Rattan garden furniture instantly gives a patio or conservatory a warm, natural feel. But what do you actually mean by rattan? Almost everything sold as a rattan lounge set or rattan garden chair is woven from plastic. Natural rattan does exist, though, and it needs a very different approach. In this guide you'll first learn how to tell which rattan you have, then how to care for each material, what to do each season and how to protect your furniture.
In short: first establish which rattan you have. Natural rattan belongs indoors or in a well-covered spot, should get as little water as possible and an occasional thin layer of oil or wax. Plastic wicker, which is often also called rattan, is cleaned with a mild soapy solution and a soft brush and can stay outside under a breathable cover. Use the seasonal table as a memory aid.
First: which rattan do you have?
Rattan is a natural material: the stems of a climbing palm. Plastic wicker is weaving strand made of plastic, often polyethylene (PE), wrapped around a frame of aluminium or steel. Because plastic wicker is designed to look like rattan, shops often call it rattan, plastic rattan or polyrattan too. Sometimes "natural rattan" even appears in the product name at an online shop, while the manufacturer describes the piece as plastic flat wicker on a steel frame. So don't look at the name, look at the specifications.
| Feature | Natural rattan | Plastic wicker |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Often rattan itself | Aluminium or steel |
| Strands | Each one slightly different | Even in colour and thickness |
| Where to leave it | Indoors or under cover | Outdoors too |
| Cleaning | Wrung-out cloth | Soapy solution, soft brush |
| Oil or wax | Occasionally, thinly | Never |
Still not sure? the difference between wicker and rattan explains how to read product information and why the terms get mixed up. For the natural product itself, see what is rattan. Good to know: garden furniture made from natural rattan is currently not in our range. The pages for rattan lounge sets and rattan garden chairs show plastic wicker, because that is what many people search for.
Caring for natural rattan in 5 steps
Natural rattan is light, strong and flexible, but it remains a natural product. It absorbs moisture, and too much moisture invites mould and sagging, limp seats. Strong sun and very dry, warm air dry it out, making it stiff and splintery. Good care therefore comes down to one thing: keeping the rattan in balance, neither too wet nor too dry. That starts with the location: indoors, in the conservatory or under a solid canopy, not directly in front of a south-facing window and not right next to the radiator.
You will need: a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, an old toothbrush, two soft cloths, a bucket of lukewarm water with a little mild soap and, for step 5, an oil or wax suitable for rattan or cane.
Don't have these yet? Cleaner for rattan and wicker · oil for rattan and cane on Amazon
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Brush down the weave or vacuum it with a brush attachment. Take the seams and corners with an old toothbrush. Dust that stays behind turns into mud in the weave during the next step.
Dip a cloth in lukewarm water with a mild soapy solution and wring it out well: damp, not wet. Wipe the rattan section by section. Don't use a bucket or garden hose; the rattan must not soak.
Wipe everything once more with a second cloth that is dampened with clean water only. Leftover soap becomes sticky and holds on to new dirt.
Pat the rattan dry with a dry cloth and let it dry further in an airy spot, out of harsh sun and away from radiators. Only sit on it again once it is completely dry, because damp rattan gives way more easily.
If the rattan feels dry and dull, apply a thin layer of oil or wax suitable for rattan or cane. Test first on an inconspicuous spot and wipe off excess oil after it has soaked in. This isn't a weekly job: only when the material needs it.
A limp seat?
If the seat of a natural rattan chair sags a little, this is often a sign of moisture or heavy use in one spot. Let the chair dry thoroughly in an airy place and don't sit on it while it is damp. If the weave has already dried out, become dull or splintered, it needs restoring: see restoring weathered rattan.
Caring for plastic wicker in 4 steps
Plastic wicker is made for outdoor use and needs little, but it does need something. Sand, leaves and bird droppings lodge in the weave, and after years of sun the colour can fade slightly. Here water is fine: a soapy solution and a soft brush do the job.
Take the cushions off and brush leaves, sand and dust out of the weave. During the season, do this regularly so the dirt doesn't crust on.
Work with lukewarm water, a mild soapy solution and a soft brush or sponge, following the direction of the weave. Include the visible parts of the frame and the feet.
Rinse off the soap residue with the garden hose on a gentle spray. No pressure washer: it can push the weave loose and spray water deep into the joints.
Leave the furniture to dry in an airy place and tilt chairs briefly so water runs out of the seat. Only put the cushions back and only put a cover over the furniture once the underside of the weave is also dry.
