Rattan furniture comes in a tantalizing variety of shapes, sizes and colors. It is also quite accommodating, being equally well-suited to both indoor and outdoor use. Though surprisingly sturdy and seemingly timeless, rattan does need a bit of TLC in order to retain its wonderfully exotic appeal.
Don’t Let it Bake
Made from a species of palm native to Africa, Asia and the Pacific region, rattan is in fact a living and breathing thing. Well, maybe not breathing, but you get my meaning. Although, it is plant based, this type of furniture will have already reached its photosynthesis quota by the time it reaches your sitting room or patio. Therefore, you want to be careful not to leave it baking in the sun all day. Doing so will definitely shorten its lifespan and beauty.
Do Use Stoppers
Chances are your rattan furniture is among your favorite possessions. Don’t worry though, your other furniture is probably well aware of your preference but is simply too proud to say anything, except for the occasional groan. To ensure that your beloved chair, settee or loveseat continues to be in tip-top condition, you need to invest in some stoppers. These small but handy accessories will prevent the feet of your furniture from cracking or splitting, making your furniture available to you for years to come.
Don’t Wait to Clean
Due to its earth-friendly disposition, rattan is very susceptible to liquids. Should you and your friends have a bit too much fun one warm summer’s night, you’ll want to clean those wine stains up right away. Rattan soaks up liquid faster than a dehydrated man at an oasis. Sadly, once the liquid has been absorbed the stain is permanent. So if you really love your rattan, don’t neglect it in its hour of need.
Do Scrub
While water is no friend to rattan, you will want to use a small amount to clean it properly. A barely damp cloth mixed with a bit of soap should do the trick. However, for those hard to reach crevices and lattice work areas, a brush and some good old fashioned elbow grease are your best bet. A tooth brush is often ideal, especially if it’s not your own. If you keep your furniture outside (in the shade of course), a weekly wipe down is sure to be much appreciated.
Don’t Keep Your Cool
Rattan is at its best when kept in an environment with an even level of humidity. Too much can cause mold and mildew to sprout up and too little can cause it to dry out, making it prone to breaks. A room with a humidifier or good circulation will eliminate many of these problems, making both you and your rattan happy campers.
Now that you know the dos and don’ts of properly caring for your rattan, it’s time to show it some love. Rattan furniture can last many decades so make sure you keep yours around long enough to hand down.
