Rattan is a popular material used for making garden furniture. Not only is rattan durable and lightweight, but it’s elegant and stylish too. As the summer approaches, no doubt you’ll want to give your rattan garden furniture a clean before use.
Quality synthetic rattan will only require cleaning once or twice annually. To help keep your rattan garden furniture as good as new and prevent any damage, we’ve put together some do’s and don’ts.
Find out more about the different materials used for garden furniture
Tips for cleaning rattan garden furniture
Rattan is a popular material for garden furniture due to its durable and weather-resistant properties. Able to withstand the typical British weather, rattan furniture also doesn’t stain very easily. If properly looked after, synthetic rattan can last up to 20 years!
But despite being resilient, rattan requires cleaning just the same as any other material. If your rattan furniture has been in storage over the Winter, now’s a good time to give its annual recommended clean.
If you’ve left your rattan garden furniture outside, it will have collected a mass of unpleasant dirt. By properly cleaning and maintaining rattan, you can make your garden furniture last much longer and keep its appealing look.
To properly clean your rattan garden furniture, you’ll need:
- A soft brush or cloth
- An old toothbrush
- A vacuum cleaner with a soft head attachment
- Washing up liquid
- Bucket and warm water
- Washing up liquid
- Garden hose
To keep your rattan garden furniture in tip-top condition, here are some cleaning tips:
Remove dirt and debris
The first thing you should do when cleaning your rattan garden furniture is to remove any dirt and debris present. Pay particular attention to corners and any dirt that may be stuck in hidden spots. Failing to remove all hidden dirt could lead to mould and bacteria growth, yuck!
The important thing is not to be too aggressive when removing surface-level dirt. Pick a nice spot in the garden where it doesn’t matter if you make a splash. Ideally, a patio or driveway would be the best place to clean your garden furniture.
Consider using a soft brush or cloth to remove any surface-level dirt. Using abrasive cleaning materials can cause permanent damage to the rattan material. Typically, a damp soapy cloth will do just the trick.
Use an old toothbrush
The best way to get rid of any stubborn dirt or debris stuck in between the rattan is to use an old toothbrush. Avoid using a hard toothbrush as it can spoil the beautiful finish of the material. Instead, use a medium toothbrush and a little elbow grease (but not too much!).
Get the vacuum on it
After you’ve loosened the dirt or debris, it’s time to get the vacuum cleaner on it. This will remove any lingering dirt left over which you may not have noticed.
Again, be careful not to brush your vacuum cleaner too hard over the rattan (especially if the rattan surface is painted). Slow and gentle brushes will prevent scratches while getting rid of any lingering muck. The soft brush attachment will be the best choice for going over rattan.
Cushion covers
If your rattan garden furniture comes with cushions, these will want cleaning too. Fortunately, cleaning the covers isn’t difficult as most are machine washable. Always check the label first though!
You won’t be able to put them in the dryer though. They’ll need air drying on the line. Never add the cushions back to the furniture wet. This is a perfect situation for mould. 1 to 2 days should be sufficient time for the furniture and cushions to dry.
Washing up liquid
Once you’ve removed all the dirt and debris, it’s time to get the bucket and sponges out! Add a small amount of washing-up liquid to a bucket of warm water. With a smooth sponge or cloth, it’s time to roll your sleeves up and wipe all over your garden furniture.
Make sure you thoroughly clean grubby areas that are frequently exposed to dirt. If there’s any dirt still lingering, it’s best to leave warm soapy water to soak in for a few minutes. Then, pour a small amount of cold water or a gentle garden hose setting and it’s goodbye stubborn dirt!
Leave to dry
Once you’ve finished cleaning, turn your furniture upside down and leave it to dry. It should take anywhere between a day or two before your furniture is properly dry if left in a sunny spot. Afterwards, you can put back the cushions and covers.
Treating and maintaining rattan garden furniture
Treating cracks or splits
If while cleaning you notice any cracks or splits, it’s time to take preventive measures. The best way to deal with such occurrences is to apply boiled linseed oil. Apply the oil until no more is absorbed. Wipe any excess using a clean, soft cloth and allow to dry.
Removing stains
It seems inevitable that sooner or later, someone will spill something all over your rattan garden furniture. Whether it’s wine or tomato sauce, accidents will happen! Sadly, stains can occur if the spillage isn’t wiped in time.
Do not use any cleaning solutions to try and remove the stain. This will only result in more unnecessary damage. Instead, the cleaning tips outlined above should suffice. Stubborn stains may require a little more washing-up liquid or elbow grease.
Getting rid of mould
Has mould taken hold of your rattan garden furniture over winter? If it has, fear not. All is not lost. Leaving rattan furniture out over the cold and damp winter months leaves it susceptible to mould and mildew.
To properly remove mould and mildew, you’ll need to use a diluted solution of bleach in water. Dip a soft brush into the solution and scrub. Once gone, rinse your garden furniture immediately and dry it using a smooth cloth. Otherwise, bleach residue can create permanent damage.
Use a cover
The best way to protect your rattan garden furniture when it’s not being used is with a cover. A protective cover is ideal for protecting your furniture over the winter or during bad weather. Most covers are waterproof and breathable too.
Avoid these rattan garden furniture mistakes
Placing in direct sunlight
One way to keep your rattan garden furniture looking as good as new is to consider its placement in your garden. Placing rattan furniture in direct sunlight could cause the colours to fade or even the material to weaken.
Whether your rattan is synthetic or natural, it’s recommended to not permanently keep rattan in direct sunlight. Over time, exposure to the strong UV rays from the sun can bleach colours or lead to the material wearing.
Avoid bleach
Many will be tempted to use cleaning products or scouring agents to quickly clean their rattan garden furniture. You need to take great care when using bleach-based products or scouring agents. Leaving bleach to dry on your rattan furniture can lead to cracks and other crevices forming.
This can spell bad news later on as it provides a place for dirt and debris (such as bits of food) to get stuck. That provides a perfect opportunity for mould to grow and spoil your lovely garden furniture. If you must use bleach for cleaning, you should wash it off immediately with clean water.
Never power wash
Another quick trick some will use to clean rattan furniture quickly is to get the power washer on it. This is another mistake that will only do more harm than good. Gradually, the forceful pressure will lead to the weakening and damage of the rattan material.
Following these cleaning and maintenance tips will help to keep your rattan garden furniture looking good. Taking the time and effort to properly look after rattan will ensure you continue to benefit from your garden furniture for years to come.
If you are looking for new garden furniture sets for this year to change up your outdoor space, we’ve got some exciting new sets just in. Visit our website or come and see in-store to browse our range.
