How to Remove Skin Oil Stains from Rattan

Whenever an item is regularly in contact with our skin there will be natural oils deposited onto the surface that could leave a stain. Although rattan should be oiled regularly to keep it supple and beautiful, the excess oil from skin can leave stains. Here’s how to remove these stains.

The Heat Method

You Will Need:

• Brown paper or a cloth
• A hair dryer

Steps to Remove the Oil:

1. Lay a cloth or piece of brown paper over the area. Do not use microfiber as it cannot withstand heat. A cotton cloth is best. Brown paper can be used instead. Crumple the paper several times so it is more pliable and able to touch all the grooves of the rattan. If using a brown paper bag, keep the ink area facing up, not pressed against the rattan.
2. Hold a hair dryer several inches away from the cloth and move it slowly over the area. As the heat warms the oil it will be soaked up by the cloth.
   Rotate the cloth to a clean area as needed.

You Will Need:

• An absorbent powder (choose one)
  • Baking soda
  • Cornstarch
  • Corn meal
  • Talcum powder

Steps to Remove the Oil:

1. If possible, move the rattan into the sun.
2. Select an absorbent powder from the list above. Any of the above will work well.
3. Sprinkle a generous amount of the powder over the area.
4. If the area is windy, wrap some plastic wrap over the powder to keep it in place.
5. Leave the powder on the area for about an hour.
6. Brush off or vacuum up the powder.
7. If the stain remains, repeat the process as many times as needed to fully remove the oil. The sunlight is used only to warm the area.
8. If the stain is stubborn, leave the powder in place overnight.

You Will Need:

• Dish liquid
• A bowl
• Water
• A cloth

Steps to Remove the Oil:

1. Put a little dish liquid in a bowl, then add water and stir the mixture to create suds.
2. Wipe the suds off the surface of the water with a cloth. Try not to get much water on the cloth if any.
3. Squeeze the cloth to remove as much water as possible.
4. Rub the suds into the stains.
5. If there are any areas you cannot rub with the cloth, use a toothbrush or nail brush the same way (skimming the suds off the surface of the water and shaking off the brush to remove excess water).
6. Repeat the process until the stain is removed.

• Regularly condition your rattan with boiled linseed oil (available at most hardware stores) to help prevent skin oil stains from developing.
• Occassionally wiping a dry cloth over the areas most frequently touched on rattan can also help to prevent oil stains from developing.