Due to its woven structure, wicker material can quickly become a breeding ground for dust if not cleaned regularly.
Madeline Buiano is the editor of MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a variety of topics including gardening, cleaning, and home.
Wicker baskets are a storage essential in many homes. From blankets and toiletries to linens and cutlery, these beautiful containers can be used to store a variety of household items. However, due to their woven structure, they can easily accumulate dust and dander. It’s important to clean wicker baskets regularly, but there can be confusion about which cleaning products are safe for this material. Cleaning a wicker basket is actually quite simple and only requires a few common household cleaners.
Wicker baskets should be cleaned regularly. “Include cleaning your wicker baskets in your quarterly cleaning schedule,” advises Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds. “Wicker baskets collect dust easily and are easier to clean if you clean them more than once a year.”
While deep cleaning can be done quarterly, light dusting should be done regularly every month to prevent dust and dirt from building up. “Wicker baskets tend to collect dust because of their woven structure and the small spaces between the fibers,” says Vera Peterson, president of local company Molly Maid. Regular dusting and cleaning will help prevent buildup. “Take the basket outside to dust it off to prevent dust particles from being carried back into your home.
Whether you’re cleaning a wicker basket made from natural or synthetic materials, you can use the same methods and cleaning products. “But if the wicker is synthetic, it won’t absorb moisture,” says Parnell. “You may want to add more all-purpose cleaner or soapy water to avoid damaging the basket.”
When cleaning wicker baskets, it is important to ensure that there is no moisture left in the basket, as this can lead to mold growth. If you notice mold on your wicker basket, clean it with white vinegar and water.
Regularly cleaning wicker baskets can extend their life, but there are other ways to protect the material. “To extend the life of wicker baskets, store them in a dry place,” says Peterson. “Avoid moisture buildup on the surface.” Wicker baskets tend to warp in high humidity, so be sure to maintain normal humidity levels in your home and wipe down the surface if moisture accumulates.