3 Useful Tips for Rattan Furniture

Maintenance

Rattan is a plant that is native to the tropical areas in Asia, Africa, and Australasia. Indonesia

supplies 70% of rattan in the world, and the largest rattan industry in the country is located in

Cirebon, West Java. This material has uncommon characteristics such as durability, light weight,

and flexibility, which is why it can easily be transformed into practical everyday objects such as

walking canes, basket, and furniture. Besides wood furniture, rattan furniture can add an extra

exotic aura into your home. Similar to wood, rattan can also be coated with wood stains, varnish,

and paints. Therefore, rattan furniture or rattan garden furniture is available in many different

colors. However, it usually comes in its natural color, and coated with clear varnish. Another good

thing about it is that it does not require a lot of maintenance. You can maintain the beauty and the

quality of our furniture by following the tips below:

Regularly clean the surface

Since furniture made from rattan has many crevices, cleaning it can be a difficult task. Use mild

cleaner diluted in water. Lightly wet a soft cloth with the solution and wipe away dirt or stains.

Keep in mind not to over-wet the cloth as you will need to clean the surfaces without actually

soaking the rattan. You can also remove dust with a vacuum cleaner beforehand. To clean stubborn

dirt in the crevices, you can use a used toothbrush. Do not clean the rattan with detergent too often

since it can damage the lacquer coating.

Place the furniture indoors

Rattan furniture is actually not really suitable for outdoor use, because it will lose its durability to

weather and sunlight. The best way to maintain the durability of your rattan furniture is by placing

it in your home and not under direct sunlight. Also make sure you keep the balance of the humidity

of your home. The Low humidity makes the material dry and brittle, while extreme moisture

provides the ideal environment for mold to grow.

Do annual major cleaning

At least every year, do a major cleaning of your rattan furniture. Remove the accumulated dirt to

prevent damages. Clean the rattan with more water than you use for daily cleaning and remove the

dirt with a soft brush. Afterwards, dry it as quickly as possible using a hair dryer or put it outside

but not under direct sunlight. Re-varnish your furniture with shellac or lacquer to protect it from

water and make it look as good as new.