Wicker baskets are a nice home decor addition for storage or display. Regular care is needed to keep them looking their best long-term.
Following basic care tips maintains baskets through daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal routines. Simple, consistent steps dedicate just a small amount of time for cleaning. Both indoor and outdoor baskets require proper upkeep.
These tips outline essential care. Daily dusting checks for and fixes small issues. Regular light cleaning and deep cleans remove built-up dirt. Special storage season steps also protect baskets. Consistent care prevents bigger problems over time. Proper maintenance extends a basket’s natural good looks for years.
Daily Care
Proper daily care is important to maintain the appearance and longevity of your wicker baskets. After using a wicker basket each day, you’ll want to take a few minutes to do some light cleaning and inspection.
Regular dusting is one of the most important aspects of daily wicker basket care. Wicker weaves naturally collect dust, pollen, and other debris just from being out in the home. Left to build up over time, this can cause the wicker to look dull or dirty. The best way to dust wicker is with a soft-bristle brush or microfiber cloth. Gently brush or wipe the wicker all over, focusing on crevices in the weave where dust tends to accumulate. This light dusting should take just a few minutes and helps keep your baskets looking fresh daily.
In addition to dusting, you’ll also want to do a quick visual inspection of each basket every day. Check for any signs of wear and tear, such as loose strands of wicker or broken pieces. Identifying small issues early helps prevent further damage. If you find any loose wicker strands, go ahead and tighten them with your fingers. Be careful not to snap the strands when tightening. Any broken pieces should be removed right away to maintain structural integrity.
Lastly, pay attention to how much weight and items you have in each wicker basket. Overloading can cause a basket’s frame to become warped or break over time. Distribute weight evenly and avoid piling items too high in the basket. Also, very heavy objects should be kept to a minimum. By mindfully not overloading your baskets daily, you can prevent premature wear and tear issues down the road.
With just 5-10 minutes a day devoted to light dusting, inspection, and monitoring weight levels, your wicker baskets will stay looking their best with minimal effort. Establishing this simple daily care routine goes a long way toward keeping baskets in excellent condition.
Weekly Care
While daily care through dusting and inspection helps maintain your wicker baskets, they will still collect dirt and grime over the course of a week. Going a bit deeper in your cleaning once a week is beneficial.
Light vacuuming is a great weekly task. Use the upholstery or soft brush attachment on your vacuum and gently go over the entire surface of the basket. This will help suction up deeper dirt and particles that daily dusting may have missed. Pay special attention to corners, crevices, and tight wicker weaves that are prone to trapping debris.
Another important part of weekly care is addressing spills or stains right away. Accidents happen, so check your baskets each week for any food, liquid, or dirt marks. Blot up spills or wipe stains with a damp cloth as soon as possible. The faster you address them, the easier they will be to lift from the wicker before settling in. Baking soda can also help with odors, grease, or other types of stains if applied and left to sit briefly before rinsing.
Taking just 15 minutes weekly to vacuum and check for stains can make a big difference in maintaining clean, cared-for baskets. Extending your daily routine is an easy way to prevent dirt buildup that leads to baskets looking prematurely worn. Staying on top of care through weekly deeper cleanings is
Monthly Care
Even with daily dusting and weekly light cleaning, baskets need deep cleaning monthly. This removes built-up dirt so wicker stays nice looking.
At least once a month, thoroughly clean baskets with a damp cloth and mild soap. Fill a container with warm water and add a little vinegar or lemon juice. These natural cleaners cut through grease and ground-in gunk without being too rough.
Use the cloth to wipe down all parts of the basket, scrubbing tricky areas like corners and bottoms. Rinse the cloth a lot in the cleaning solution to take away dirt without spreading it. When dry, baskets look fresh again.
While cleaning, inspect for pests or mold growth which can damage wicker over many months. Look closely in crevices and underlinings for bugs, eggs, or mold. Handle any issues right away based on what it is. Monthly checking and deep cleaning help stop big infestations later on.
Spending around 30 minutes monthly on deep cleaning and checking baskets keeps them looking good for many years. It also protects their structures. Keeping up monthly care means wicker baskets will last beautifully for a very long time.
Also read: Mold-Proof Your Wicker Baskets with These Simple Tips
Seasonal Care
Besides regular monthly, weekly and daily cleaning, wicker baskets need extra steps before and after seasonal storage. This protects them for a long time.
Before storing baskets for winter or when moving, clean and dry them well. Do the monthly deep clean and pay close attention to rinsing and drying all parts, like underneath. This removes any dirt, moisture, or bugs that could harm stored baskets.
Once cleaned and dried, baskets can be put away. If possible, store in an airtight container or under a cover away from direct sunlight, which causes fading. Placing cedar blocks in storage areas helps keep out bugs and smelly odors. Outdoor baskets should be covered or placed upside down under an overhang.
When unpacking baskets after storage, check right away for issues like mold or bug damage and fix them. Small problems are easier to handle at first. Don’t use baskets yet – let them air out fully to prevent bringing moisture or bugs back inside.
With a little preventive care during storage transitions, wicker baskets can keep their pretty look for many years through different weather and locations. Spending a few hours on deep cleaning before and after storage is time well spent to protect these nice decor pieces.