Don't Leave It At The Thrift Store: The Must-Have Hack For Fixing Warped Cane Chairs

Finding a cane chair in a thrift store can feel a bit like winning the lottery. The classic style works with mid-century modern decor and bohemian designs, and since it's thrifted, you're not only saving some money but also keeping furniture out of landfills. But what happens when that great find has a warped or wavy back?

Don't pass up that chair just yet. Savvy thrifters can repair the backing on cane chairs and straighten out those distorted backs. All you need is a spray bottle filled with warm water, a towel, and a blow dryer. To start, flip the chair onto its front side so the backside is facing you and spray the warped part down with water. Lay the towel on top of it and let it sit for several minutes. Then dry it with the blow dryer on the highest setting, using your hand to reshape and stiffen the back so that it stands up straight. Once the chair dries, the back should be straight and sturdy again.

This strategy works because cane, which comes from the rattan plant that grows in Southeast Asia, is originally steamed and then sliced in the production process before it is woven into the classic octagon shape. Therefore, a little bit of warm water renders cane very pliable and easy to work with. One thing to remember is that the condition of the chair will be a major factor. This strategy won't work well on broken or loose caning where strands are coming apart. Some thrift finds might be in in worse condition than others, so keep that in mind before you buy.

Now that you've found an inexpensive way to incorporate organic texture into your home, you need to keep it in good condition. The best way to clean cane furniture is to regularly dust it with a damp towel. Don't over-soak the towel, and wait until the chair dries completely before sitting in it again. This will prevent further warping or sagging. If the piece gets dirty, then add a mild detergent or wood soap to warm water, but remember not to over-soak the chair.

Along with dusting, keep cane furniture out of direct sunlight and rain if the piece is outside. Direct sunlight will discolor and possibly crack cane if it is exposed for too long. Sheer curtains in brightly lit rooms can help soften the light if needed. Cover outdoor cane furniture to protect it from the rain, even if it's under an awning or covered porch. This will prevent mildew from growing on it.

Like any other furniture, cane will wear down over time. When seats start to sag, simply turn the chair upside down and lay a warm, wet towel over the underside of the seat. Let it sit overnight until the cloth and chair are completely dry. If preferred, you can also spray the seat with warm water, and then allow it to dry overnight. The next morning, turn the chair right side up and then avoid sitting on it for another 48 hours. Doing this will help tighten up the cane once more, but it won't work if there are broken strands. For those repairs, you can either try to replace the seat yourself or hire a professional to fix the seat.