Rattan in a Tropical Climate
Rattan furniture lasts decades in a dry house. In Siem Reap, where humidity sits above 80% for half the year, it needs a little attention — and most of what you read online was written for a flat in London.
Here is what actually matters in this climate. Natural fibre absorbs moisture from the air, swells, and if it stays damp long enough it grows mould, usually within two to three weeks of neglect during the monsoon.
None of that is fatal: caught early it wipes off and leaves no mark. What kills rattan is the opposite mistake — drying it in full sun, which makes the fibre brittle and cracks it at the rim within a season.
Shade, airflow and a dry cloth are the whole method. Below is the year-round routine, plus what to do when something goes wrong.
Four Rules
Everything else is detail
Air, not sun
Dry in the shade with a fan. Full sun makes the fibre brittle
Off the floor
A wet tile floor wicks moisture straight into the base
Dust weekly
Dust holds moisture. A dry brush is enough
Move it around
A piece pressed against a damp wall for a year will mark
The Routine
Every week · one minute
Run a dry brush or a vacuum with a soft head over the weave. Dust settles in the grooves and holds moisture against the fibre. That is the whole weekly job.
Every few months · ten minutes
Wipe the piece with a cloth wrung out in soapy water — barely damp, never wet. Dry it immediately with a second cloth, then leave it in a ventilated room for a few hours. Do not put it outside to dry.
Once a year · half an hour
If the rattan looks dull or feels dry to the touch, a thin coat of furniture oil or clear wax brings the colour back and slows moisture uptake. Apply sparingly with a cloth, wipe off the excess. Too much oil attracts dust.
Four Things That Ruin Rattan
- Drying it in full sun. The fibre goes brittle and cracks at the rim.
- Soaking it or hosing it down. Water in the joints loosens the binding.
- Bleach or strong cleaners. They strip the colour and dry the fibre out.
- Leaving it wet overnight. Mould starts in two to three weeks.
When Something Goes Wrong
Three things that happen, and what to do about them
| Problem | Symptom | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mould | Green or black spots after a long wet spell | Wipe with a cloth barely damp with white vinegar, then air the piece for a day. Caught early it leaves nothing |
| A strand comes loose | The weave opens at one point | Do not pull it. Push it back and hold it with a drop of wood glue. Left alone it unravels further |
| The frame creaks | Joints have dried and shrunk | Usually seasonal, it settles back. If it persists, the binding can be re-wrapped — bring it in |
Mould
- Symptom
- Green or black spots after a long wet spell
- What to do
- Wipe with a cloth barely damp with white vinegar, then air the piece for a day. Caught early it leaves nothing
A strand comes loose
- Symptom
- The weave opens at one point
- What to do
- Do not pull it. Push it back and hold it with a drop of wood glue. Left alone it unravels further
The frame creaks
- Symptom
- Joints have dried and shrunk
- What to do
- Usually seasonal, it settles back. If it persists, the binding can be re-wrapped — bring it in
Cushions Need More Attention Than the Frame
Fabric holds humidity far longer than rattan does. Air the cushions on a dry day, and if they have been rained on, bring them inside rather than letting them dry outdoors. Covers can be washed cold.
If a cushion is beyond saving, new ones can be made to order in the colour of your choice.