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 special characteristics such as durability, light weight, and flexibility, which is why it can easily be transformed into practical everyday objects such as walking cane, basket, and furniture. Besides wood furniture, rattan furniture can add a more 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:
1. Regularly clean the surface
Since furniture made from rattan has many crevices, cleaning it can be a tricky task. Use mild detergent diluted in water. Lightly wet a soft cloth with the solution and wipe away dirt or stains. Remember 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.
2. Place the furniture indoor
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 inside your house and not under direct sunlight. Also make sure you keep the balance of the humidity of your home. Low humidity makes the material dry and brittle, while extreme moisture provides the ideal environment for mould to grow.
3. Do annual major cleaning
At least once a 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 quick as possible using hairdryer 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.