Why Rattan Furniture So Popular – and How to Look After It

rattan furniture
Rattan furniture is a popular choice for many homes. It's warm, it's comfortable and it looks great – what's not to love? But rattan is also very sensitive to changes in the environment, and needs to be cared for in just the right way if it's going to last you a lifetime. So we've put together our top tips on how best look after your rattan furniture and keep it looking as good as new.

Humble Beginnings

Rattan is a tropical plant that grows in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. It can be used to make furniture and other products like baskets, hats or walking sticks. Rattan is tough but flexible so it makes great furniture material. Because it's strong enough to hold up but still bends under pressure.

An old Indonesian craft called "cabang-cabang" has been dying out for years now, because people don't want to learn how to make these beautiful pieces of art anymore - they'd rather buy them from shops instead! The tradition used rattan as its main material because of its strength (which means less work needed), cost-effectiveness (it grows naturally so there are no extra costs involved), availability (you can get your hands on some just by going outside) and beauty (there are many different types).

Why Rattan?

  • Rattan is a strong, durable and lightweight material.
  • Rattan is made from the stems of palm trees, which are harvested after they've fallen naturally. This means that rattan furniture can be used again and again without harming the environment or wildlife.
  • Because it's easy to clean and maintain, rattan works well in homes with kids or pets (or both). It also looks great indoors or out!

The Process Behind Rattan Furniture

Rattan furniture is made from the rod-like stems of the rattan plant, which grows in Southeast Asia. Rattan chairs, tables and sofas are often handcrafted using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.

The process involved in making rattan furniture involves stripping away layers of bark until you reach a section with a natural curve that's suitable for weaving into shape. The stems are then dried out before being woven together with other pieces to create your desired piece of furniture.
green rattan chairs

How to Look After Your Rattan Furniture (the Right Way)

  • Clean it regularly with a damp cloth.
  • Don't use abrasive cleaners or hard brushes, as these can damage the rattan and leave marks on the surface of your furniture.
  • Don't leave it in direct sunlight or in a hot place, as this will cause the rattan to fade over time.
  • Don't store it in an area where there is a lot of moisture (e.g., near a pool), because this can cause mold growth on your furniture's frame and cushions; if you have to store them away for some reason though, make sure they are completely dry before doing so!

How Long Does Rattan Furniture Last?

Rattan furniture is sturdy and durable. It's made from natural materials, so it can last for many years without any problems.
Rattan furniture may be more expensive than other types of furniture, but it's worth the investment because you won't need to replace it anytime soon!

How to Clean a Rattan Chair?

Cleaning a rattan chair isn't much different from cleaning any other piece of furniture. You can use a soft cloth and warm water, or you can use a mild soap if you want to do it more thoroughly. If there's any dirt stuck on the surface, try using an abrasive sponge or brush to remove it (like this one). You should only need to clean your rattan furniture once every few months--if not less often than that!

Tips for Keeping Your Rattan Furniture Looking as Good as New

  • Use a damp cloth to clean your rattan furniture.
  • Wipe down the furniture with a soft cloth and warm water, then wipe it dry with another soft cloth. This will remove any dirt or dust that may have accumulated on the surface of your rattan pieces.
  • Use a mild detergent if necessary, but only if you have no choice--don't use soap! Soap can leave behind an oily residue that will make future cleaning more difficult (and cause mold growth).
  • If there are stains on your rattan pieces, try using lemon juice mixed with 1 cup of water as a natural cleaning solution; this will help lift out stubborn stains from wood surfaces without leaving behind any harmful chemicals in their place.* Drip dry the furniture after washing it -- don't place wet rags back onto wood surfaces, because they could cause warping over time.

Rattan furniture is a fantastic choice for your home. It's stylish, durable and easy to look after, so it can last you a lifetime. But if you want your rattan chairs and tables to stay looking great for as long as possible then we recommend following our tips above!

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