How to Clean Rattan Dining Chairs

April 2, 2023 0

Introduction:

Rattan dining chairs are seats made of natural materials. The original would be made from actual rattan, a lightweight but sturdy material that comes from the center of certain types of palm trees called “rattan palms.” This is most commonly found in Asia, including Indonesia. Rattan dining chairs are ubiquitous in places that offer outdoor seating, like restaurants and cafes.

Depending on where you live or eat regularly, many such styles may be available to you. More modern forms include any chair with a wicker seat rather than true rattan and steel base designs. Nowadays, there are even plastic resin composites for those who want lighter chairs or dislike the rustic look. In this article, I will discuss how to clean rattan dining chairs. So let us get started.

A Detailed Stepwise Guide on How to Clean Rattan Dining Chairs:

The first step you need to do is gather all the tools and materials you will need. The most important of these is your time. Cleaning rattan chairs takes some time, depending on the size of the chair, but if you are patient, you’ll reap the rewards. It’s also great fun!

Preparation:

Cats can pick up ticks, fleas, and other parasites while lounging outside; it’s in your best interest to keep them off your patio furniture, so you don’t accidentally transfer these unwanted pests into your home.

Then look around for items lying around at ground level that shouldn’t be there, e.g., paperclips, pens, etc. These can be swept up and put into a garbage bag before beginning the next step.

Step 1:

Sweep up all debris that you see on the floor around your chair(s) and place them in a garbage bag.

Step 2:

Next, it’s time to check under chairs for any objects that may have been missed when you were collecting items from ground level.

Step 3:

Clean off any dust on surfaces with a soft cloth or an anti-static duster to avoid getting any of this dust onto what will soon become a very wet surface. Also, clear away anything on these surfaces that doesn’t belong there, such as books, documents, etc., especially if they are lying loose since water can cause damage to these objects.

Step 4:

Fill a large bucket or container to fit an entire chair with warm water and add some soap (about 20ml). Ensure the water is hot enough so that when you put your hand in it, it’s not too cold but also not so hot as to burn yourself.

Soap is not essential at this stage, but if you decide to use it, pick one that is both gentle and kind to the environment not to pollute the waterways. This will be the first rinse of your chairs.

Place a towel at the bottom of the bucket before putting each chair into the water as there might be sharp edges that could puncture holes into your cloth towel. Also, do not let any part of a chair with a wooden base touch any part of the bucket as this might cause discoloration or damage to the surface.

Step 5:

After placing your chair into your bucket, move it around in a circular motion for a few minutes until all surfaces are covered by the water and soap mixture that was already there from step 4. This will ensure that no dust remains on the chair after rinsing since all parts of it should now be wet through.

Step 6:

Next, take each chair out one by one and place them under running water from where you are standing (the faucet) to rinse off what was left behind from the last step. Make sure to keep rinsing until everything has come off because many times, the visible grime on a chair’s surface will be nothing compared to what is still there.

Step 7:

After you are satisfied that all dust, dirt, and soap residue has been removed from your rattan chairs, place them back in the same bucket they were in last time but this time with clear water (about 500ml) without any soap or other cleaning agents included.

Again move each chair around for a few minutes, making sure that all surfaces of each chair are fully submerged. This stage will ensure that every part of the chair receives a rinse before moving on to allow it to dry off more efficiently later.

Step 8:

Next, empty your bucket containing dirty soapy water, rinse it clean, and fill it with fresh water again. Place your chairs back into this bucket one more time and swish them around for a few minutes, making sure that every surface of the chair is again fully submerged in water.

Depending on your personal preference, you may like to use cold water or room temperature water at this stage. However, avoid hot water as it will dry out rattan very quickly, causing cracks, etc., weakening its durability. Remove once more and allow the final rinse to drip off before moving on to the next step.

Step 9:

Wipe each chair dry with an absorbent cloth or towel until you see all surfaces are completely free of moisture so they can begin drying off more effectively. If you do not wipe each chair down enough, it might leave behind some streaks or smudges since your rattan might still be damp. Ensure you get to the back of each chair because it will also be necessary to dry.

Leaving any excess moisture behind on a chair’s surface can make marks after drying, which are difficult to remove.

Step 10:

Finally, place each chair out of reach of direct sunlight and heat sources (e.g., fireplaces, radiators) until dry to prevent discoloration or damage that could come with exposure to high temperatures or prolonged periods of light.

This process usually takes 4-8 hours, depending on the surrounding conditions (temperature, humidity). Still, it can take longer if there is rain outside, for example, preventing them from drying too quickly before they start cracking or splitting, even though these chairs are designed to be fairly durable.

Step 11:

When each chair has dried off completely it is ready for reassembly and use. Good luck with your rattan chair cleaning! You now know how to clean rattan dining chairs well enough that you can repeat this process as often as needed if any dirt or grime manages to accumulate on your chairs after use,

even though they should not need frequent cleanings since one should keep them well-maintained through the right kind of care, which is why one might like to consider using protective sprays (e.g., fabric protectors) whenever possible overtime to make sure they last very long without showing too much wear and tear.

Some Helpful Tips When Cleaning Rattan Dining Chairs

Start by dusting off the chair with a soft-bristled brush or a cloth. This will help remove any loose dirt, crumbs or debris.
Mix a small amount of mild detergent or vinegar with water. Dip a cloth into the mixture and wring it out.
Use a damp cloth to wipe down the rattan, being careful not to oversaturate the material. Wipe in the direction of the weave to avoid breaking the fibers.
Quickly rinse the cloth with clean water and wring it out. Use the damp cloth to rinse the rattan chair, wiping it down to remove any soap or vinegar residues.
Dry the chair thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth. If necessary, allow the chair to air dry in a well-ventilated area, but avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.
Treat the rattan dining chairs with furniture polish or wax to protect them from scratches and damage. Repeat this process periodically to help preserve the beauty and longevity of the natural rattan material.

Remember to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools that can damage the rattan. With proper care and maintenance, your rattan dining chairs can look their best for years to come.

Frequently Asked Question

Is It Ok for Rattan Furniture to Get Wet?

Yes, rattan furniture can be wet. However, it is important to take proper precautions to protect the furniture from water damage. When it comes to keeping rattan furniture dry, you should:

1. Make sure that the furniture is placed in a well-ventilated area.

2. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the furniture.

3. Do not place the furniture in direct sunlight or near a heat source.

4. Clean the furniture regularly with a mild soap and water solution to remove dust and dirt buildup.

Are Rattan Chairs Easy to Clean?

Yes, Rattan Chairs are easy to clean. All you need is a bucket of hot water and some soap. Simply fill the bucket with hot water and add enough soap to cover the chair. Soak the chair for about 10 minutes, then scrub it with a brush. Finally, rinse it off with cold water.

Can Rattan Chairs Be Left Outside?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the climate and type of rattan chair. In general, most experts recommend that rattan chairs should not be left outside in direct sunlight or rain because this can cause them to deteriorate quickly.

Conclusion:

I hope this article has been beneficial for learning how to clean rattan dining chairs. Ensure all the precautions while performing the process. Thank you and have a nice day!

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