How to Clean Wicker Baskets

How to clean wicker baskets is not a difficult task. With a few simple steps, you can have your wicker baskets looking new in no time.

Our home is filled with wicker baskets. Although they are for intentional use, such as organizing, home decor, storage, or collecting flowers from the garden, you will find they can get quite dusty. However, how clean your wicker baskets is actually relatively easy too.

Baskets in the home are excellent for storing items to keep things organized while they add beauty & functionality too.

If you have been following me for a while now, you know I am a bit obsessed with wicker baskets, especially antique & vintage-style baskets. I can’t help myself when I am antiquing or thrifting. I must check out the baskets. As a result, wicker baskets are in every room of my house, and I just love them. But did you know you can get beautiful baskets at the thrift shop? You sure can! Most of my baskets are from there and inexpensive too.

How do you clean wicker without ruining it?

It is easier than you think. How to clean your wicker baskets in three easy steps will get your baskets looking clean & amazing in no time. I will also share a tip on removing mold & mildew too!

First Step-Vacum

Start by using a micro-fiber towel to wipe any dust and remnants of animal fur. Then, take the soft brush attachment from your vacuum and make sure you use the vacuum brush in the crevices to remove any dust & pet fur that quickly get stuck in there.

Second Step-Wet Brush Cleaning

When spot cleaning your baskets, you don’t want to soak them as it will cause them to lose their shape. In this case, you want to spot clean with a bowl of warm water & dawn dish soap. Use a brush, dip it into the soap mixture, go over a small area of the basket that needs cleaning, and then take a towel to dry it.

Bonus Tip One

I must admit that I have taken baskets and used a dish brush in the sink with some soapy water to clean baskets. But I only do this with well-made baskets. I do not recommend that you do this to antique or vintage baskets. Once I have given it a good cleaning, I lay the basket on a towel to dry. It’s best to leave it outside if the weather permits & it will dry pretty quickly.

At least once a month, I spend the weekend cleaning my house from top to bottom, with help from my clan. This is when I take the time to do a quick do-over with the vacuum on the baskets.

Step three-Dry the Basket

It is crucial to prevent any mildew or cause your basket to warp to ensure it is completely dry. Placing it in front of a fan is a great way to get your basket completely dry. Another option, weather permitting, is placing it outside in the direct sun.

Bonus Tip Two

Keeping your baskets clean does not have to be a daunting task if you stay on top of it. I find that if you take that hand brush on your vacuum cleaner and do a quick do-over, you will save yourself more time by not having to clean them.

Cleaning solution instructions for wicker baskets

Fill a medium-size bowl with warm water, squirt (about 1/2 tsp) some dawn dish soap, and mix. Then take a small brush (toothbrush, dish brush, or laundry brush), dip it into the solution, and brush over the basket area until clean. Once the basket has been cleaned, use a clean towel to dry the area, then place it in a well-ventilated area to dry.

What if the basket has mold and mildew?

For removal, Use 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap and two cups of warm water, and add one cup of white vinegar to make the cleaning solution. Now on the area with mold & mildew, use a brush, dip into the solution, and brush over it. Continue until the mold & mildew are gone. Dry well!

How do you clean vintage wicker?

For routine cleaning of wicker that’s made of bamboo, rattan, or willow, brush off or vacuum as much of the surface dirt as you can. Then wash it with a soft brush and soapy water to which you’ve added one or two teaspoons of ammonia. Rinse well and let the piece dry outdoors in the sun.

How to Care for Antique baskets?

Always keep them clean & handle them with care. If your home is dry, you can use a bottle of water and mist around your baskets every now & then to restore some humidity in the air. Also, your baskets must avoid direct sunlight, which can make them brittle.

How can you tell if a wicker basket is vintage?

The wooden handles will be fine work throughout the body of a basket. However, the surface of an older piece will be noticeable in its age, and wear & tear will be present.

Can you oil baskets?

It’s always best to handle your baskets, especially vintage & antique baskets, with clean hands; also, you never want your baskets to come in contact with lotions, oil, or grease. These oils and high humidity can damage the baskets by causing stains, mold, and mildew.

Tip: It is vital not to use any abrasive cleaners, still, brushes, or steel wool pads on your wicker baskets as it will ruin the finish.

I hope this post has helped you!

Until next time y’all,

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