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All that you can do to spruce up bamboo WE have already dealt with cane furniture in this column. Now we discuss the care of bamboo furniture, which retains its old-world charm and is yet contemporary.
To understand the subtle distinction between cane and bamboo, it is important to know that both fall under the category of wicker furniture. "Wicker" refers to a variety of vines, grasses and plants that are woven into furniture. There are four major types of wicker: rattan (of which cane is made), reed, willow and bamboo. Bamboo is the tallest and fastest growing grass in the world and has been used for everything from building construction to flutes, from screens to salads. Bamboo is hard, strong and dimensionally stable. It does not shrink and swell like many other hardwoods, making it comparable to teak as a very sturdy indoor/outdoor furniture product. Bamboo, always a staple in Asia, is hotter than ever. Only recently thought of as old-fashioned and fussy, it is now, once again, fresh and appealing . A touch of bamboo is often the perfect accessory to complete a room — a bamboo tray, screen, or knickknack shelf. Even so, the graceful lines and lightweight portable aspects of bamboo furniture make them desirable pieces to inject an informal, airy, garden look into your decor. Care of bamboo
furniture is the same as for other hardwoods — it can be dusted,
polished, waxed or painted to change its look and character. |
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Dust regularly with small brush or vacuum. Spills should be taken care of immediately before they harden or stain, by wiping with a sponge wrung from soapy water. Bamboo likes humidity but it is not outdoor furniture. Rain, direct sunlight, and dew are damaging. Dry indoor heat dries wicker, causing it to crackle and creak under pressure. Wiping occasionally with a damp (not wet) sponge may help.
Regular cleaning To clean periodically, vacuum away loose dirt. Prepare a solution of detergent and water. Skim the suds off into a damp sponge and apply to furniture, working on a small portion at a time. Use a small brush in crevices. Do not wet wooden parts of furniture. Wipe off suds with clean damp sponge.
Special cleaning Perhaps once a year or every other year, bamboo furniture may need complete cleaning. Dust with a vacuum brush. Scrub with warm water and detergent using sponge or soft brush. Dry chair as fast as possible by putting in the hot sun, using hair drier, or directing a fan on to it to keep air circulating. A windy day is good to aid drying. Clean painted bamboo as you would painted wood; wetting may crack and peel the paint. If furniture has wooden parts, do not wet them; use only periodical cleaning method as described below. A coating of clear varnish, shellac or lacquer can be applied. If a spray can is used, spray furniture outside. Painted bamboo can be freshened with a new coat of paint. Allow several days for drying before using. A thin coating of liquid furniture wax applied after the new finish is completely dry will help maintain the gloss finish. If sealed and waxed it can be kept clean by regular cleaning and should not need the complete washing.
Word of caution Wipe bamboo furniture with sponge dampened with sudsy water, wipe with clear water and dry. Do not rinse by hosing. A thin coat of liquid wax will restore shine. Never use or sit on bamboo chairs/stools until they are completely dry. Allow several days. After furniture is thoroughly dry (several days after washing), check all surfaces for sharp strands or fuzzy places. Smoothen with fine sandpaper. Bamboo pieces best suit rooms painted white, in shades of green, browns and neutrals. And it is a natural for rooms with black accents. Bamboo looks great with sea grass carpeting and other natural grass wall coverings. A bamboo piece also mixes well with other furniture, adding colour, texture and depth to the layering of a room’s decor. In short, bamboo is versatile and appealing and is a great material to rediscover . (Compiled by Chetna
Banerjee) |
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