Rattan furniture is popular on terraces and balconies because it also withstands moisture well. Nevertheless, they have to be cared for and cleaned from time to time so that they remain visually attractive. This article explains what this ideally looks like.

In a nutshell

  • synthetic and natural rattan furniture
  • Adapt care depending on the material chosen
  • remove dust with a vacuum cleaner or cloth
  • gentle cleaning with water and mild soap
  • care for natural wicker furniture regularly with linseed oil

Natural and synthetic rattan furniture

Natural rattan is made from plant fibers. These are pliable but will start to creak as they dry out. The wicker furniture should therefore also come into regular contact with water and oil and be cared for so that the plant fibers do not dry out. In addition, however, stains such as grease can penetrate deep into the fibers and make the furniture so unsightly. The synthetic furniture made of poly rattan, on the other hand, is less sensitive. Stains from sun cream or other greasy substances do not penetrate here, but only remain superficially on the furniture. But which of the wicker furniture is easier to care for outdoors? That's easy to answer:

  • the poly rattan is easier to care for
  • suitable for long-term use
  • also on the terrace or balcony during the cold months
  • can also stay outside during longer rainy periods
  • However, long exposure to the sun should also be avoided here
  • are simply cleaned with a mild detergent and sponge
  • whenever it is necessary
  • Any stains from use are easily removed
Synthetic rattan (left) & natural rattan (right)

remove dust

First, the dust should be removed from all grooves and cracks of the rattan. Because this usually makes the furniture look old and dirty. Both natural, synthetic and lacquered wicker furniture need regular dusting. Especially in the city air there is a lot of dust and other particles that quickly settle on the furniture outdoors:

  • dust regularly
  • at your own discretion
  • dust with a dry cloth
  • Alternatively, use a vacuum cleaner
  • when electricity is available outside
  • gets into all the grooves and cracks

Notice: Furniture made of synthetic rattan (polyrattan) in particular should be regularly dry cleaned in this way, as wet cleaning is no longer absolutely necessary.

cleaning with water

If you have natural rattan furniture on your balcony or terrace, you should also clean it with water. Because the natural rattan needs a little moisture every now and then so that it doesn't dry out and break. Wet cleaning should be done regularly every three months. This is a big difference to the more easy-care synthetic materials:

  • use warm water
  • add mild detergent
  • also add ammonium hydroxide to the water
  • just a few drops
  • wash off with a soft cloth
  • until the dirt is removed

Notice: Ammonium hydroxide is a solution also known as ammonia solution. It is intended to remove deposits on the furniture more easily. You can buy the solution in well-stocked drugstores.

Care with linseed oil

To ensure that the wicker furniture made of natural fibers remains attractive for a long time, care with linseed or linseed oil is a good idea. This is an edible oil that is also often used in the kitchen and is therefore available in supermarkets. The following must then be observed for the care of the natural rattan:

  • a liter of warm water
  • then half a glass of linseed oil
  • Add tablespoons of turpentine
  • apply the emulsion with a soft cloth
  • rub well
  • wash off with cold water
  • Cleaning and care in one

If the natural rattan furniture is left dry for too long or in direct sunlight, the plant fibers will also dry out and make a creaking noise. However, you can avoid this with the care described here and the fibers remain flexible and colourfast.

Tip: If some linseed oil drips onto your waterproof balcony flooring, remove it promptly with a damp cloth.

Avoid care mistakes

Strong sunlight is not recommended for both the natural and synthetic wicker furniture. The natural furniture dries up and becomes gray and unsightly. The synthetic furniture, on the other hand, can break in various places after a period of intense sunlight due to the long heat. If, on the other hand, it is damp for a long time, then unfortunately this does not suit the rattan furniture made of the natural material. Therefore, all wicker furniture should in no case be placed on an unprotected balcony or terrace for a long time:

  • cover in long wet weather
  • make sure there is enough air supply
  • or place indoors
  • store dry here
  • provide enough shade when it is sunny
  • large tree or parasol, sail or awning
  • broken furniture cannot be saved
  • avoid graying rattan furniture
  • mold can easily form here
  • Mouldering is also possible in the event of moisture

Tip: Natural furniture should not be exposed to long periods of rain. A short rain shower, after which it is warm and dry again afterwards, is well tolerated. However, with many rainy days, it makes more sense to protect the furniture made of natural rattan.

frequently asked Questions

Can I put my rattan furniture in full sun?

You should better protect the terrace or balcony furniture from constant direct sunlight. Because if rattan is the natural material, it quickly turns gray in the sun. To avoid this, you should ensure that there is sufficient shade at least at midday.

Which water is suitable for cleaning rattan furniture?

You can use normal tap water for cleaning. However, if this is very calcareous in the municipality in which you live, unsightly limescale stains could appear after cleaning the furniture. Therefore, always add the salmiak solution when cleaning, as it has a limescale and stain-dissolving property.

How long will my rattan furniture last on the balcony or terrace?

Natural rattan is less resistant to weather than synthetic rattan. It is therefore better to use polyrattan furniture outdoors. With good care, they can last up to ten years or more. Natural rattan furniture should ideally always be brought inside in winter to extend its lifespan.

Category:

Garden design