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We’re glad to see a familiar favourite – rattan furniture – in the limelight again. Being a natural material, the vine is used to make furniture because of its great strength and durability.
However, always keep rattan pieces away from strong sunlight and rain, as these elements can weaken its fibres, says Colin Banning of Dreamweave. His shop carries Danish brand Sika Design, which specialises in rattan furniture. Humidity is fine though, as rattan grows in this climate.
Brush Rattan Furniture
To keep rattan furniture pieces in tip-top condition, Colin advises brushing them now and then to keep them free from dust and mildew, which can cause the fibre to decay.
Wipe with Damp Cloth
Then, wipe them down with a soft cloth dampened with soap suds made with dishwashing liquid (to avoid over-wetting the rattan). Use a toothbrush to get into the cracks and crevices.
Distribute Weight Evenly
Always distribute weight evenly on the seat; never kneel or step on the seat as the concentrated weight will exert unnecessary pressure on the strands, says Colin.
Dry Water Spills Immediately
Spills should be taken care of immediately before they harden or stain, by wiping with a sponge wrung from sudsy water. If you spot mould or mildew growing on your rattan furniture, simply clean with warm soapy water. Then, rinse well and dry it outdoors.
Repair Cracked Rattan Furniture
To restore dry, cracked, or split rattan, apply boiled linseed oil with a brush. When the furniture won’t absorb any more oil, wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Allow it to dry or harden before using the furniture piece.