Dos and Don'ts of a Rattan Bed

Rattan beds have begun to take over the world of home interiors in recent times. It is a wonderful bed option to use in the bedroom as it creates a relaxed and dreamy atmosphere, making your bedroom a perfect place to retreat to after a tiring day.

Rattans are made with sustainable material that will carry on through the years, and the interior trend will always be in vogue. However, how best your rattan bed lasts depends on how well it is maintained. Hence, it would help if you had a guide that tells you the dos and don'ts of cane beds. Fortunately, this is precisely what we will be delving into. Let's start already, shall we?

Dos and Don'ts of a Rattan Bed

The bed frame is of different sizes, shapes, and styles, including rattan bed frame queen size, king size, and so on.  It is, however, essential to maintain it properly and stick to its dos and don'ts for long-lasting use. The following tips will keep your cane furniture in good shape:

1. Avoid build-up of dust

It is easy for dust to settle in wicker beds, especially after prolonged use and if left outside. In truth, it will be a bit spooky if you find no dirt on your cane bed. But by regularly wiping it down, you are sure to keep it in great shape. Proper cleaning helps avoid dirt from settling on your bed and gives it a sparkling, great look.

2. Never use a pressure washer on your rattan

You may have watched pressure-washing videos on YouTube and found them satisfying. However satisfying it may seem, avoid using this on your bed. This is because pressure washers are too strong for rattan furniture. When you apply such a high-pressure stream of water to rattan furniture, you risk breaking or cracking it. It can also cause rotting or mildew to appear everywhere on the bed.

So, rather than apply a pressure washer, use a nylon brush and a slightly damp cloth to wipe off woven parts of the bed. A rule of thumb is never to use a stiff brush on this type of furniture; if it's not soft enough to brush your teeth with, then don't use it.

3. Avoid leaving wicker beds outdoors overnight

While lying on your cane bed and under the sun may seem like a fantastic way of enjoying oneself, it is essential not to overdo it. Yes, there are many pictures online showing rattan furniture in an outdoor space. In reality, there is more to this than meets the eyes.

Natural rattan has little or no UV resistance. Hence, it will fade, crack and dry out under sunny conditions. Also, it doesn't do well under wet conditions too. It is porous and thus will soak up any dew when left under a damp environment. This, in turn, leads to rot and the growth of mildew. 

Neither of these two extremes is ideal, therefore to get the best of your rattan, leave it in the bedroom where it belongs. This applies to other rattan furniture such as chairs and tables.

4. Treat mildews and molds as soon as they are noticed

If you notice mildew or molds on your wicker furniture, it's essential to treat them immediately to prevent them from spreading and damaging your furniture. Apply a strong bleach solution to the surface of the affected areas. After this, immediately dry out the furniture outdoors.

5. Lift wicker beds rather than drag them on the floor 

Dragging your cane bed across the floor can cause the fibers to split. Therefore, always lift the furniture when moving it from one place to another. Get help as you can hardly move the bed all by yourself.

6. Avoid beds that sag

Cane beds are sturdy but flexible enough to provide comfort. However, they tend to sag over time. To prevent this, ensure you purchase a suitable mattress. This will spread weight more evenly across the surface of the bed. Also, buy beds that can carry your weight. If the bed is too light, it will sag quickly, especially when used by overweight or multiple persons.

7. Vanish and wax your wicker furniture during the winter season

Weather conditions also affect cane furniture. One way of caring for your wicker bed during the winter season is by vanishing or waxing it. This gives it an added layer of protection against the elements and prevents your bed from degrading.

There are lots of vanishes available on the market, both colored and colorless options. If you would go instead for something more natural, then beeswax is an excellent alternative.

To ensure a good coating, take the following steps:

• First, remove dirt from your furniture 
• Sand off uneven areas to remove the original varnish before applying a new coat. This will ensure the wood absorbs the paint faster and evenly. 
• When applying the varnish, do so with a straight-end brush
• Apply the vanish in even strokes. 
• After this, allow it to dry for some hours
• Apply the second coat
• Allow to dry and take it in

Additional Dos of Wicker Beds

1. Always place stoppers under the legs of the cane bed. These stoppers act as a cushion to prevent the material from splitting or cracking.
2. Ensure you use boiled linseed oil when cleaning your furniture. Using raw linseed oil does not achieve any result as it will not dry or harden the rattan. Boiled linseed oil is available in most stores. Note: you cannot boil linseed oil yourself.
3. Since rattans are made of natural plant fibers, they need a certain level of humidity. Thus, keep your bed away from severe heat as this can cause the furniture to dry out or fade. If you live in an arid area, you may need to install a humidifier to moisture the air and keep your rattan furniture in great shape.

How to Clean a Rattan Furniture

Materials needed:

• Water
• Detergent
• Soft cloth
• Bowl
• Toothbrush
• Boiled linseed oil
• Lacquer
• Paintbrush

Steps to cleaning a cane bed:

1. Fill the bowl with water and add a small quantity of detergent. Stir until there are bubbles on the surface.
2. Dip the soft cloth into the bubbles only (and not into the water)
3. Wipe down the rattan with the bubbles. The slight moisture of the cloth wipes the rattan clean without over wetting the furniture, which can damage it.
4. With the aid of a toothbrush or soft brush, clean the crevices and cracks. Ensure you apply the same suds-only cleaning technique.
5. Do this occasion to achieve the best result.
6. If your cane bed is dry, cracked, or split, apply some linseed oil on it using a soft brush. When it wouldn’t absorb any more of the oil, wipe it down with a soft cloth. Allow it to harden or dry before placing back your mattress.
7. If there are stains and you wish to remove them, apply a detergent, and scrub with more water than you use for routine cleaning. When you are done, dry the rattan with hot air (you can use a hairdryer). Alternatively, you can take the bed out and set it under the sun. When it's dry entirely, coat the rattan with lacquer using a paintbrush. This provides added protection, although it's not a compulsory option.
8.   Repeat the process annually to achieve the best result.

Can a rattan bed get wet?

Natural rattans are porous and so will get wet and absorb water. In fact, they can get soak and cause bacteria, mildew, and mold to form. When this happens, it can cause anyone using the furniture to get sick. Therefore, it's crucial to prevent your rattan furniture from being overly wet. If you must clean, use minimal water.

Conclusion

Rattan bed is a great addition to every home. It looks fabulous when adorned with natural beddings and is perfect for a modern coastal home, a beach cottage, or a boho-chic home. But whether it's a rattan queen-size bed or others like the Baxton Studio Marieke Rattan Platform Bed, following the proper maintenance tips will ensure it lasts long, looks great all the time, and give you satisfaction.