How to Care for your Conservatory Furniture

Updated: 24/10/2026

Why is it important to care for conservatory furniture?

Regular maintenance of your cane furniture will prolong its life and help keep it looking good. It’s important to check regularly for food and drink spills, particularly if you use your conservatory throughout the year. Also, if your conservatory is prone to damp and condensation, then keep an eye out for mould.

We sell a lot of high-quality cane conservatory furniture. Over the years we’ve gathered many tips on how to care for your cane furniture from the best brands in the business. In this blog, we share those tips so you can get the maximum out of your investment.

What's the best way to clean cane conservatory furniture?

Here are 8 quick and easy tips for caring for your cane furniture:

1. Protect from direct sunlight: keep your cane furniture out of direct sunlight. This will reduce the chances of it fading and becoming brittle from drying out.

2. Dust regularly: use a soft, dry cloth to prevent dirt and dust from building up.

3. Clean with a soft, damp cloth: if the cane becomes dirty or stained, clean it using a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent. (Do not use harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive tools, as these can damage your furniture.)

4. Dry thoroughly: after cleaning, dry your furniture with a soft cloth to help prevent mould and mildew from forming. Letting your furniture dry naturally in the warm sun is a good idea too.

5. Keep heavy items off your cane furniture: this will protect it from breaking and distorting.

6. Repair minor damage: repair small cracks or breaks in the cane as soon as possible using cane repair kits available in DIY stores online. 

7. Condition the cane: use oil or wax to nourish the cane. This will keep it supple and restore its natural shine (see more below). 

Does cane furniture get mouldy?

Cane furniture can get mouldy if your conservatory is damp. Storing it in a dry place, or where the air can circulate, is the best way to prevent mould and mildew. Alternatively, use protective covers to limit mould build-up, but do check from time to time. You can remove light mould using the same mild detergent process mentioned above. We’ve also heard of people using equal parts of bleach and water to remove mould. However, bleach could also ruin any surface treatment or ‘wash’ the manufacturer has applied to your furniture. Therefore, apply any bleach solution carefully, having tested it out on a small area first. Once you’re finished cleaning your furniture, move it into direct sunlight to help it dry as quickly and naturally as possible. Finally, use linseed oil to moisturise the furniture (see below). 

How to prevent mould and mildew

To prevent mould and mildew from growing on your conservatory furniture, you need to keep the room well ventilated and reduce excess moisture. Condensation builds up when warm air meets cool surfaces such as windows. This in turn creates damp conditions that encourage mould to grow.

To reduce this, we would recommend that, when possible, you open windows and doors to increase airflow. As the months get colder, we know this is not always possible, so be sure to wipe away any condensation that you find on windows and other surfaces. Another tip is to avoid placing your cane furniture too close to walls; leave enough space for air to circulate. During cold winter months, it is important to try to maintain a consistent temperature, as this helps keep condensation at bay. 

If you do notice mould on your cushions or frame, be sure to check the manufacturer's care instructions before cleaning. We would always advise you to test any cleaning products and methods on a small area first. For most surfaces, you should be able to wipe away the mould using a clean, soft cloth and a mix of mild detergent and water. Be sure to avoid soaking the cane frame as excess water will damage the frame. We advise you to let the furniture fully air dry before using it again.

How do you moisturise cane furniture?

The rattan conservatory furniture we sell is unlikely to need moisturising so long as you look after it as indicated above. In cases of very dry cane furniture, you can use boiled linseed oil as a moisturiser. Remove the cushions first then, pour a small amount of oil on a soft cloth taking care not to soak the furniture. Gently wipe the oil all over the cane. Allow the cane to dry for at least 48 hours before you put the cushions back and start to use it again. 

How do you bring cane furniture back to life?

Caring for your cane furniture, as indicated above, will keep it looking good for years. You can always replace the cushions and add a throw if you want to restyle your space. 

Can you paint cane conservatory furniture?

Yes, you can paint cane furniture. Oil-based paint is best as it sticks to the cane and lasts a long time. It also provides good coverage and flexes with the chair. Here are the basic steps to follow:

1. Make sure the furniture is thoroughly dry.

2.  Brush the furniture gently with a soft wire brush to remove any loose fragments.

3. Sand it down gently to create a better surface to which the paint can adhere.

4. Give the furniture a final brush to remove any dust.

5. Apply two thin coats of undercoat (to the underside first), and allow it to dry thoroughly between coats.

6. Apply two thin coats of top coat (again, start with the underside), allowing it to dry between the two coats.

As you can see, there are a number of steps involved. So, if your furniture is old, it might be better to think about replacing it.

