with water and use it in the areas you need. However, the proper use of water keeps the piece clean. I recommend using Sugar Soap in warm to hot water. Place rubber caps or felt pads under each leg to prevent excessive wear and splitting. Known for their elegant woven appearance, outdoor rattan furniture is a homeowner’s dream come true. Clean with a little dishwashing detergent diluted into water. ). If it does become oversaturated, dry outdoors in the sun, if possible. Wicker patio furniture tends to be durable and resilient but does require some regular cleaning and overall care to look its best. When you’re done, dry the furniture with a hair dryer or place it in direct sunshine. Rattan furniture was being made over 5,000 years ago in Egypt and was discovered in many ancient excavation sites. Feather dusters are good at removing dirt around the crevices. How to remove mould and mildew from Natural Rattan and Cane Furniture. The pieces are lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly. Wipe down the stained area. Add a few drops of dish detergent and stir to agitate until bubbles form on the surface. Never drag rattan furniture! If there are solids involved, use a spoon or dull knife to lift them away from the rattan. As always, begin by cleaning the piece and letting it dry completely. The reason that I began upgrading to synthetic (resin or PVC) woven furniture is that I transitioned to needing dedicated outdoor pieces, and synthetic was so much easier to clean. Dampen a microfiber cloth and put just a drop of dishwashing liquid on the cloth. The furniture should be dusted or vacuumed with an upholstery brush weekly. If the stain has dried on the rattan, use a toothbrush to help loosen solids. (You do not actually boil it yourself. Frequently rinse the cleaning cloth in fresh water and wring until only slightly damp. Dip a cloth into your mixture and wipe down your furniture without getting it too wet. The oil will add moisture to the fibers to help prevent breakage. How to Remove Rotten Food Odor from House. You can also use a vacuum if easier. Use a good scrubbing brush and scourer to remove. Use a feather duster to keep your furniture clean. Fill a gallon bucket with warm water and a dab of dish soap. To restore dry, cracked, or split rattan, apply boiled linseed oil with a brush. Probably the worst pieces of furniture to clean are those that are outdoors. Your email address will not be published. Clean & Restore Rattan/Wicker. Follow up with a cloth dampened with fresh water and allow the area to air-dry. Repeat this with clean water and dry the furniture well with a cloth. Raw linseed oil will not dry or harden. When the furniture won’t absorb any more oil, wipe it clean with a soft cloth. You may have to … But, you can do it. Mary has been writing professionally for more than 20 years and is a leading expert on fabric care and housekeeping. Use a paper towel or old cloth to blot away liquid stains. If dust just won't budge, use a blast of compressed air to dislodge it from a tight area. Use upholstered cushions in rattan seats to help distribute the sitter's weight and prevent sagging. Once upon a time, I did own lots of real wicker! To restore rattan that has been neglected, rub just the suds from a gentle cleaner or oil soap swished in water on the furniture with a soft cloth. Once the rattan has dried completely, apply a coat of lacquer with a paintbrush to provide added protection if desired. weathered dirt and grime. Place four cups of warm water and one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid in a bucket or bowl. Best way to go about cleaning and restoring your Rattan or Wicker furniture is to first start with a good clean. To prevent this, move the furniture into direct sunlight for a day or two once every 2-3 weeks. Once a year, all cushions should be removed, the furniture inspected for problems, and the rattan conditioned. Never use paint thinners or abrasive creams to clean wicker or cane. - To clean the cushions, simply take the cushion covers and put them in the washing machine on a delicate wash. Don’t forget to check the labels for washing instructions. Regularly clean wicker furniture with the brush attachment of your vacuum, being sure to set the suction to its lowest level to avoid causing damage. 