At Chimes Home and Garden, we offer a wide range of rattan patio furniture for your home in Essex. Rattan furniture is made from the plant of the same name, which delivers warmth and comfort. What’s more, it is woven from a thick material, ensuring extra durability against tough conditions. Rattan is a popular choice for homeowners because it is cost effective and affordable for customers on a budget. It is also easy to clean, prolonging its longevity. Because Rattan is a beautiful material., it is essential that you will need to care for it over time. Here at Chimes, we are experts on rattan furniture, so in this article, we will give you a few tips and pointers to help you look after your furniture for longer.

Use A Furniture Cover 

Rattan furniture is durable against toughened weather conditions, so it is important to take regular care of it. The first thing you want to consider is how long it will last. Rattan garden furniture has a maximum lifespan of 20 years outdoors. It has a strong cUV coat, which ensures it deflects the sun's rays. And, what’s more, it is made from durable aluminium that has great thermal efficiency purposes. It is easy to clean, so just wipe it with a cloth and soapy water. 

One way of protecting your rattan furniture is to use a furniture cover which will protect it against the worst conditions. As well as keeping the rain away, and reducing dampness, it is perfect for the winter months. 

Move Your Furniture Properly 

Rattan is a popular choice of garden furniture because it is strong, sturdy, and durable. This will give it a long lifespan, but it is important to be careful when moving the pieces. Rattan can still be damaged easily, as one hole in the woven material can cause serious issues. 

With this in mind, it is important to pick the frames up by the panels instead of the material. This will make your life easier over time.

Use Cushions or Pillows 

If you want to make your Rattan furniture comfortable, add some cushions and pillows. Cushions are designed to extend the life of the furniture, spreading the pressure out evenly. This puts less stress on the material, creating a durable finish over time. Make sure your furniture will last for many years to come. 

Clean Up Any Spills Immediately 

With the rattan furniture being outside for a long time, it is susceptible to spills and stains. If you notice any coffee or wine spills, clean them up immediately. If you do this regularly, the furniture will last for many years. It is important to keep it in pristine condition. To do this, wipe it with a damp cloth and soapy water.

Repairing and Restoring Rattan Furniture 

Despite its popularity, rattan furniture can become dry and split over time. Apply boiled linseed oil once a year to maintain its design, THis works by using a large paintbrush and applying plenty of oil. Then, wipe it with a soft rag. If you make this a regular habit, it will last for many years. 

Refinish Rattan 

Another method you can use is to refinish rattan. This is done by cleaning it and let it dry. Place it in a liquid sander and use two thin coats, so it dries easier. If you are using a different colour, you will have to apply more coats to create the desired effect. 

With this in mind, you can also paint your garden en furniture. After sanding it,  apply a primer and add 2-3 coats of paint. Give it plenty of time to dry between coats, as you don’t want to sit on a wet chair! 

Conclusion 

This article has helped explain how to look after rattan furniture that has decayed over time. It has talked about methods such as using a handheld vacuum to wipe away the dust and debris, while you can also use a bowl of warm and soapy water. This ensures your furniture will look immaculate. 

If you want to look at our rattan furniture, visit our online shop. Here, we have many products to find the right designs for your needs. 

Or, alternatively, fill out our online contact form and our friendly team will be on hand to assist you with any queries you have. We look forward to working with you soon on your home improvement project.