How to look after your conservatory cushions

There are several ways that you can keep your conservatory sofas and chair cushions looking good year after year. First, here are a couple of tricks that will reduce fading over time:

1. Draw your blinds or curtains when you aren’t using the conservatory to reduce exposure to the sun and UV rays. 

2. Flip the cushions over to even out any fading. 

You might find that you sit in one chair more than the other; therefore, you should routinely plump your cushions to stop the foam filling from becoming compressed.  Similarly, you can rotate cushions between different seats to help distribute wear more evenly. 

If you have a favourite chair or spot on the sofa, swap the cushions from time to time to even out the wear. Finally, here are some tips for cleaning your cushions:

How to clean conservatory furniture cushions

Check the cushion manufacturer’s instructions first, before undertaking any cleaning. They’re likely to be either machine washable or dry clean only. If they’re machine-washable, simply follow the instructions on the label to make sure you use the right detergent and temperature. 

If your conservatory cushions are dry-clean only, we always advise customers to check regularly for dirt build-up. If you brush and wipe away food and drink spills quickly enough you can reduce staining that even dry-cleaning might not be able to remove. Our outdoor cushion cleaning guide will be useful too.

Seasonal Conservatory Furniture Care Checklist

Your conservatory experiences different conditions as the seasons change. As temperatures fluctuate, it is important to adapt your routine to look after your furniture so you can ensure it remains comfortable to use all year round.

Spring

Brighter days mean you spend more time in your conservatory, so spring is a great time to check your wicker furniture. Inspect the frames for any signs of wear and loose weave. Then take a look at your cushions and plump them. Give your conservatory a spring clean; be sure to freshen up your cushions as well. If you decide to wash the covers, you always need to check the care label first, as some fabrics are dry clean only.

Summer

During warm summer months, the temperature can rise in your conservatory, especially if you have a glass roof. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause your cushion covers to fade. Utilise blinds or curtains and close them when you are not using your conservatory. This is a good time to regularly flip your cushions to evenly distribute any fading.

Autumn

Autumn brings damp days and dropping temperatures. We recommend that you keep an eye on windows and surfaces for signs of excess moisture. If you notice moisture building up, use a cloth to remove it and open windows to increase airflow. 

Winter

Temperatures drop, and sunlight decreases during the cold months. Whilst this means that your fabrics avoid prolonged sunlight exposure, there are a few things to check. If your conservatory has a door, try to keep this open to allow airflow. Following on from this, we would advise that you open your windows at least once a week to allow fresh air to circulate through the room. If you know that you won't be using your conservatory at all during winter, you could even remove your cushions and store them somewhere dry.

Common conservatory furniture care mistakes to avoid

Looking after conservatory furniture doesn't need to be a chore, but a few common mistakes can cause unnecessary headaches. Understanding what to avoid can make looking after your furniture a breeze.

Using too much water

Typically, when cleaning, we use water, but when cleaning cane furniture, it is important to use as little water as possible. This is because cane is an absorbent material, and excessive moisture will damage the natural cane. If you use water and the furniture does not fully dry, it can lead to mould and mildew. We advise you not to let water collect in woven sections or joints.

Using unsuitable cleaning products

Our top tip for cleaning wicker conservatory furniture is not to use anything harsh or abrasive. Harsh chemical cleaners, such as bleach, will damage your furniture frame and cushions. For example, bleach will discolour the surface. Before you clean your furniture, always check the manufacturer's care instructions.

Direct sunlight

Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause your frames and cushion covers to fade. As previously mentioned, take advantage of blinds and curtains to protect your furniture from harsh sunlight.

Cane conservatory furniture that catches the eye

The popularity of cane furniture for conservatories is easy to understand. It’s lightweight and natural-looking. Caring for it involves a simple cleaning and oiling routine, regularly, which will protect it and prolong its life.

Choose your cane furniture from JB Furniture because we sell premium quality brands that are easy to keep looking good for years to come.

--------------------

Other Helpful Guides

Understanding Rattan Garden Sofa Set Configurations: Corner, U-Shaped, and More

The Ultimate Guide to Rattan Garden Furniture