How to clean rattan outdoor furniture

Rattan garden furniture is a popular choice for UK gardens due to its stylish appearance and durability.

However, before shopping around for a rattan garden furniture range or making a purchase, it is important to consider how easy it is to keep and its suitability for outdoor use.

Cleaning and maintaining any type of outdoor material is important not only to keep it looking good but also to make sure it will last for many years when left outside.

Most of the rattan garden furniture on sale in the UK is made from synthetic materials that are designed to withstand our unpredictable weather, including rain, wind, and sun. However, anything left outside, even in summer, will get dirty.

Poly-rattan garden furniture is relatively easy to clean and maintain, requiring only an occasional brush and washing down with warm soapy water. The natural is a little more tricky.

If you neglect any type of rattan, then this is when bigger problems can quickly take hold.

Over time if dirt is left to build up, then the wicker weave on rattan garden furniture can begin to loosen, which can affect its appearance and durability.

The frame of your rattan garden furniture, often made from metal, is also important. A sturdy frame will help to ensure that your furniture lasts for many years but you need to ensure that is cared for correctly too.

Overall, rattan outdoor furniture is a great option for UK gardens. It is perfectly suited for those looking to create a functional outdoor space. It is stylish and durable. However, it is important to look after it properly.

Why keep your rattan garden furniture clean and protected 

Dirt, dust, and moisture can build up and cause damage to the woven rattan strands over time.

This can lead to your furniture looking worn, losing its elasticity, fading, and is a potential breeding ground for mould or mildew.

Regular cleaning will help keep rattan garden furniture in good condition and it will last much longer.

Keeping the furniture clean will not only help prevent the above but it will keep it inviting and ready to use too.

Dirt and grime buildup can stretch the plastic strands and dull the finish on synthetic rattans, so regular cleaning will keep it supple and maintain the look.

Natural rattans are best placed under cover or in a conservatory, to be honest. When exposed to the elements they weather quickly and are highly susceptible to mould and mildew. When dirt gets trapped in the weave it can weaken the fibres causing it to crack or fray too.

Sunny summer days in the UK can feel few and far between. We want the furniture in our outdoor area set up and ready for relaxing, eating, and socialising.

Dirty rattan garden furniture is unappealing and unsanitary, so it's best kept clean to make our outside space a comfortable place to spend quality time.

How to clean rattan furniture

Depending on whether your rattan is natural or synthetic, the cleaning process varies slightly.

Synthetic HDPE rattan garden furniture is more durable and resistant to the UK climate, while natural rattan garden furniture needs a bit more TLC, and is best not left exposed.

1. How to clean synthetic rattan garden furniture

1. Brush
   Use a soft-bristle brush or a hoover with a brush attachment if fully dry to remove loose dust, dirt, and debris. Make sure to get into the crevices of the weave where dirt tends to accumulate.

2. Wash
   Mix up a good squirt of washing-up liquid or a specialist rattan cleaner in a bucket of warm water. Avoid using any harsh chemicals that could damage the finish of the synthetic resin fibres.

3. Wipe
   Dip a soft microfibre cloth or sponge into the soapy water and gently wash the furniture. Pay attention to areas where grime or stains have built up. For the hard-to-reach areas, use a soft-bristle brush to scrub and remove any dirt between the weave.

4. Rinse
   When clean, rinse the furniture with a garden hose on a spray setting to remove any remaining soap residue. We would not recommend using a pressure washer as they are too powerful and can split the rattan fibres.

5. Dry
   Wipe the furniture down with a dry towel or leave it in the sun to air dry completely. Avoid too much direct sunlight though, as it can heat the plastic rattan strands too much causing them to warp or weaken.

6. Protect
   Once clean and dry, we would recommend that you apply a UV-protective spray that is designed for synthetic rattan garden furniture or plastic resin garden furniture sets to help shield it from sun damage and maintain its colour and strength.

2. How to clean natural wicker rattan garden furniture

1. Brush
   The process is much the same as synthetic rattan garden furniture but with a few extra precautions. Again, start by using a hoover or soft-bristle brush to remove dirt and dust. Natural rattan tends to trap more dust, so be thorough in the crevices.

2. Wash
   You can also use the same solution of washing up liquid in warm water. However, it is important to avoid soaking natural rattan garden furniture as too much water can damage the natural wood-like fibres. Hence why best used on a covered patio or in a summer room.

3. Wipe
   Dampen a soft cloth in the soapy water and wring it out well, ensuring it’s only slightly damp. Gently wipe down the furniture, paying attention to any areas with dirt or stains.

4. Scrub
   For any tough spots, use a brush with soft bristles (such as an old nail brush) to gently scrub between the woven rattan fibres. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as natural rattan is delicate and can easily fray or split.

5. Rinse
   Rinse the furniture with a clean cloth dampened with clean cold water. Again, don’t oversaturate it.

6. Dry
   Allow the furniture to air dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Direct sunlight or extreme heat can dry out and weaken natural rattan, so avoid exposing it to too much sun.

7. Condition
   To keep natural rattan flexible and to prevent it from drying out, you should apply a thin layer of boiled linseed oil or a lemon oil polish with a soft cloth. Wipe off any excess to avoid making it feel sticky.

Our final thoughts…

Keeping your rattan garden furniture clean, be it garden sofas or dining sets, is essential for preserving durability, appearance, and comfort.

With regular maintenance and a little TLC, both synthetic and natural rattans can continue to enhance your outdoor space for many years to come.

By removing dirt, preventing mould, and protecting the furniture from weather damage, you’ll keep it looking beautiful and extend its lifespan significantly.

To protect your rattan furniture from rain, wind, and extreme temperatures, we would suggest that it is covered with a breathable waterproof outdoor furniture cover when not in use. This will not only help prevent weather damage but reduce the need to clean as frequently.

If possible, store the furniture indoors or in a covered area during winter or when you’re not using it for extended periods. Rattans do not handle really high or low temperatures too well and the fibres can split.

Prevention is best, so protect it and clean it regularly, even if it doesn’t appear dirty, to prevent dirt from building up and causing damage over time.

If you have one of our garden furniture sets in your outdoor area, then we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.