How to Clean a Wicker or Rattan Rocking Chair

A wicker or rattan rocking chair adds a lovely, airy charm to a porch or sunroom, but its woven surface is a magnet for dust, and it needs a slightly gentler touch than solid wood. Clean it the right way and it will stay beautiful for years. Clean it the wrong way, especially by soaking natural rattan, and you can weaken it. Here is how to clean a wicker or rattan rocking chair safely.

Quick answer: Dust or vacuum the chair first with a soft brush, then wipe it with a cloth or soft brush dipped in mild soapy water, getting into the crevices with an old toothbrush. Do not soak it, especially natural rattan, which absorbs water and can weaken. Wipe off the suds, rinse lightly, and dry it thoroughly. For mildew, use a diluted vinegar solution. Synthetic resin wicker is tougher and can even be gently hosed down.

Know Your Wicker First

Before you start, it helps to know what your chair is made of, because it changes how much water is safe. Natural wicker and rattan are plant based and absorb water, so they can swell, warp, or weaken if they get too wet, which means you must clean them with a damp cloth rather than soaking them. Synthetic or resin wicker is made from plastic and is far more water tolerant, so it can handle a gentle rinse or hose down. When in doubt, treat your chair as natural and go easy on the water.

Step 1: Dust and Vacuum

Woven surfaces trap dust deep in the weave, so start dry. Use a soft brush, a dusting cloth, or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to lift away loose dust and debris, working into the gaps of the weave. Doing this first stops you from turning dust into muddy grime once water is involved.

Step 2: Clean With Mild Soapy Water

Mix a little mild dish soap into warm water. Dip a soft cloth or a soft brush, wring it out well so it is damp and not dripping, and gently wipe the chair, following the weave. For the tight spots and crevices where grime builds up, an old soft toothbrush works perfectly. The key rule is not to saturate the material, especially with natural rattan. Keep the cloth damp, not soaking.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry Thoroughly

Wipe away the soapy residue with a clean, barely damp cloth. For synthetic wicker, you can rinse more freely or use a gentle hose spray. Then, and this matters most, let the chair dry completely. Trapped moisture in the weave can lead to mildew or, in natural rattan, to weakening. Dry it in a well ventilated spot with good airflow, and avoid harsh direct sun for long periods, since intense heat can make natural fibers brittle. Make sure it is bone dry before you sit in it or add cushions.

Dealing With Mold and Mildew

If your chair has developed mold or mildew from damp storage, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply it to the affected areas with a cloth or soft brush, let it sit briefly, then wipe clean and dry thoroughly. Vinegar is gentle on the material while tackling the mildew. For mildew on any cushions, see our guide on how to get mildew out of outdoor cushions.

Keeping Wicker in Good Shape

A little ongoing care goes a long way. Dust regularly so grime never builds up, keep natural wicker out of prolonged damp and harsh sun, and bring it indoors or cover it in bad weather. Over time, natural rattan can dry out, so an occasional light application of a suitable furniture oil or a thin coat of lacquer helps prevent cracking and keeps it supple. To learn where wicker rockers fit among the many styles, see our guide to types of rocking chairs, and for outdoor care overall, how to protect and maintain outdoor rocking chairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get wicker furniture wet?
Synthetic resin wicker tolerates water and can be rinsed, but natural wicker and rattan absorb water and can weaken, so clean natural pieces with a damp cloth and never soak them.

How do you clean deep into the weave of a wicker chair?
Vacuum with a soft brush attachment first, then use an old soft toothbrush dipped in mild soapy water to reach into the crevices, and dry thoroughly afterward.

How do I stop my rattan chair from drying out and cracking?
Keep it out of harsh, prolonged sun and dry heat, clean it gently, and occasionally apply a suitable furniture oil or thin lacquer to keep the fibers supple.