How to Care for Rattan Dining Chairs So They Look New for Years

To keep rattan dining chairs looking new for years, dust them weekly with a soft brush, wipe them occasionally with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, dry them thoroughly, and keep them out of harsh direct sunlight and away from radiators. Rattan is a natural material that dislikes extremes, so steady conditions and gentle cleaning matter far more than any special product. A little attention every week prevents most of the problems people run into, such as brittleness, fraying or mould.

Rattan chairs bring texture and a relaxed, natural feel to a dining room. They are also lighter than most timber chairs and surprisingly strong. With the right routine, they age gracefully, taking on a warm, honey coloured tone over time. Here is how to look after them properly.

Know What Your Chair Is Made Of

Before you clean anything, check whether your chair is natural rattan or a synthetic alternative. The care is quite different.

Natural rattan

Natural rattan comes from a climbing palm. The stems are steamed and bent into shape for frames, while the outer skin, or cane, is often used for weaving. It is flexible, strong and lightweight, but it reacts to moisture and heat. Natural rattan is designed for indoor use.

Synthetic rattan

Synthetic rattan, sometimes called PE rattan or resin weave, is a plastic material woven to look like the natural version. It is used mainly for outdoor furniture because it resists rain and sunlight. It can be cleaned more freely with water and is far less sensitive than natural rattan. If you have outdoor chairs, such as those in our modern garden dining sets UK, they are likely to be synthetic and need a different routine.

If you are unsure, look at the ends of the strands. Natural rattan has a fibrous, slightly irregular texture. Synthetic weave looks more uniform and feels smoother.

Weekly Care: Dusting

Dust settles into the gaps of the weave and, over time, can dull the finish and make the chair look tired. A quick weekly clean stops it building up.

• Use a soft bristled brush, such as a clean paintbrush or a soft toothbrush, to sweep dust out of the weave.
• Follow up with a vacuum cleaner on low suction using the brush attachment.
• Pay attention to the joints and wrapped areas where crumbs collect after meals.

This takes a couple of minutes per chair and makes a noticeable difference to how the rattan looks over the years.

Occasional Deeper Cleaning

Every month or two, or after a spill, give the chairs a gentle wash.

1. Mix a few drops of mild washing up liquid into a bowl of warm water.
2. Dip a soft cloth into the water and wring it out until it is only just damp.
3. Wipe the rattan in the direction of the weave, working in small sections.
4. Use a soft toothbrush dipped in the solution for stubborn marks in the weave.
5. Wipe again with a cloth dampened in clean water to remove any soap.
6. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel, then leave the chair to air dry in a well ventilated room.

The important thing is not to soak natural rattan. Too much water can soften the fibres, cause swelling and lead to warping or mould. Always let the chair dry completely before anyone sits on it, as damp rattan can stretch and sag under weight.

Dealing With Common Problems

Food and drink spills

Blot spills immediately with a dry cloth. For sticky residue, use the mild soap method above. Avoid harsh cleaners, bleach or ammonia, which can strip the natural finish and discolour the fibres.

Mould or mildew

Mould can appear if rattan is stored in a damp room or has been left wet. Take the chair outside or into a well ventilated space, brush off what you can, then wipe with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Dry it thoroughly in a warm, airy room, but not directly beside a heater.

Dryness and brittleness

Rattan that is kept in a very dry, warm environment can become brittle and start to crack. A light wipe with a barely damp cloth now and then helps. Some people apply a thin coat of furniture wax or a little boiled linseed oil once a year to nourish the surface. Test any product on a hidden area first.

Sagging seats

Woven seats can stretch slightly with regular use. For cane seats, a common approach is to dampen the underside lightly and leave it to dry naturally, which can help the fibres tighten again. Only try this on natural cane, and do it sparingly.

