Many people decorate their homes and gardens with wicker baskets. They use them to hold things or make areas look nice. But, some probably wonder – can wicker baskets get a little wet? The answer isn’t 100% clear. It depends on what wicker is made of and how the basket is woven together.
In this article, we’ll explore a few things. First, we’ll look at what wicker is made from and how that affects how it interacts with moisture. Then we’ll see what factors influence how well a basket can handle water. We’ll also cover potential issues too much wetness can cause. Finally, we’ll learn the best ways to care for wicker and prevent problems from water damage.
After reading, you’ll better understand your wicker items and rain. You’ll know if occasional light rain is okay or if they need complete dryness. Let’s get started exploring wicker and water!
The Natural Resistant Properties of Wicker
Wicker is made by weaving together different plant fibers. Some common plants used are rattan, bamboo, willow, and reed. These plants naturally have some ability to resist water due to what they’re made of. However, their resistance isn’t perfect.
Rattan, for example, comes from a vine with thick, twisty fibers that aren’t very porous. This means water can’t pass through rattan fibers as easily compared to reed. Reed fibers are hollow inside, so water slips through more readily.
The tightness of the weave, or how the fibers are wrapped together, also impacts water. A tightly woven basket doesn’t let much moisture through the gaps between strands. It’s like a tightly woven cloth that beads water off better than a loosely woven one. So how water interacts depends on both the plant material and how it’s constructed. Baskets woven tighter resist water more, while looser weaves soak it up more easily. Overall, wicker has natural defenses against water, but they can vary based on these factors.
Factors Affecting a Wicker Basket’s Water Resistance
While wicker naturally tries to stay dry, some things affect how good it is at that. Understanding these can help you know if your wicker can handle a little water or needs to stay completely dry.
- Weave tightness: A tighter weave without big holes keeps water out better than a loose one.
- Sealing: Wicker treated with a clear finish stays drier than bare wicker without a coating.
- Shape: Flat baskets have more places for water to hit than tall boxes. Open designs also lack coverage.
- Material quality: Damaged or old fibers soak up water more than strong, healthy ones.
- Exposure length: Short contact isn’t as bad as constant wetness over a long time.
- Water amount: Light rain is less risky than heavy downpours that might overwhelm the wicker.
Generally, tightly woven wicker that is sealed and closed keeps water out better. Knowing how your wicker ranks in these areas can tell if it will handle a splash or needs to stay totally dry. Proper construction and treatment make wicker better equipped to deal with moisture.
Potential Damage From Prolonged Water Exposure
Occasional light rain likely won’t hurt Wicker right away. But lots of moisture over time can cause damage if the fibers can’t resist water well. Here are some issues:
- Mold and mildew: Wet spots are perfect for these fungi to grow and spread, messing up the plant material’s color.
- Rotting: Like other plants, constantly wet wicker will break down as bacteria and fungi take over, making it weak.
- Loose weaves: Too much soaked-in water can cause strands to puff up and come apart where they were woven tight.
- Fast aging: Water strips away natural oils that keep fibers flexible and protected outside, speeding up wear.
- Stains: Even treated wicker soaks up color leaving stains that remain once dry, ruining the look.
Too much moisture exposure leads to problems if the plant material isn’t very water-resistant to start with. These unwelcome changes compromise the wicker’s structure and appearance over the long run.
Also read: How Do I Prevent My Wicker Waste Bins From Getting Moldy?
Best Practices for Protecting Wicker from Moisture
To prevent water issues, here are some effective precautions to take with wicker items:
- Cover with breathable fabric like muslin during rain or heavy dew.
- Store inside when not using outside to avoid wet weather.
- Check for darkened or puffy spots that need drying if left out.
- Raise off the ground on feet or upside down to prevent ground moisture.
- Reapply sealant coats when the protection wears off the treated wicker.
- Wipe dry after light rain instead of air drying to remove trapped water.
- Soak very soaked pieces in dry rice or use fans/low heat to dry over time.
- Replace wicker ruined by too much past wetness rather than trying to save it.
Paying close attention to wicker and fixing any moisture issues quickly helps prevent damage long-term, even for lower-quality pieces. But keeping wicker indoors when not in use is always the safest way to keep it in good condition for years.
In the end, even though wicker is part plant and so has some built-in defenses against moisture, it can’t be totally waterproof without help. You have to consider how it’s made and what could go wrong if it gets soaked. Knowing your basket inside and out lets you care for it in ways that limit problems with water best.
Things like proper construction, coatings, and fast drying when wet go far. Being aware of wicker’s weaknesses and keeping it dry with prevention tactics helps it look great and last whether inside or outside.