This is the short version. A full schedule with a stain chart, cushion care and a seasonal list for plastic wicker can be found in caring for wicker garden furniture.
The biggest maintenance mistake with rattan is using the wrong method for the wrong material: taking natural rattan at the garden hose, or dipping plastic wicker in oil. Know which material you have, and the rest is simple.
Care by season
Link your maintenance to the seasons and you won't forget anything, and each session stays small. This table sets both materials side by side:
| Season | Natural rattan | Plastic wicker |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Dusting, a cloth, oil or wax if needed | Thorough clean with soapy solution, check frame and feet |
| Summer | Out of harsh sun and rain, dust regularly | Brush off regularly, wipe up spills immediately |
| Autumn | Bring indoors before damp weather starts | Remove leaves, thorough clean, let dry well |
| Winter | Dry, ventilated room, not next to the radiator | Breathable cover, check after storms and snow |
For both materials, the cushions get their own treatment in spring and autumn: beat, brush and wash them according to the label. Find out how in cleaning garden cushions. If you want to get the whole garden ready for the cold in one go, see getting garden furniture winter-ready.
Keep it simple
- Natural rattan: indoors or under cover, little water, occasional oil or wax
- Plastic wicker: soapy solution, soft brush, let dry well
- Two thorough sessions a year: spring and autumn
- Store cushions dry when you're not using them
- Only put a cover over clean, dry furniture
Protecting: covers and cushions
For natural rattan, a cover outdoors is no solution: even under a cover it stays damp and cold. Indoors you can protect it from dust with an old cotton sheet, which lets air through. If it stands in a conservatory or under a canopy, position it so that wind-blown rain can't reach it. More on sitting under cover can be found in veranda or canopy.
For plastic wicker that stays outdoors, a breathable protective cover is the best protection against leaves, bird droppings and sun. A protective cover is never completely waterproof, so it's important that rainwater runs off it. The Coverit cover support goes between furniture and cover, so no water collects on the cover. The Platinum AeroCover covers are breathable and, according to the manufacturer, counteract mould formation. Measure your furniture and choose a cover that is slightly larger.
AeroCover sofa cover high back 200 x 90
View cover →
AeroCover lounge chair cover high back
View cover →
Coverit adjustable cover support
View support →Cushions for both materials should be stored dry when you won't be using them for a longer period. The Coverit cushion bag has a zip and measures 200 x 75 x 60 cm. The Primo cushion box has a capacity of 490 litres, but the specifications list it as not waterproof: place it in a sheltered spot and only store dry cushions in it. More ideas can be found in storing garden cushions.
Coverit cushion bag 200 x 75 cm
View bag →
Primo cushion box 490 litre
View box →All protective covers
View range →To find out which cover fits which piece of furniture, see covering garden furniture. Storage boxes in other sizes can be found under storage boxes.
Common mistakes
Leaving natural rattan outside over winter
Moisture, rain and cold are bad for natural rattan, even under a cover. It can go mouldy and become stiff. In autumn, move it to a dry, ventilated room.
Cleaning natural rattan with the garden hose
Soaked rattan dries slowly and becomes limp. Work with a well-wrung cloth and then let it dry slowly.
Putting plastic wicker in oil
Plastic doesn't absorb oil. You end up with a sticky film that actually holds dust and dirt. For plastic wicker, clean and dry is the best care.
Using a pressure washer on it
A bad idea for either material. The hard jet can push strands loose and force water deep into joints and the frame.
Putting a cover over damp furniture
Under a cover, moisture dries very slowly. The result in spring: black spots and green residue. Let everything dry completely first.
Bleach, chlorine or abrasive cleaners
Harsh products can dry out natural rattan and make plastic fade. Always start with the mildest option: lukewarm water with a mild soapy solution.
Maintenance, restoration or repair?
If you notice any of these signs, you need more than a soapy solution:
| What you see | What's needed | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Some dust and dirt | Regular maintenance | This guide |
| Dull, grey or green-stained | Restoration | Restoring rattan |
| Loose or broken strand | Repair | Broken wicker |
| Stiff, brittle, hairline cracks | Repair or replace | Broken wicker |
Plastic wicker from our range
Natural rattan is currently not in our range. If you're after a rattan look that can stay outside, you'll end up with plastic wicker. Below are four available examples with what the manufacturer itself recommends. You can see the current prices on the cards.
