When it comes to high-end or unique furniture, customers will always want the biggest bang for their buck. This means pieces that last a lifetime – or at least long enough for users to get their money’s worth. With certain materials, this requires a few special steps, as it isn’t as obvious how to take care of them. Thankfully, with just a little bit of elbow grease, it’s easy to give these pieces in pristine condition. Whether they’re made from rattan, coconut shells, or even metal, these eclectic materials can be cleaned with ease to stick around for the long haul.
Cleaning Shouldn’t Unravel Woven Pieces
Rattan is an increasingly popular material for furniture, with its sustainable nature making it just as eco-friendly as it is stylish. Woven into pieces such as the Valencia Natural Rattan Dining Chair and the Betty Skirted Handwoven Rattan 33” Coffee Table, this material has a unique construction that requires some regular upkeep to keep the natural fibers immaculate. Dusting these pieces off or even vacuuming them will take care of dust, dirt, and debris, and this should be all that’s usually needed to clean them up. Of course, if they’ve already become a bit dirty beyond just lint and debris, mild soap and water might be needed to spot clean with. 
Make sure not to wet the piece too much, however, since soaking the rattan is something that should be avoided at all costs. This can cause the material to fray or warp, making it brittle and eventually cracking it when used. The same goes for the sun, with excess sunlight having the same destructive potential as excess humidity. In other words, keep these pieces away from direct sunlight or wetness, and when it comes to cleanliness, the rest should come naturally.
Don’t Go Nuts with Coconut Shell Pieces
Coconut shell is one of the most unique materials used in modern home décor, with the nature of the textile meaning that there are always aesthetic variations that keep any two pieces from looking the same. This means that, whether it’s the Mila 31” Round Coconut Shell Coffee Table, the Mila Rectangular 26” Coconut Shell Mirror, or the Mila 16” Coconut Shell Round Accent Table, they’ll boast the same decorative appearance while still being distinct.
At the same time, for as durable as coconut shell décor can be, it needs to be gently cleaned. Just slightly cleaning it with a slightly damp cloth using a bit of water and soap, but don’t overdo things with any rough cleaning supplies. Going too hard with water can also crack the coconut shells, so just wiping them down gently is the best way to give coconut shell pieces a proverbial shellacking.
Upholstery Upkeep
The Kauai Woven Seagrass Dining Chair 2-Set is an example of a mixed material piece, uniting Indonesian mahogany and seagrass. To accentuate the quality of these pieces, however, they need to be as clean and debris-free as possible. Vacuuming crumbs, chunks, and fragments is an obvious first step. If there are any spills, especially ones that might stain the material, they should be blotted immediately and cleaned with a soap/water combo. This is the extent of what’s needed to clean with, however, as harsh cleaners might actually do more damage. Again, sunlight is also more of an enemy than a friend, as it can make the overall chair and the upholstery in particular start to fade.
Don’t Test Your Metal – Or Your Wood Pieces
The Eros 20” Antique Brass Tray Accent Table perfectly showcases the ornate potential of metal furniture pieces. The shiny sheen truly brings a new gold standard into interiors, with the elaborate design on the tabletop making it a truly artistic piece. Thankfully, it’s not that hard to keep the shimmer in these pieces’ shine, as a damp cloth is all that’s needed. Simply dust the table or other pieces off with this and immediately dry off any spills. Ultimately, the most important part of upkeep for metal furniture and décor would be to ensure that any screws or other parts are tightened and secured.
For wood pieces like the Leona 24” Solid Wood Stool, their upkeep requires slightly more regularity. Be sure to frequently dust them off and wipe them down with a damp cloth, all while keeping them as dry as possible if spills arise. Besides moisture, heat is the biggest danger to the wood materials and the finish, so keep them out of direct sunlight or anything that might get warm. Simple habits like these help extend the life of furniture made from all materials, all while supporting a more sustainable, low-waste home. After all, thoughtful design deserves thoughtful care.
