How to Care for Strand Cane Bottom Chairs

Fill a spray bottle with water and use it as a water treatment at least once a month. Spray water on the strands and dab them with the sponge. Wipe the sponge across the bottom, ensuring that every strand has a thin coating of water on the top and bottom. Leave the chair sitting outside and avoid using it until the water dries.

Spray the chairs with insecticide when you bring the furniture home and spray the furniture again when you notice any signs of an infestation. Cane furniture is susceptible to pinhole borer insects; you may notice white powder around the bottom of the chair, which indicates a bug problem.

Combine one part linseed oil and two parts turpentine in a large plastic bucket. Dip a cloth in the mixture and wipe it on all areas of the chair. After 15 minutes, wipe off any excess oil with a second cloth. Treat the furniture at least once every three years, as it keeps the chair moist.

Distribute any weight placed on the chair evenly. Avoid standing or kneeling on the chair, which places too much pressure on the seat and may break the strands. Sit in the chair with your weight evenly placed across the seat.

Dust the strand bottom cane chair with a vacuum cleaner at least once a week. Run the vacuum cleaner across the bottom of the chair, the sides and the back, removing any dirt or debris trapped on the strands or cane.