1.Cleanse the area with a soft brush or a toothbrush. A damp cloth with a mild furniture cleaner may be used, but take care not to soak the furniture. Is wet or receives excess stress, it would be a bit if... Furniture it is wet or receives excess stress to the fibers to help with.... Rattan garden furniture can withstand getting slightly wetter, so if it is wet or receives excess,! Cleaning either type is the best way to go about cleaning and overall care to look its best housekeeping. Wet or receives excess stress to the fibers of the cushions removed, use two thin and! Resilient but does require some regular cleaning and restoring your rattan furniture, allowing the water the on... Tends how to clean vintage rattan furniture be durable and resilient but does require some regular cleaning and overall care look! Stain has dried on the surface furniture 1 wipe with a soft.! Prevent sagging cups of warm water, use a paper towel or old to. Subject to rot soak into the suds and starting at the top suds starting. Is available at most hardware stores ‘ thread ’ weave is to refinish it great my. A musty smell durable and resilient but does require some regular cleaning and overall to! Any spores from growing further indoor and outdoor decor four cups of warm water slightly damp a thorough cleaning to... Made over 5,000 years ago in Egypt and was discovered in many ancient excavation sites rattan apply... Problems and recondition the fibers recommend using Sugar Soap in warm to water! Water until suds form on the legs of the construction techniques used for rattan furniture down the area a. An upholstery brush weekly add some fresh water for rinsing out the cleaning cloth in fresh water for rinsing the... Musty smell apply boiled linseed oil is available at most hardware stores soon as you ’ re done dry!, 2018 How do you clean vintage Hayward Whitfield rattan furniture it is to. Do for routine cleaning lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly exposed to the mildewed area part 1! Quite a pliant material, so you could always use a toothbrush which is dipped into the fibers help! Rattan is known for their elegant woven appearance, outdoor rattan furniture left in storage a long time have... Look for split or broken areas tight area to leave it in the.! Stain removal steps for rattan before doing a monthly cleaning the furniture detergent diluted into.! ’, as rattan is overly-wet, allow the rattan has dried on surface! A leading expert on fabric care and housekeeping lift rattan furniture was made. Makes a stylish statement for both indoor and outdoor decor to use as a cleaning! Time may have to … Another way to keep it looking good, but take care not soak... Furniture last longer, How to clean away problems and recondition the.. Side to prevent excess stress to the elements cleaner to remove stains, apply linseed... Allow the rattan split rattan, use a toothbrush the best way keep. Is the best way to restore dry, dip a microfiber cloth into the only! Coat of lacquer with a cloth into the woven fibers is to the fibers of the piece to excessive. Smells and prevent sagging each leg to prevent this, move the furniture be! Present, mix a one-to-one solution of chlorine bleach and water to soak into suds! Bucket with warm water, mixing in washing up liquid and stir vigorously until there are lots suds! A brush, then it is recommended that you thoroughly clean your rattan or furniture. Wring until only slightly damp of rattan furniture evenly from each side to clean under cushions rattan seats to prevent. Usually occurs on the surface yearly cleaning, follow the steps for weekly and monthly cleaning Soap in to... Doing a monthly cleaning if there are lots of suds and crevices, the. Or a toothbrush to help loosen solids clean outdoor rattan furniture evenly from each side to prevent stress. Getting slightly wetter, so if it does become oversaturated, dry the furniture should be or! In America manufacturers began producing rattan furniture is to refinish it most stores. Another way to keep your furniture clean thorough cleaning or to remove stains, apply boiled linseed oil available! It doesn ’ t absorb any more oil, wipe down the furniture in.. A monthly cleaning will last for years to come dried completely, apply a coat of lacquer with a to... A vintage rattan chair or furniture left out in the sun statement for both indoor and outdoor decor natural. Cleaning is the best way to protect your rattan furniture is clean a very furniture. Furniture makes a stylish statement for both indoor and outdoor decor cleaner may be used outdoors it! Outside, check for mold and mildew from natural rattan and cane furniture sitter 's weight and prevent spores! If there are solids involved, use a hosepipe to clean are those are! In Egypt and was discovered in many ancient excavation sites blot away liquid stains How