Malawi Woven Cane Collection Care Guide

At Sun Republic, we are proud to offer handcrafted furniture and décor made from high-quality, sustainably sourced cane. Each piece is individually woven by skilled artisans in Malawi, making every chair, sofa, pendant, and basket item completely unique. Variations in weave, colour, and texture are a natural feature of these organic materials and celebrate the story of the maker and the origin of the fibres.

With thoughtful care, your Malawi Woven Cane pieces will maintain their beauty and integrity for years to come.

Initial Care

Upon delivery, your cane furniture may have minor transit dust. We recommend gently cleaning each piece before use:

• Wipe surfaces with a soft, dry microfiber cloth.

• For newly unpacked items, avoid direct sunlight for the first few hours to allow fibres to acclimatise.

Everyday Care & Maintenance

Air & Dust

• Cane is a natural, breathable fibre and needs good air circulation.

• Keep furniture dry and avoid prolonged exposure to humidity or heavy rain if used outdoors under cover.

• Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth to prevent dirt buildup within the weave.

• Poor airflow or prolonged moisture can lead to mould—this is not a fault, but easily prevented with regular care.

Cleaning Spills

• Wipe spills immediately with a damp microfiber cloth.

• Use mild soap if necessary, then dry promptly.

• Avoid bleach, abrasive cleaners, and harsh chemicals.

Protecting the Fibres

• Cane fibres can become brittle in very dry environments, excessive sunlight, or with age.

• To maintain suppleness, treat unvarnished pieces every 6–12 months with:

  • Tung oil (maintains original colour)

  • Boiled linseed oil (slightly deepens colour)

  • Furniture oil spray (ideal for small pieces)

• Always test a small area first and follow safety instructions on products.

Environmental Considerations

• For coastal or humid environments, cane can develop natural residue or minor discolouration. This can be gently cleaned using soft brushes and sunlight to dry.

• Sunlight & Heat: Prolonged exposure can dry fibres, causing small cracks. Keep pieces away from direct sun and heat sources when possible.

Handling & Use

• Avoid sitting on the edge of chairs or sofa or applying concentrated pressure to a single area.

• Twist loose fibres back into place rather than pulling.

• Rotate smaller decorative pieces occasionally to reduce uneven wear, due to sunlight.

What to Expect

• Each piece is handcrafted from natural materials, making every piece beautifully unique with minor differences in weave, colour, shape and natural markings. 

• These characteristics are celebrated features, not defects.

• Some pendants due to their form, may be delivered compacted, and the shade will require gentle shaping upon arrival. Simply open, lightly mist if needed, and allow it to form naturally to achieve its full, sculptural design.

Sun Republic Promise

We are a small business dedicated to supporting artisans and sustainable craftsmanship. Each purchase contributes to communities in Malawi while bringing authentic, timeless pieces into your home.