How to Care for Rattan Outdoor Furniture in Kenya

Short answer: Rattan outdoor furniture lasts longest when you rinse off dust and salt every week or two, wash the weave with mild soapy water once a month, bring the cushions in when rain or a heavy dew is coming, and cover or store the set when you will not use it for a while.

Most of the outdoor sofa sets, egg chairs and sunbeds we sell are made with a rattan or wicker weave over a frame. Synthetic rattan is popular in Kenya because it copes with outdoor life better than natural cane, but it still collects dust, salt, pollen and bird droppings. A few minutes of care each week keeps the weave looking new and the cushions fresh. This guide covers the routine for gardens, balconies and pool decks, with notes for the coast and for cooler, wetter areas upcountry.

Why rattan needs a little routine care

Rattan furniture is a woven surface. Every gap in the weave is a place where fine dust, sand or salt can settle. Left alone, that grit dulls the colour and makes the surface feel rough, and damp dirt can mark the cushions that sit on top of it.

The good news is that the routine is simple. You do not need special products: a soft brush, a bucket of water with a little mild soap, a sponge and a dry cloth cover almost everything. The aim is to keep the weave clean and dry, and to keep cushions out of long spells of rain.

The same routine works for our outdoor sofa sets, our egg and swing chairs and our rattan sunbeds.

The weekly routine

Once a week, or after a dusty or windy spell, spend five minutes on each piece:

• Brush the weave. Use a soft brush or a dry paintbrush to lift dust out of the gaps, working along the direction of the weave.
• Shake out the cushions. Beat off sand and crumbs and turn them over so both sides get air.
• Wipe the frame and feet. A damp cloth on the legs, arms and any metal parts removes splashes and soil.
• Check the floor under the set. Leaves and standing water under the feet keep the base damp. Sweep and let the area dry.

For a big set such as the 7-seater black rattan outdoor sofa (KSh 178,000), it helps to do one seat module at a time. Darker weaves show dust quickly, so a quick brush makes a visible difference.

A monthly deep clean

Once a month, or before guests arrive, give the furniture a proper wash:

1. Take the cushions off and set them aside in the shade.
2. Brush off loose dirt first, so you do not rub grit into the weave.
3. Mix warm water with a small amount of mild washing-up liquid.
4. Wash the weave with a soft sponge or brush, working from the top down.
5. Rinse with clean water from a jug or a gentle hose. Avoid a pressure washer, which can force water and dirt deep into the weave and loosen strands.
6. Dry with a towel and leave the piece in the open air, out of the midday sun, until it is completely dry before you put the cushions back.

Light colours such as the L-shaped grey and white rattan outdoor sofa set (KSh 127,500) look best with this monthly wash, because grey and white show marks sooner than brown. Avoid bleach and strong household cleaners; they can fade colours and dry out the weave.

Looking after cushions

Cushions take most of the wear. A few habits make them last:

• Bring them in at night during the rainy seasons, and whenever a heavy dew is likely. A storage box or a dry corner of the house works well.
• Dry them on their edge after rain, in the shade, so water runs out instead of soaking into the middle.
• Wash covers gently. Where covers zip off, follow the care label. Hand washing in cool water is the safe default.
• Rotate them. Swap seat cushions between positions every few weeks so they wear evenly.

Egg chairs are a good example. On the brown rattan egg chair with grey cushions (KSh 27,500) the cushion set lifts out, so it takes seconds to carry it inside before rain.

Coast, lake and highlands: what changes

Kenya's climates ask slightly different things of outdoor furniture:

• Mombasa, Malindi and the coast. Salt in the air and fine sand settle on everything near the sea. Rinse the weave with fresh water every week or two, and wipe metal parts after a windy day. If your set is near a pool, rinse off pool water too. Our Mombasa and coast page shows the outdoor pieces most often ordered for coastal homes.
• Kisumu and the lake. Warm, humid air means cushions take longer to dry. Store them indoors overnight and give the set airflow; avoid pushing it tight against a wall.
• Nairobi, Nanyuki and the highlands. Dust in the dry months and heavy rain in the long and short rains. Brush often when it is dry and cover or move the set under a roof before the rains.

Covers, shade and storage

Where you place the furniture matters as much as how you clean it. A covered veranda or a spot under a parasol keeps rain and strong sun off the weave and cushions for much of the day. A cantilever parasol such as the green cantilever garden umbrella (KSh 115,000) keeps its pole to one side, so it can shade a whole lounge set without getting in the way.

If the set will not be used for a few weeks, for example while you travel, clean it, let it dry fully, then cover it with a breathable cover or move it into a garage or store room. Do not wrap it in plastic sheeting, which traps moisture underneath.

Sunbeds with wheels, such as the brown rattan curved sunbed (KSh 32,500), are easy to roll under shelter after a swim.

Care schedule at a glance

Choosing a set that is easy to care for

If you have not bought yet, think about care when you choose:

• Colour. Brown and dark brown weaves hide dust well; white and grey look fresh but need washing more often.
• Size. A modular set, like the 6-seater dark brown rattan outdoor lounge set (KSh 158,500), is easier to move under cover than one large piece.
• Shelter. If the set will sit in the open, plan a parasol or a covered spot from the start.

For a comparison of rattan sets and solid wood sets, read our guide to outdoor sofas versus wooden outdoor furniture. If you are furnishing a guest house or lodge, our lodge and Airbnb furniture guide covers what holds up to heavy use.

Seeing the sets and ordering

You can see the rattan sets, egg chairs and sunbeds at our showroom at Rubis Utawala, along the Eastern Bypass, Nairobi, open daily 8am to 8pm. To order, send the product name and your location on WhatsApp and we confirm the delivery cost and timing before you pay. We deliver to customers across Kenya; see the countrywide delivery page.

Frequently asked questions

Need help choosing? Ask us on WhatsApp, or see the pieces in person at our showroom at Rubis Utawala, along the Eastern Bypass, Nairobi, open daily 8am to 8pm.

Prices checked on 9 October 2026. Last updated: 9 October 2026.