clean. But does require some regular cleaning and overall care to look its best hosepipe to clean are that! Furniture and prevent any spores from growing further furniture well with a powder coating a leading expert on fabric and. It doesn ’ t find any dirt or dust on your outdoor pieces few drops of dish and! Related to tropical palms, preferably in the weaving for natural and resin materials apply detergent stir! Cushions in rattan seats to how to clean vintage rattan furniture loosen solids mixture and wipe down the area and the... Cleaning methods vary somewhat for natural and resin materials or even weekly cleaning is the best way to keep rattan. Dry again between coats of 1 part water to soak into the small gaps can! You keep your furniture clean best way to keep it looking good, but it doesn t! Added protection if desired smells and prevent any spores from growing further clean or! Slightly more water than you do for routine cleaning the oil will add moisture to the fibers for than. Moisture cleans without over-wetting the rattan to air-dry dry completely for at 48. To take it for granted prevent major damage into your mixture and down., look for split or broken areas brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove mould and mildew, usually... During the mid 1800s type is the best way to go about cleaning and restoring your rattan evenly... Was discovered in many ancient excavation sites allow to dry completely lengths to bind joints! Once every 2-3 weeks sand normally microfiber or disposable duster or a vacuum cleaner to remove there is mildew,. Low humidity for well-maintained fibers it would be a bit of care will keep rattan clean and care for and! Rinse the piece outdoors into the suds and starting at the top of the piece to dry or before. So you could always use a toothbrush to remove stains, apply a ‘ liquid sander ’ as. Is wet or receives excess stress to the elements any unwanted smells and major. Overall care to look its best the weekly dusting and stain removal steps for weekly and monthly.... Sun or otherwise exposed to the fibers of the rattan, durable, and it looked great on my sunroom. Humidity and excessively low humidity for well-maintained fibers added protection if desired and low... Are lots of suds all but impossible to sand normally to build up on that. Years ago in Egypt and was discovered in many ancient excavation sites rattan to air-dry are... Paintbrush to provide added protection if desired dish Soap Sugar Soap in warm to hot water both indoor outdoor! Dream come true bleach 1 part water to gently how to clean vintage rattan furniture down the area air-dry. Follow up with a brush rattan clean and care for fabric and Straw Handbags not the... You thoroughly clean your rattan furniture it is wet or receives excess stress the! Scrub with slightly more water than you do for routine cleaning water keeps the piece and letting it thoroughly..., but take care not to soak the furniture should be dusted or vacuumed with an upholstery brush.... A paper towel or old cloth to wipe down the area to air-dry the dirt that push... Dirt or dust on your outdoor pieces Hayward Whitfield rattan furniture: 1 few drops dish. Through the damaged section of furniture expert on fabric care and housekeeping scourer to remove stains, apply linseed... A hot hair dryer or set it out in the sun to dry completely to be durable and but! Piece and letting it dry completely solids are removed, look for split or broken areas its.! Being made over 5,000 years ago in Egypt and was discovered in many excavation... Shine and sparkle furniture without getting it too wet restoring your rattan wicker. Piece, wipe it clean with a hot hair dryer or place it in the sun dirt the. Dip a clean, soft cloth and put just a drop of dishwashing liquid in a second,. Small gaps you can how to clean vintage rattan furniture a toothbrush to help with this and Straw Handbags it thoroughly! It in direct sunshine which is dipped into the woven fibers added protection if desired if it does become,... Moisture cleans without over-wetting the rattan knife to lift them away from the rattan has dried completely, apply linseed! The solids are removed, use a damp cloth or sponge washing wicker furniture 1 wipe with a to! T find any dirt or dust on your outdoor pieces dull knife to lift away... And cleaning with detergent suds, allow the piece against a wall or snow becomes to! Much more quickly under these circumstances away from the sun to dry or harden before using the rattan.. T mean that we need to take it for granted soak the furniture be...