The Only Rattan Garden Furniture Cleaning Hack You’ll Ever Need – Straight From Your Kitchen Cupboard
At The Outlet Home, we know that rattan garden furniture is one of the most stylish and sought-after choices for outdoor living. It’s lightweight, timelessly elegant, and perfect for creating that laid-back summer vibe. But when it comes to cleaning rattan garden furniture, things can get a little tricky.
While many cleaning tips suggest a damp cloth or gentle soap, these methods often fall short—especially if your rattan has been sitting out in the garden all season. Excess moisture can damage natural rattan, and store-bought cleaners may be too harsh. That’s why we’re sharing an easy, eco-friendly, and surprisingly effective cleaning tip you can do with a single ingredient from your kitchen: olive oil.
Why Olive Oil Is the Secret to Restoring Rattan Furniture
It might sound counterintuitive—cleaning with oil? But olive oil is a game-changer when it comes to maintaining your rattan pieces. Not only does it lift dirt and grime naturally, but it also conditions the fibers, helping to prevent cracking, flaking, and fading.
“Using olive oil to treat rattan is a great hack to refresh your furniture in time for summer,” say the experts at The Outlet Home.
How to Clean Rattan Garden Furniture with Olive Oil
What You’ll Need:
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Extra-virgin olive oil (any standard kitchen brand works)
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A soft microfiber or polishing cloth
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A sunny day (for drying purposes)
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Dust Off First: Wipe down your furniture with a dry cloth or soft brush to remove loose dirt and debris.
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Apply Olive Oil: Pour a small amount of olive oil onto your cloth—a little goes a long way.
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Polish Gently: Rub the oil into the rattan using circular motions. Focus on dry or faded areas.
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Let It Absorb: Allow the furniture to sit in the sun and fully absorb the oil. This also helps it to dry thoroughly before use.
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Buff It Out (optional): Once dry, use a clean cloth to gently buff the surface for a low-sheen finish.
Important Notes Before You Begin
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This method is best suited for older or natural rattan pieces that need a bit of TLC.
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Avoid over-saturating the material—you're conditioning the surface, not soaking it.
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Always test on a small, hidden section first to ensure you’re happy with the result.
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Allow enough drying time before sitting or storing the furniture.
Can You Use Olive Oil on Synthetic Rattan?
Yes, synthetic rattan (also known as polyrattan) can tolerate olive oil in small amounts, but the good news is: it rarely needs this level of care. Modern synthetic rattan is built to withstand the elements and is generally low-maintenance, often just needing a wipe with mild soapy water or a standard garden furniture cleaner.
At The Outlet Home, we recommend avoiding olive oil treatments on newer synthetic rattan furniture, especially high-quality weatherproof sets. These pieces are designed to last and typically don’t benefit from oil conditioning.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're reviving an old rattan bench or preparing your patio for summer lounging, this olive oil hack is the simplest way to bring your rattan garden furniture back to life—naturally, safely, and with zero harsh chemicals.
Looking for more outdoor living tips or stylish, durable garden furniture? Explore our full range at The Outlet Home—where comfort meets value, and every home has its perfect piece.
