How to Care for Cane and Rattan Conservatory Furniture: A Guide to Your Daro Pieces

Daro furniture is built to last. The cane and rattan construction, hand-finished in natural wash finishes, is genuinely durable when it is looked after properly. The key word is properly, because cane and rattan have specific requirements that are different to fabric sofas or wooden furniture, and getting those requirements wrong is the most common reason Daro pieces deteriorate before their time. Browse the full Daro collection at Your Home Furniture.

Whether you have the Waterford, Heathfield, Siena, or another collection, this guide covers the care routine that keeps Daro furniture looking its best through the seasons.

Understanding What Daro Furniture Is Made From

Daro pieces use natural cane and rattan with a hand-woven finish. The natural wash finish is achieved through a whitening process that gives the characteristic pale, warm tone across the Waterford and similar collections. It is not a paint or a lacquer, which means it responds differently to moisture and sunlight than a coated surface would.

The woven panels and planed cane arms that feature across the Siena and Heathfield ranges are finished to tight tolerances, and maintaining that finish is mostly about keeping moisture and UV exposure at consistent, moderate levels. You can see the specific pieces and their detailing on our conservatory chairs and conservatory sofas pages.

Daily and Weekly Cleaning

Routine dusting

Cane and rattan collect dust in the weave, and leaving it to accumulate makes it harder to remove without moisture. A weekly wipe-down with a dry or lightly damp cloth removes surface dust before it embeds. For the woven panels, use a soft brush, a clean paintbrush works well, to get into the gaps between cane strands.

Removing surface marks

For light marks, a cloth dampened with warm water is usually sufficient. Work with the grain of the weave rather than against it, and dry immediately with a clean cloth. Do not leave water sitting on the surface.

For more persistent marks, a small amount of mild washing-up liquid diluted in warm water, applied with a soft cloth and dried immediately, removes most common stains without affecting the finish. Avoid bleach-based cleaners, abrasive cloths, or strong cleaning products as these can strip the natural wash finish and discolour the cane.

Cleaning the frame and feet

Wipe down the planed cane arms and frame with a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Where Daro pieces have wooden or low wooden feet, check these periodically for any signs of swelling or discolouration that might indicate moisture has been sitting on the floor beneath the piece.

UV Protection and Sunlight

This is the most commonly overlooked aspect of cane furniture care, particularly in conservatories where the whole point is to let the light in. Prolonged direct sunlight does two things to natural cane: it dries it out, making it brittle and more prone to cracking, and it bleaches the finish unevenly.

What to do

• Use blinds or UV-filtering window film during peak sunlight hours, particularly between noon and 4pm in summer

• Rotate pieces periodically if the light falls strongly on one side, to ensure even exposure across the collection

• Apply a specialist cane and rattan conditioning oil once or twice a year to replenish moisture in the fibres and prevent brittleness

• Keep pieces at least 30cm away from direct glass where possible to reduce the magnifying effect of conservatory glazing

Cushion Care

Daro furniture is available with a wide range of fabric cushions, including options from the Laura Ashley fabric range, and cushion care is just as important as frame care. All Daro conservatory sets, chairs, and sofas available at Your Home Furniture can be found on our conservatory furniture page.

Regular maintenance

• Plump and rotate cushions regularly to distribute wear and prevent permanent compression

• Shake loose dirt and debris from cushion covers weekly

• Wipe down cushion covers with a slightly damp cloth for surface dust

Washing cushion covers

Most Daro cushion covers have removable zip covers that can be machine washed at 30 degrees on a gentle cycle. Check the care label on your specific cushions before washing, as some fabric options may be dry clean only. Do not tumble dry cushion covers as this can cause shrinkage.

Wash covers inside out to protect the face fabric, and allow them to air dry completely before replacing on the pads. Fitting a damp cover back onto the cushion pad encourages mildew growth, which is the most common cause of fabric deterioration in conservatory furniture.

Cushion storage

If the conservatory is not in regular use over winter, store cushions in a dry indoor space in a breathable cotton bag or dedicated cushion storage box. Do not store in plastic bags as this encourages condensation.

Seasonal Care

Spring

After a British winter, cane furniture in a conservatory will have been through significant temperature fluctuations. A spring clean is the most important clean of the year. Clean the frame thoroughly, apply cane conditioning oil, check all joints for any looseness, and wash or air cushion covers before the warmer months begin.

Summer

Manage UV exposure as described, and increase ventilation during hot periods. Cane and rattan cope well with warmth but do not benefit from sustained heat above 30 degrees combined with low humidity.

Autumn and Winter

As the conservatory cools and humidity rises, the main risk is moisture. Ensure the room is well ventilated to prevent condensation forming on the furniture. A small dehumidifier in the conservatory over winter is one of the most effective investments for prolonging the life of cane furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use furniture polish on Daro cane furniture?

Standard furniture polish is not recommended for cane and rattan as it can build up in the weave and attract dust. Use a dedicated cane and rattan conditioning oil instead, which nourishes the fibres without coating the surface.

My Daro cane has started to look dry and faded. What should I do?

Dryness and fading are usually caused by too much direct sunlight and not enough conditioning. Apply a specialist cane conditioning oil and allow it to absorb fully, then move the piece away from the strongest sunlight.

Can Daro Cane or Rattan furniture be used outside?

Daro furniture is designed for conservatory and indoor use. It is not treated for outdoor exposure and will deteriorate quickly if left outside without shelter. For the full indoor Daro range, see our conservatory furniture collection.

How do I fix a loose piece of cane weave on my Daro furniture?

Minor looseness can often be addressed by dampening the cane slightly with a cloth, which causes the natural fibres to swell and tighten back into place. Allow to dry fully in position. For more significant repairs, contact Your Home Furniture for advice on 01636 859111.