How to Clean A Wicker Basket in 3 Easy Steps!

Wicker baskets add a touch of rustic charm to any room, but they can also collect dust and grime over time. But do you know how to clean a wicker basket?

Fortunately, with the right tools and techniques, cleaning wicker baskets is a simple task. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping your wicker baskets looking their best.

What is Wicker?

In baskets and furniture, wicker weave is commonly used, sometimes made from a tropical vine. ‘Wicker’ is a technique that dates back to southeast Asia and is still prevalent in contemporary furniture design today.

It is typically made from natural materials such as willow, bamboo, or rattan that have been woven into a shape. Wicker baskets are often used for storage or decoration, but they can also be used for practical purposes such as carrying items or holding plants.

Why Does Wicker Get So Dirty?

Wicker, being a woven material, has many crevices and small spaces for dust and dirt to get trapped in. Additionally, the material itself is not waterproof, so any liquids or moisture that may come into contact with the wicker can also lead to staining and the build-up of grime.

Furthermore, wicker is often used for baskets or furniture that are kept outdoors, exposed to various elements such as wind carrying pollen and dirt, or rain causing mud and muck to cling to the wicker.

These factors contribute to why wicker tends to get dirty easily and requires regular cleaning and maintenance.

While wicker baskets may attract dust and dirt, you can easily wash them to maintain their pristine appearance.

How to Clean Wicker Baskets

First, remove any contents and shake off any loose debris from the dirty wicker basket.
Using a soft brush or cloth, lightly scrub the basket with warm soapy water, paying special attention to any stubborn dirt or stains.
Rinse with clean water and allow the basket to air dry completely before replacing any contents.

Continue reading our article for tips on maintaining the appearance of your wicker baskets, how to wash them, and keeping them clean in the future.

Use a Microfiber Cloth To Clean A Wicker Basket

First, it is important to remove any loose debris or dirt from the wicker basket. This can be easily done by using a dry or lightly dampened microfiber cloth to dust the surface of the basket. Next, mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a bucket or bowl.

Using a soft cloth, gently wipe down the wicker with the soapy water solution, being careful not to rub too harshly with the damp cloth and potentially remove coloring from the clean baskets.

Allow the wicker basket to air dry completely before using again, preferably outdoors in direct sunlight for optimal drying. Following these steps will help keep your wicker basket clean and looking its best.

Use a Vacuum Cleaner To Clean Wicker Baskets

Cleaning a wicker basket with a vacuum cleaner can seem daunting, but it is actually quite simple.

First, empty the basket of any debris and dispose of it properly. Next, using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, thoroughly clean the inside of the basket.

Finally, use a lightly damp microfiber cloth (or any soft cloth) to dust and wipe down the outside of the basket for a complete clean. Remember to allow the wicker basket to fully dry before using it again.

With these easy steps, your wicker basket will be sparkling clean in no time.

Can You Get Mold Out Of A Wicker Basket?

Discoloration or musty smell in your wicker baskets? There’s a good chance you’re dealing with mold growth. A humid environment or storing wicker in a dark or damp environment with too much moisture is more likely to cause this.

Due to the fact that wicker baskets (made of organic material) are usually only lightly stained or sealed, mold can easily grow on them. Spraying or scrubbing down the wicker fibers with bleach is one of the most effective ways to get rid of it.

How to Clean Wicker Baskets that Have Mold.

Remove loose mold and dirt by vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth. A feather duster can also help.
Bleach and water should be mixed 1:1 in a large bowl.
Wear rubber gloves.
Scrub mold away with a soft-bristle brush, sponge, or microfiber cloth.
For tight spaces, like in between the wicker weave, use a small soft brush, like a toothbrush.
Use a kitchen sink hose or wet cloth to rinse off the solution.
Wipe dry with a clean microfiber cloth, or soft cloth. The basket should be left in the sun to completely dry out.

Pro Tip: You can substitute bleach with a solution made from three parts water and one part vinegar if you dislike bleach.

How To Clean Bad Stains In Wicker

Home decor has a tendency to become stained with dust and dirt. So how do you tackle tough stains on woven baskets and wicker baskets?

You can clean a wicker basket, and other wicker items with tough stains with our easy tips below.

What is needed:

A bathtub, kitchen sink, or bucket
Warm water
Dish detergent
Clean microfiber cloth

Instructions:

Pour soapy water into a bucket, sink, or bathtub, depending on the size of your wicker basket.
Dishwashing liquid should only be added to about one gallon of water per teaspoon. Any kind of dish soap will do.
For a deep clean, you can start loosening dirt and grime by repeatedly dipping your wicker basket in soapy water and letting it air-dry. Never soak wicker in water.
Microfiber cloths are ideal for wiping away tougher stains and grime. Gently wipe away stains.
Dry water spots with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
Before you can reuse your wicker basket, let it air dry completely in the sun.

The color of your wicker can be affected by this particular cleaning process. If you have practical wicker baskets in your kitchen or perhaps wicker baskets from the thrift store you want to clean, this is a good method to use.

Cleaning Plastic Wicker (Outdoor Furniture)

There are many names for plastic, or resin, wicker. No matter what you call it cleaning tips for your outdoor furniture and outdoor wicker baskets are here for you!

In addition to being easy to clean and maintain, resin wicker has a low maintenance requirement. For cleaning synthetic wicker to look great, follow these steps:

When resin wicker furniture has been soaked in rain or snow, you should wipe the entire piece with a dry cloth as soon as possible. Drying it will make cleaning easier, even though it is moisture-resistant.
If you want to minimize the chance of stains on your synthetic wicker, clean it with mild dish detergent and warm water. Avoid the use of harsh chemicals.
To prevent cracks, chalkiness, or fading, seal the surface with a safe, non-toxic sealer.
Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture by covering or storing in a dry place.

Synthetic wicker furniture is a great option if you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to create an outdoor seating or dining area around your home. You can meet your personal style and needs with synthetic wicker furniture in a variety of colors, textures, and weave sizes.

Repurposing Worn Wicker Baskets

Prior to recycling your wicker basket, consider repurposing it if possible.

Use a small basket as outdoor flower pot
Organize your gardening shed with a large container made of wicker for tools, hoses, potting soil, fertilizer, and more
Refresh the wicker basket by painting it. Make sure you get paint into the grooves, which may be difficult due to the weaving process.
Check DIY boards on Pinterest for more ideas.

When Cleaning Wicker Baskets Won’t Do the Trick

Can’t figure out how to clean wicker baskets to pristine condition? I’m afraid you can’t rescue your wicker basket. Let’s talk about recycling it.

You should separate mixed materials – if your basket has plastic handles, a metal frame, or anything attached, you should separate them as much as possible.
Follow your community’s recycling guidelines for each material. Plant-based materials are not accepted by most weekly recycling pickup programs, but your local dump or recycling center may.
Your backyard compost can be used to compost natural materials such as untreated wicker reeds.
Learn more about recycling best practices and how to do it by contacting your local recycling center.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, these various cleaning methods can help you keep your wicker baskets looking amazing for years to come!

Make sure you have good detergent, a feather duster or microfiber duster can help keep grime at bay and away from the wicker fibers. A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment is a handy tool to have for cleaning wicker weave as well.

Be sure to test any cleaning product in an inconspicuous place on the wicker basket before using it on the entire surface.