How to Clean Natural Rattan Decor Items: A 2026 Guide
, by Editorial Team, 4 min reading time
How to clean natural rattan decor items: Learn how to clean rattan decor the right way, from dusting and spot cleaning to mould removal and humid-climate.
Last Updated: October 1, 2026
Step 1: Dust and Prep Your Rattan Decor
Learning how to clean natural rattan decor items starts with a dry brush, not a wet cloth. Take it outside, brush or vacuum on low along the weave, wipe with a dry cloth, and check for loose strands or cracks.
Pro Tip
Vacuum attachments beat brushes on tight, hand-woven gaps. Run the brush head along the weave direction so you lift dust instead of pushing it deeper.
Step 2: Choose the Best Tools for Cleaning Rattan
The best tools for cleaning rattan are a soft-bristled brush, a vacuum attachment, a damp cloth, and mild dish soap.
| Tool | Use It For | Avoid It If |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-bristled brush | Lifting dust from the weave | Bristles feel stiff or scratchy |
| Vacuum attachment | Deep dust in tight gaps | Suction is set too high |
| Damp cloth | Everyday wipe-downs | Cloth is dripping wet |
Watch Out
Soaking rattan is the fastest way to ruin it. Wet fibres swell, then crack as they dry, and the weave loosens for good.
Step 3: How to Remove Mould from Rattan
Learning how to remove mould from rattan comes down to speed and dryness: brush off loose mould, wipe with a cloth dampened in mild soapy water, then dry in a shaded, airy spot, never direct sunlight.
Key Takeaway
Mould removal only works if the piece fully dries afterwards. A damp rattan tray will grow mould again within days.
Step 4: Removing Stubborn Stains and Restoring Weathered Pieces
Stubborn stains need patience, not force: scrub gently with a soft brush and mild soapy water, then blot and dry.
Step 5: Eco-Friendly Cleaning and Seasonal Storage
Eco-friendly options work well: diluted white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda for odours, and plain castile soap.
Handwoven Rattan Serving Tray Set →
Pro Tip
Plastic wrap traps moisture against the weave. A cotton sheet lets air move while keeping dust off.
Step 6: Telling Indoor and Outdoor Rattan Apart
Indoor natural-fibre rattan needs gentle, dry cleaning and a stable, low-humidity spot. Outdoor pieces are often synthetic or treated, so they tolerate a damp cloth and mild wash better.
Step 7: Preventative Care for Outdoor Furniture
A monthly wipe-down, furniture oil once or twice a year, and a cover during wet spells will do more than any deep clean.
Step 8: What to Avoid When Cleaning Rattan
Skip abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, paint thinners, solvents, silicone wood polish, bleach, and soaking or hosing down.
Caring for Your Rattan Pieces
Natural rattan decor rewards a little routine: dust weekly, clean gently, dry fully, and store it well.
Rattan lasts for years when it's cleaned gently and kept dry. If you'd rather start with a piece that's already built to last, Lotus Handcrafts offers hand-woven rattan trays made from natural, sustainable materials and backed by next day delivery. Explore the full range and find something worth looking after.