The Easiest Way To Clean Your Wicker Baskets

Wicker may go in and out of style, but the art of wicker weaving is thousands of years old and unlikely to disappear anytime soon. And when it comes to baskets, wicker just does the job. Wicker baskets are long-lasting, eco-friendly, and lightweight, and you can use them for everything from laundry to storage. The one thing wicker baskets are not, though, is easy to clean. With all those little crevices, wicker holds onto dust and grime like no one's business. The easiest way to clean wicker baskets is with a paintbrush and a vacuum cleaner.

Wicker baskets can be made of any material that's woven in a "wicker" pattern. But they're typically made of rattan or bamboo. Though synthetic wicker also exists, it's more common for outdoor furniture than for baskets. The porous nature of the wood means that wicker baskets also absorb moisture and dirt, and grime can wear away the finish over time. A little special care is required to avoid damaging the material with your cleaning methods.

Moreover, you can't just wipe down a wicker basket like you would a smooth piece of wood, or you'll be leaving the crevices full of grime. So what should you do instead? First, try not to fall behind. It's easiest to clean wicker when you stay on top of regular dusting and vacuuming. Aim to dust your wicker baskets once a month, and give them a deeper cleaning with soap two to four times per year.

A paintbrush is the key to dusting wicker baskets without too much effort. It's bigger and more flexible than a toothbrush, yet allows you to get into the nooks and crannies to expel all of the dust. Some dust may be pushed onto the inside, which is why you should follow up with a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment (and don't forget to empty the basket before you start dusting).

Don't have a paintbrush on hand? Depending on the amount of dust, you might be able to get away with using the vacuum on its own, or a regular feather duster. You can also try wet dusting to avoid kicking up so many particles into the air: Dampen a cloth with warm water and wipe the basket down. If you use one of these methods, don't forget to dust both inside and outside the basket and get in between the weave.

When it's time to deep clean your wicker baskets, create a soap solution with a few drops of dish soap and warm or hot water. Scrub the wicker, then wipe it with a damp cloth to remove any residue. The crucial part here is to avoid soaking the wicker, particularly if it's made of wood. Wicker is fragile when wet, and it could warp or sag, ruining the function of the basket. Work in small sections, and use a fan or sunlight to help it dry more quickly. Some people even use just the soap bubbles without the water to avoid moisture altogether. Most importantly, avoid putting weight on the wicker while it's wet.

If you use wicker baskets in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, you may notice mold or mildew at some point. If you catch it quickly enough, you can get rid of this problem by spraying the basket with a solution of 80% water and 20% bleach. A gentler option is 4 parts water to 1 part white vinegar. Scrub the basket with a brush, cloth, or toothbrush, getting deep into the weave without pushing too hard. Then wipe with water and let the basket fully dry before using it again.

While bleach can be used when it's really needed, in general, it's best to avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals on natural wicker baskets because they can affect the finish or damage the wood itself. Even dish soap can affect the finish in some cases, so it's best to spot-test your cleaning solution before you use it on the entire basket.

To keep your wicker baskets in great condition for years to come, condition them with linseed oil or wicker conditioner after cleaning. Store them in a dry place and wipe up any spills immediately. Eventually, it may be time to toss old wicker baskets if you can no longer effectively clean or condition them. Consider reusing them in the garden or for DIY crafts.