Instructions for Caring for Rattan Papasan Chairs

General Cleaning

• 1

  Remove the cushion from the chair. Take the cover off the cushion and follow the cushion manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Some cushions require the services of a dry cleaner, while others are machine washable.

• 2

  Equip a vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment and vacuum the rattan, beginning at the top of the bowl-shaped seat working down to the base of the frame.

• 3

  Brush stubborn dust and dirt out of crevices with an old toothbrush. If the dust and dirt remains, sharpen a wood towel with a utility knife to create a point. Drape a rag over the point. Hold the rag in place and carefully pick dust and dirt out of the recesses.

Deep Cleaning

• 4

  Mix 1/2 teaspoon of mild dish washing soap into 1/2 gallon of water. You can also mix an oil-based wood-cleaning soap with water according to wood cleaning soap manufacturer’s directions.

• 5

  Submerge a rag into the cleaning solution and wring out as much excess soap and water as possible. Wet a second rag with water and wring out as much moisture as possible.

• 6

  Wipe the rattan with the soap-dampened rag, concentrating on stuck-on dirt or stains. Immediately wipe the papasan chair with the water-dampened rag to remove the soapy residue and then dry the rattan surface with a rag.

• 7

  Dip a toothbrush into the soapy water and shake off the excess cleaning water. Brush sticky stains out of the crevices. Immediately rub the crevices with a water-dampened toothbrush and dry the rattan with a rag.

• 8

  Aim a fan at the rattan papasan chair to speed the drying process.

Treating Rattan Dryness

• 9

  Move the rattan papasan chair outdoors and set it on a drop cloth.

• 10

  Blend 1/3 cup of turpentine with 2/3 cup of boiled linseed oil in a small bucket.

• 11

  Dip a narrow paintbrush into the mixture and apply it to the rattan surface. Continue to brush on the turpentine and boiled linseed oil until the rattan no longer absorbs the solution.

• 12

  Wipe the rattan with a soft rag to remove the excess oily film. Let the rattan chair dry for three to four days.