Protect Your Outdoor Rattan Furniture From Cold Weather With A Kitchen Essential

If you've ever invested in outdoor rattan or wicker furniture, you know how quickly the elements can take their toll. When temperatures drop, rattan can become brittle and crack, while long exposure to dry heat can make the fibers fade and splinter. Most people assume you need expensive sealants or professional treatments to protect it, but there's actually a surprisingly simple (and cheap) solution to protecting your rattan furniture hiding in your kitchen cabinet: Cooking oil. You may be thinking, "Why would I want to use vegetable oil on my wicker furniture?"

Whether you use canola, coconut, or olive oil, a light application can keep your furniture hydrated and shielded from cold, dry air. In fact, there are many surprising uses for leftover cooking oil in your home. The oil works almost like lotion for the woven material, sealing in moisture and preventing it from drying out or stiffening. And unlike commercial sprays, it's food-safe, easy to apply, and barely costs anything.

This trick works especially well before winter sets in, when you're prepping your patio or balcony for months of freezing temperatures. It's quick and doesn't require any special tools. All you need is a soft cloth, paper towels, and your cooking oil of choice. By adding this small step to your outdoor furniture routine, you'll extend the life of your furniture and save yourself the cost of having to replace it sooner than expected.

To protect your rattan furniture, start by giving it a quick dust or wipe-down to remove any dirt or residue. Then, take a paper towel or cloth, add a few sprays or drops of your chosen cooking oil, and gently rub it over the entire surface. Pay special attention to the corners and places you think you see the most wear. 

This hack works because rattan, whether natural or synthetic, benefits from the moisture barrier created by the oil. Cold weather and excessive heat take moisture from the material, causing it to shrink or crack. A light coating of oil locks in natural flexibility while adding a subtle shine. If you don't have any more cooking oil, you can also try wiping your rattan furniture down with lemon oil or orange oil.

If your pieces are exposed year-round, reapply the oil every few months around seasonal changes. Pair this hack with furniture covers or indoor storage during the harshest weather events, and you'll have patio furniture that lasts for years without fading or fraying. In addition to maintaining your outdoor furniture during harsh weather, try some of the easiest ways to clean wicker furniture.