Veracruz lounge chair with footstool
The Veracruz has an aluminium frame with protective powder coating and half-round wicker in the colour vintage willow. The backrest is infinitely adjustable and the footstool in the same wicker is included. The manufacturer advises cleaning the frame and wicker regularly with a mild soapy solution, protecting the cushions with a textile protector and storing them dry in bad weather.
Veracruz lounge chair with footstool
Menorca lounge armchair
The Menorca has a lightweight aluminium frame around which L-shape wicker is woven by hand. The cushions have a PU coating, making them dirt- and water-repellent: after a brief shower, you simply shake the water off. The armchair measures 91 x 86 cm. The manufacturer's advice: wipe the frame regularly with a mild soapy solution and store the cushions dry in bad weather.
Menorca lounge armchair cloudy grey
Tennessee 3-seater sofa
The Tennessee is a 225 cm long sofa for 3 people, with an aluminium frame, half-round wicker in vintage willow and anthracite cushions from Texfiber. The specifications list it as all weather. The manufacturer advises wiping the frame with a mild soapy solution and a soft cloth, rinsing with clean water, letting it dry thoroughly and storing the sofa dry during prolonged bad weather or in winter, preferably with a protective cover.
Tennessee 3-seater sofa vintage willow
Margriet dining garden chair
The Margriet is a good example of the naming confusion: the product name at an online shop says natural rattan, while the manufacturer describes the seat and backrest as plastic flat wicker in medium brown. The frame is steel with an e-coating. The chair measures 69.5 x 59 x 91 cm and has a seat height of 45 cm. According to the manufacturer, you clean the wicker regularly with lukewarm water and a mild soapy solution, and store the cushions dry when you're not using them.
Margriet dining garden chair carbon black
Also see all wicker lounge sets, wicker garden chairs and wicker garden furniture. If you want to know which other materials can stay outside, read which garden furniture is weather-resistant. Not sure yet what furniture you're looking for? The selection tool will help you on your way in a few questions.
Checklist: caring for rattan
Tick off what you've done this season:
- Established whether you have natural rattan or plastic wicker
- Placed natural rattan in a dry spot indoors or well under cover
- Dusted natural rattan and wiped it with a wrung-out cloth
- Scrubbed plastic wicker with a mild soapy solution and a soft brush
- Let everything dry completely before the cushions or cover went back on
- Applied a thin layer of oil or wax to natural rattan where needed
- Stored cushions dry indoors, in a cushion bag or cushion box
- Covered plastic wicker outside the season with a breathable protective cover
Frequently asked questions
How do you care for rattan garden furniture?
It depends on the material. Natural rattan should be dusted and wiped with a well-wrung cloth and a mild soapy solution. Then let it dry in a airy spot out of strong sun, and every now and then apply a thin coat of oil or wax suitable for rattan. Synthetic wicker, which is often also called rattan, should be cleaned with lukewarm water, a mild soap and a soft brush. Then rinse it and let it dry.
How can I tell whether my rattan furniture is natural rattan or synthetic?
Check the product information for the material of the weave and the frame. If it says wicker or synthetic with an aluminium or steel frame, you have synthetic wicker. Natural rattan feels drier, each strand is slightly different, and the frame is often rattan too. You can read more identifying features in our article on the difference between wicker and rattan.
Can rattan stay outdoors?
Natural rattan should not: it absorbs moisture, can grow mould and dries out in strong sun. Keep it indoors, in a conservatory or in a well-covered spot. Synthetic wicker on an aluminium frame can stay outdoors, ideally under a breathable cover outside the season. Store the cushions somewhere dry.
Should you oil rattan?
Only natural rattan, and in moderation: a thin coat of oil or wax suitable for rattan or cane, when the material feels dry and dull. Test it first on an inconspicuous spot and wipe off any excess oil. Synthetic wicker does not absorb oil; it just stays on as a sticky film that holds dirt.
Can you clean rattan with water?
Synthetic wicker, yes: lukewarm water, a mild soap and a garden hose on a gentle spray are fine. Natural rattan should get as little water as possible: use a well-wrung cloth rather than a bucket or the garden hose, and let it dry thoroughly afterwards. A pressure washer is not recommended for either material.
How often should you care for rattan garden furniture?
Remove dust and dirt regularly during the season so it does not settle in the weave. Give it a thorough clean in spring and in autumn. For natural rattan, also apply a thin coat of oil or wax now and then when it feels dry. That way, each session stays a small job.
