Rattan: a brief history, and how to clean yours
A Brief History
It has been used for centuries in the production of furniture and home decor due to its durability, flexibility, and beauty. But although incredibly sturdy and long-lasting, it needs care and a bit of pampering every now and then. Here are three simple tips on cleaning, maintaining and making your rattan furniture and accessories last for years.
How to clean it?
- Regular Dusting: Use a soft cloth or, better yet, a feather duster to penetrate complex weaves and get rid of even the minutest dust specks.
- Use Gentle Soap. For a deeper clean, use a soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush) and mild soapy water to gently scrub away grime and avoid excessive water to prevent soaking the wood. Always dry thoroughly after cleaning. Because rattan is a natural material, keeping it damp may lead to the growth of mould or mildew.
- Keep Away from Direct Sunlight for prolonged periods. Like most other furniture, rattan can fade under continuous, direct sunlight. Place your rattan furniture in a shaded area to prevent fading and remember to revitalise your rattan pieces once a year. We love using linseed or lemon oil applied with a soft cloth to restore their natural sheen. Although our rattan products are made from natural rattan, they are still susceptible to weather damage. We recommend you keep indoors until ready for use.