How to Clean Wicker Basket?

Wicker baskets are some of the most practical items that you can have in your home. Due to their versatility, people use them for everyday chores to carry all kinds of goods or to put flowers in and use them as decoration. But after some time of using them, it comes down to the crucial question - how to clean a wicker basket?

Just like any other storage container that you have in your home, wicker baskets need to be cleaned. They tend to collect a lot of dust and grime so it’s important to know how often and in what way should you perform this delicate process. Here are some easy tips that will help you keep your wicker basket clean and preserved for years to come.

What is Wicker?

The word "wicker" is believed to come from the Swedish word "vika" which means to bend, and "vikker" meaning willow. Wicker is traditionally made of plant materials such as willow.

Wicker is the oldest method for making any sort of end-product by weaving various fibers together. A number of products made of wicker can be seen on today's market, varying from furniture to storage baskets.

Wicker made from natural materials is known for its beauty as well as its durability and strength. When choosing the wicker material be sure to use a renewable and sustainable plant like for example the willow. The willow is the ideal green product as it absorbs carbon from the atmosphere while growing.

What Materials Can Be Used to Make Wicker Baskets?

Wicker baskets can be made of a lot of different natural materials including reed, rattan, seagrass, bamboo, and willow. These materials are very strong and durable.

On the other hand, you can use synthetic materials for wicker making like chemically treated paper, resin, and vinyl.

However, if you are using your wicker basket for indoor purposes only it's probably best if they are made from natural materials. It's always a plus that they are more sustainable and not so hard on the environment.

What is a Wicker Basket?

Wicker baskets as we mentioned above come from different materials. They can be large, small, can have handles on them, have lids or open tops. You can hang them on the wall, put them on a table or on the ground. It can be needless to say that they come in numerous shapes and sizes.

They have been around for thousands of years and we sincerely don't expect to go anywhere anytime soon. They remain popular these days because of their simplicity and because of the abundant availability to make something useful and charming of them. We all love handcrafted things that are inexpensive and useful in so many ways.

How to Clean a Wicker Basket?

Naturally, a wicker basket has a lot of nooks, crannies, and grooves. These small nooks can be the perfect place for all the dust, allergens, and other rubbish to settle and make a home. But you certainly don't want that, now do you?

Like any other material, wicker baskets need regular cleaning in order to look neat and last longer. When it comes to wicker it's best to clean the baskets with dry methods or just a small amount of dampness to avoid damage. Avoid harsh chemicals and heavy cleaning at all costs.

Vacuuming

The fastest and maybe the easiest way to clean your wicker basket from dust and grime is vacuuming. It can also be the safest way for your wicker as you can't damage the material. Still, as a matter of precaution use a soft bristle brush and make sure to clean both your interior and exterior.

Microfiber Cloth

Another way to clean your wicker basket is with a microfibre cloth damped in warm water with a couple of drops of liquid soap. Don't use too much water as this can damage the wicker by creating too much moisture. Gently clean your wicker basket between the weaves and then leave to air dry or use a dry cloth.

Cleaning Mould and Mildew

If you notice mould or mildew on your wicker basket, put down the bleach right away. To treat these nasty fungal things it's best to use a naturally mixed solution of one-part vinegar with four-parts water. You can also use a microfiber cloth to wipe and clean over the moulded and mildewed areas of the basket.

How to Get Rid of the Bad Smell Out of Wicker Baskets?

Sometimes your wicker basket can develop a musty smell and when that happens, there is a good chance it's damp. The best-case scenario for this case is leaving your wicker basket to dry out. If that doesn't work then you can always use little baking soda to sit for at least several hours overnight to get rid of the unpleasant odour.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, cleaning your wicker basket is easy and simple. It doesn't have to take a lot of your time. The key is to know how to care for your old wicker picnic basket. With proper care and cleaning, you can be using it for many more years.
We hope you found these tips helpful and will keep your wicker basket in good condition.