There is noting quite like the thrill of finding the perfect pre-loved rattan chair, or the rattan side table you saw on marketplace over a sip of coffee that will "just work perfectly" in your space!
You haggle a bargain and quickly set off to collect your new found treasure from 3 suburbs away.
You pick up your treasure, thank the previous owner and ride off into the sunset when suddenly... WHAT'S THAT SMELL?
The thrill is dampened by the musty pungent odour, profusely perfuming your car as you navigate your way home. Damn. But! Don't lose hope yet.. we have a solution for you.
Chloe Natural Rattan Bed Head - Koko Collective
But ah, what is rattan, really?
We're so glad you asked, we do love rattan in all shapes and sizes here at Koko Collective!
Rattan is a natural material, made from a vine like species found in tropical regions of Asia, Australia and Africa. The naturally occurring vines grow abundantly in these areas, therefore rattan is not only natural but also sustainable. Winning.
The skin is peeled for weaving, whilst the core of the vine is dried, sealed and used for furniture making due to its lightweight, sturdy and durable nature. No part of this plant goes to waste!
Sustainable and aesthetically pleasing? Yep! That's why we love it!
Winnie Four Door Buffet - Koko Collective
Rattan is very durable, so there is no wonder why there are so many pre-loved pieces still going strong. When rattan first came into fashion some decades ago, rattan furniture flooded the market.
Since its revival those who are still holding onto their previously loved pieces are not wasting the opportunity to make a quick buck and give their aged rattan gold a new home to live out its (many, many more) days.
Enter you, the bargain hunter, scoring yourself some quality, design focused, natural, sustainable, durable.. (need we go on?) treasure for your humble abode.
But that STINK!
So, why does rattan smell?
Well, as we said rattan is a natural porous product. Over many, many years the sealant may fade, it may become wet or take on moisture in humid weather, so on and so forth.
Rattan is susceptible to soaking up environmental smells over time (many years that is) and this can leave it smelling a bit musty.
Let's revive your rattan revival!
We have asked our wonderful family of crafters to let us in on the secret to eliminating the smell and bringing your pre-loved treasure back to life!
First step - wipe down your rattan piece with a solution made of equal parts water and white vinegar.
Second step - sprinkle wet areas evenly with baking soda, and allow to dry completely.
Tip: If possible, dry in full sun to fully kill off any lasting odour causing bacteria!
Final step - wipe off remaining baking soda with a clean wet cloth and voilà! You have a clean and fresh smelling piece to add to "that perfect spot" in your home.
Tip: Ensure to use baking soda NOT baking powder as soda is a diluted version of baking powder and will not damage your rattan.
Good luck and happy hunting!
Looking for more rattan inspiration? Check us out below: