How to Protect Outdoor Rattan Furniture Winter After Winter

Your porch rocker worked hard all year. It hosted morning coffee in spring, long summer evenings and a few crisp fall afternoons. Now the cold is here, and a little care will keep it looking good for many more seasons.

Outdoor rattan furniture winter care is simple once you know what to do. It mostly comes down to cleaning, drying and deciding whether to cover your chairs or bring them inside. This guide covers each step, plus what to do with cushions and how to get everything ready again in spring.

Know what your furniture is made of

The first step is to check which kind of rattan you have. The two main types behave very differently in cold, wet weather.

Natural rattan

Natural rattan is a plant fiber, woven by hand around a frame. It is light, warm to the touch and beautiful. It also absorbs moisture, so snow, rain and repeated freezing can make it swell, crack or grow mildew. Natural rattan should spend the winter indoors.

Resin or synthetic rattan

Resin rattan, sometimes called all-weather wicker, is a woven synthetic fiber designed for outdoor use. It handles rain and sun much better than natural fibers. Even so, a long winter of ice and snow can still wear it down, especially around joints and the frame underneath.

If you are not sure which type you have, check the product page or the care notes that came with the chair. For example, The Veranda is an outdoor rocker in weather-resistant woven rattan, while The Weaver is hand-woven from rattan and manau. Those two chairs call for different winter plans.

Clean before you store

Putting furniture away dirty is the most common mistake. Dust, pollen and leaves hold moisture, and trapped moisture over winter leads to mildew and stains.

How to clean the frame

1. Brush off loose dirt and leaves with a soft brush or a handheld vacuum.
2. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bucket of warm water.
3. Wipe the weave with a soft cloth or sponge, working into the gaps.
4. Rinse with a damp cloth. For resin rattan, a gentle spray from a garden hose also works. Skip the pressure washer, which can loosen the weave.
5. Let everything dry completely in the sun or a dry garage for at least a day.

Check for damage

While you clean, look for loose strands, wobbly joints or small breaks in the weave. It is easier to deal with these now than after a winter of freezing and thawing. Tuck loose ends back in and tighten any screws on the frame.

Care for the cushions

Cushions are often the first thing to suffer in cold, damp weather. Even water-resistant cushions do better when they spend the winter somewhere dry.

Clean and dry them fully

If the covers come off, check the care label before washing. Some covers can go in the machine. The Cabana, for example, has a washable quilted cover. Let cushions dry all the way through, since a damp core can grow mildew.

Store them indoors

Keep cushions in a closet, basement or garage shelf, off the floor. Breathable storage bags work better than sealed plastic, which can trap moisture. Stack them flat so they keep their shape.

Outdoor rattan furniture winter storage options

Where you store your chairs depends on your climate and your space. Here are the three main choices.

Bring it indoors

This is the best option for natural rattan and the safest option for any piece in a snowy climate. A garage, a basement or a spare room all work. Set chairs on cardboard or an old blanket to protect the floor. Keep them away from furnace vents and space heaters, which can dry out the fibers.

Leave it on a covered porch

In milder climates, resin rattan can often stay on a covered porch. Move it close to the house, away from blowing rain and snow. Raise the feet slightly on small blocks so they do not sit in puddles.

Cover it outside

If you have no indoor space, use a fitted, breathable furniture cover. It should reach almost to the ground and fasten underneath so wind cannot lift it. Leave a small gap for air, or choose a cover with vents, so condensation does not build up inside.

A quick winter checklist

• Identify whether each piece is natural or resin rattan.
• Clean frames and cushions before storing.
• Dry everything completely, frame and cushion core.
• Store cushions indoors in breathable bags.
• Move or cover frames depending on material and climate.
• Check on covered pieces after big storms and brush off heavy snow.

Getting ready for spring

When the weather warms up, take the covers off on a dry day. Give frames a quick wipe and let them air out. Put cushions out in the sun for a few hours before you use them.

Spring is also a good time to rethink your outdoor setup. If a chair did not survive the winter, or you want more seating, browse our porch and patio collection for weather-resistant rattan rockers and loveseats.

Frequently asked questions

Can outdoor rattan furniture stay outside in winter?

Resin rattan can often stay out under a good cover in milder climates. Natural rattan should always come inside. In heavy snow areas, indoor storage is the safer choice for any type.

Should I wrap rattan furniture in plastic?

No. Plastic sheeting traps moisture and can lead to mildew. Use a breathable, fitted furniture cover instead.

How do I remove mildew from rattan?

Scrub gently with a soft brush and a mix of warm water and mild soap. Rinse, then let the piece dry fully in the sun. Check the care notes for your chair before using anything stronger.

A few hours of care in December means your porch chairs will be ready to go on the first warm morning of spring. Clean them, dry them and give them a safe place to wait out the cold. If you have questions about caring for a Mokyka outdoor chair, our team is available at support@mokyka.com.

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