Rising temperatures, longer days and more sunshine indicate that summer is just around the corner. After a harsh winter, you may be ready to get your rattan garden corner sofa set ready for a fun season of outdoor entertaining. After all, experiencing harsh weather and not storing them well can make them look dirty, tired and less appealing. Dust and dirt can remain in the crevices of the rattan, grease and mildew can accumulate on the cushions, and crumbs can get trapped in the grooves and show water spots on the table. And cleaning them well is the most important step in getting ready for outdoor entertaining.
Especially when the warm weather finally returns and you plan to start lounging, grilling or entertaining outdoors in your backyard, you'll be glad you did. So don't wait for dirt to build up and bacteria to multiply in your furniture before you start cleaning, regular cleaning is important to maintain its longevity and functionality. However, using the wrong cleaning products or techniques during the cleaning process can damage your rattan garden sofa. Follow these guidelines to get the job done quickly and correctly.
Do not use harsh cleaners
Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaners on rattan sofa. Chlorine and bleach may remove stains, but they will eat away at the surface of your sofa in the process. Abrasive cleaners are also problematic because they can scratch and dull the surface of your furniture, leaving unsightly marks and causing more problems. You should use a mild, natural detergent or wash. Of course, the most common cleaner for cleaning rattan furniture you can make yourself by mixing a little baking soda-about half a cup to a gallon of water-into a soap solution and using it to scrub any stains. When wiping down rattan, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe it clean. If you want extra shine and protection, you can treat a clean, dry synthetic rattan garden sofa with a plastic restorer and protector. However, make sure that any protectant or wax you use does not build up in the weave.
Do not pressure wash
A pressure washer may be a good idea for all kinds of cleaning. It can easily remove heavy dirt and debris. However, using a pressure washer to clean rattan furniture is not recommended. A pressure washer is very powerful and may be too much for a rattan surface. The woven rattan cannot withstand all the pressure and will start to deteriorate or peel off, or even crack under the pressure. If your rattan sofa garden furniture surface is painted, the pressure washer can also damage the paint and cause it to flake off. The strength of the water may also scar its surface and possibly cause warping. Instead, use the mild oil soap or soapy water and a soft brush or sponge to remove any grit or grime. In most cases, you'll only need a garden hose to rinse it off.
Do not fail to clean crevices
When cleaning rattan furniture, wiping may not be enough. Most rattan effect furniture will have many crevices, and these are great places to hide dirt. Cracks are often overlooked, so be sure to keep them clean. You will find most of the dust and dirt deep and hard to reach places when you look closely while cleaning. Also excessive and prolonged accumulation of dirt and stains becomes increasingly difficult to remove. Therefore, you can first use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and dust from your rattan effect furniture. Then a hose with a nozzle cleans these crevices. You can also use a brush. Rattan requires a toothbrush to get into the weave, it can be time-consuming. But to ease this task, clean regularly to reduce build-up.
Do not neglect cushions
Cushions look great, but they get dirty quickly. Most of your outdoor cushions are also a source of musty smell. Therefore, it is also very important to clean rattan sofa cushions. Usually, rattan sofa garden furniture use removable cushion covers because they are easy to clean. However, if the cushion covers are not removable, you can clean them by hand. You can first use the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dust or debris. Then, add a tablespoon of detergent to a bucket of warm water and scrub with a sponge. Leave for about 15 minutes, rinse with the hose and remove as much water as possible with the help of a towel. Then dry them properly in the sun.
The above are mistakes that we should avoid during the cleaning process. Cleaning your rattan sofa regularly and using the right method will ensure that your patio and garden is ready for use on any sunny day, and keep your patio and furniture in the best condition for as long as possible.
