Cleaning varnished rattan is essential to preserve the beauty of your rattan chairs, armchairs, or tables. Rattan is a material derived from palm-like shrubs. In our societies, it is a raw material used to design furniture and other decorative objects such as rattan chairs, armchairs, or tables.
Do you want to give your varnished rattan a new lease of life? Maison Louis Drucker gives you some tips for cleaning and maintaining your varnished rattan to ensure its longevity.
Perform regular cleaning...
To effectively maintain your varnished rattan furniture, we advise you to clean it at least once a week and/or once every three months.
Start by cleaning it using:
- A handheld vacuum cleaner;
- A sponge;
- A little warm, slightly soapy water;
- And a dry cloth.
The vacuum cleaner will allow you to clean accumulated dust. Don't hesitate to inspect the furniture's crevices to ensure you have thoroughly removed dust from these areas. Afterward, clean the rattan with a soft, dry cloth.
Once every three months, deep clean your varnished rattan. After dusting it with the handheld vacuum cleaner, use a sponge moistened with a little warm, soapy water. In two liters of warm water, add two teaspoons of liquid soap or powdered soap, then mix everything until you obtain a homogeneous, frothy solution. You can replace the sponge with a soft-bristled brush.
After cleaning your furniture or decorative object with this solution, rinse it using cold plain water and a sponge.
Then, apply a solution composed of:
- Half a liter of water;
- Two tablespoons of linseed oil;
- And one spoon of turpentine.
Clean lightly, rinse, and let the furniture air dry. Avoid exposing it to the sun, as this could cause its fibers to burst.
These cleaning tips can also be applied to rattan with mold stains that have turned black.
...Then restore shine to your varnished rattan!
Over time, varnished rattan furniture or decorative objects tend to dull. To restore their shine and clean varnished rattan, use a sponge, hydrogen peroxide, and plain water. Soak the sponge in hydrogen peroxide and clean your rattan. Then, rinse and air dry it.
Sometimes, the lack of shine is due to the creaking of the rattan fibers. When your rattan furniture or decorative object creaks, it means that the fibers are becoming drier. To remedy this problem, apply half a glass of paraffin oil to the forks with a paintbrush and let it dry.
After a year, you can reapply a layer of clear varnish to your rattan to give it even more shine. It will then be like new!
Caution: if you are advised to use baking soda, please note that it is not suitable for varnished rattan furniture. However, other products such as soda crystals can be used to clean varnished rattan furniture, but in very small quantities.
Finally, rattan furniture and decorative objects are pleasant to look at when regularly cleaned and maintained. Now you know what to do to extend the life of your varnished rattan. For any custom furniture needs, discover our wide range of unique rattan models or contact our Maison Louis Drucker experts directly!
Cleaning natural rattan furniture
If you have natural rattan furniture, it's important to avoid using too much water when cleaning it. Too much moisture can cause the rattan to warp or even rot over time. If you have really wet your furniture by cleaning it, it is important to let it dry perfectly before storing it. Dry it in the open air and possibly in the sun. You can also use a soft bristle brush or a clean cloth to wipe down the furniture.
If you need to remove dirt or stains, use a damp cloth with warm water and a mild soap solution. Be sure to wring out the cloth well before using it on the furniture to avoid saturating the rattan with too much water.
After you've cleaned the furniture, let it air dry completely before using it again. Never use a heater or other heat source to speed up the drying process, as this can cause the rattan to crack or split. When your furniture is clean and dry it is useless to coat it with oil or any wax. Rattan furniture patinates but does not lose its shine.
Cleaning outdoor rattan furniture
Outdoor rattan furniture is exposed to more wear and tear than indoor furniture, so it's important to clean it regularly to prevent mold and mildew from growing on the surface. To clean outdoor rattan furniture, start by using a soft-bristled brush or a cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface.
Then, mix a solution of hot water and a few drops of liquid soap like dish soap. Never use bleach, rattan will be discolored and fibers will be altered. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and use it to gently scrub the furniture.
After you've finished scrubbing the furniture, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess moisture. Allow the furniture to dry completely in the sun or in a well-ventilated area.
Preventing mold and mildew on rattan furniture
Mold and mildew can be a serious problem for rattan furniture, especially if it's stored in a damp or humid area. To prevent mold and mildew from growing on your furniture, make sure to store it in a dry, well-ventilated area. If you live in a humid climate, consider using a dehumidifier to help control the moisture level in the room.
In addition to regular cleaning, there are a few other steps you can take to prevent mold and mildew from growing on your rattan furniture. Rattan furniture supports well the sun but less well the humidity. You can leave it in full sun on a terrace, but it is better not to leave the rattan furniture on a damp grass.
Other ideas to keep your rattan furniture clean
Outdoor furniture covers
We can suggest that you cover your furniture to protect it from the rain or the sun. That's not necessarily a good idea. Rattan furniture loves the air and the sun. In the bad season it should be stored dry and in a dry and airy room. Outside, you don't have to run when the rain is coming to put them away. Make sure they can quickly dry in the air or sun and that they won't stay in the rain for days and days.