Loose or broken strands

If a strand comes loose, glue it back in place with a small amount of wood glue and hold it with a clip or masking tape until it sets. Trim any frayed ends carefully with sharp scissors. For larger breaks, a furniture restorer who works with cane can repair the weave.

Where to Place Rattan Chairs

Placement has a big effect on how long rattan lasts.

• Avoid direct heat: Keep chairs away from radiators, stoves and underfloor heating vents, which dry the fibres out.
• Limit strong sunlight: South facing windows and conservatories can fade and dry rattan. Sheer curtains or blinds help protect it.
• Watch the humidity: Very damp rooms encourage mould. Ventilate kitchens well while cooking and consider a dehumidifier in a damp conservatory.
• Protect floors and legs: Felt pads under the legs stop the ends from fraying and protect hard floors.

Cushions and Seat Pads

Seat pads make rattan chairs more comfortable and protect the woven seat from everyday wear. Choose pads with ties so they stay in place, and pick a washable cover in a fabric that suits your scheme. Remove and wash the covers regularly, and let the rattan beneath air out from time to time so moisture does not collect under the pad.

Styling Rattan in a Dining Room

Rattan works in more settings than people often expect. It suits coastal, Scandi, bohemian and modern country interiors, and it can soften a very contemporary room.

Pair rattan chairs with a timber table for a warm, natural look. Our modern wooden dining tables UK in light oak or mango tones sit well alongside natural rattan. For contrast, try rattan with a white marble or glass top, which keeps the look fresh. A bench on one side of the table can balance the texture; our dining benches UK sale include plain upholstered and timber designs that let the rattan chairs stand out.

Keep other textures simple. Linen table runners, stoneware and green plants suit rattan without overcrowding it.

Rattan Chairs in Family Homes

Rattan is lighter than most dining chairs, which makes it easy for children to pull out and push back. That is a real advantage, but it also means rattan chairs can be tipped more easily if someone leans back on two legs. Encourage everyone to keep all four legs on the floor, particularly on smooth surfaces.

Sticky fingers and crumbs are the most common challenge. A quick brush after meals, rather than waiting for the weekly clean, stops food working its way into the weave. Removable seat pads with washable covers are especially useful in family homes because they take most of the everyday mess.

Pets can also be hard on rattan. Cats may see the woven texture as a scratching surface, and dogs can chew protruding ends. If this is a concern, a scratching post nearby and a quick check for loose strands help protect the chairs before small problems become larger repairs.

Seasonal Checks

A quick check at the change of seasons helps catch small issues before they grow.

• In spring, give each chair a deeper clean and check for dryness after the heating season.
• In summer, watch for sun exposure and move chairs if they sit in strong light for hours.
• In autumn, check for any damp or mould as windows start to stay closed.
• In winter, keep chairs a sensible distance from radiators and log burners.

A Material Worth Looking After

Rattan rewards a small amount of care with years of good looks and a finish that improves with age. Dust it regularly, clean it gently, keep it away from extremes and fix small issues early.

At Furniture in Fashion, we offer natural and woven chairs alongside our full range of modern dining chairs UK, so you can find a style that suits your home and your routine.

Rattan Care FAQs

Can I use water to clean rattan dining chairs?

Yes, but only a small amount. Use a barely damp cloth with mild soap and dry the chair thoroughly afterwards. Never soak natural rattan.

How do I stop rattan from cracking?

Keep it away from direct heat and strong sunlight, and wipe it occasionally with a slightly damp cloth to prevent the fibres drying out.

Can natural rattan chairs be used outdoors?

Natural rattan is best kept indoors. For gardens and patios, synthetic rattan is designed to cope with rain and sunlight.

How do I remove mould from rattan?

Brush off loose mould outdoors, wipe with a mix of white vinegar and water, then dry the chair thoroughly in a warm, well ventilated room.

Should I varnish rattan chairs?

Most rattan chairs already have a protective finish. If yours looks dull, a light coat of furniture wax is usually enough. Test any product on a hidden area first.