How to Clean Natural Wicker Baskets (Without Losing Your Mind)

Wicker baskets: the Pinterest-worthy storage solution that somehow collects dust faster than your furniture. Whether you use them to hold blankets, stash snacks, or just look stylish in a corner, they need occasional cleaning to stay in top shape. But don’t worry! We'll walk you through.

How Often Should You Clean Wicker Baskets?

It depends on what kind of life your basket is living:

Holding a plant? If mold or mildew appears, clean it immediately before it starts looking like a science experiment.
Food storage? Clean after every use because nobody wants mystery crumbs from last Tuesday’s croissant.
Purely decorative? Dust weekly unless you enjoy the “antique covered in cobwebs” aesthetic.

Before You Start

If your basket has a fabric lining, remove it and wash it separately. Toss it in the machine or hand-wash it, but whatever you do, make sure it’s completely dry before putting it back in. A damp liner = musty basket = regrets.

The Wicker Warrior’s Cleaning Kit

Gather these mighty tools before you embark on your cleaning quest:

Tools:

✔ Paintbrush (because wicker is basically art)

✔ Vacuum with a hose and brush attachment (for serious dust-busting action)

✔ Two microfiber cloths (one for washing, one for drying—because you’re a pro)

✔ A small bowl (for mixing your top-secret cleaning potion)

✔ A toothbrush (for those hard-to-reach spots, not your teeth)

Materials:

🧼 Dish soap (classic, reliable, and smells nice)

🧹 Microfiber duster (because dusting is inevitable)

🍾 White vinegar (nature’s cleaning MVP)

How to Clean Natural Wicker Baskets in 3 Steps

STEP ONE: Evict the Dust Bunnies

Dust and dirt love wicker’s woven texture, so it’s time to show them the door:

Vacuum it using a hose and brush attachment (because your basket deserves high-tech care).
Paintbrush method: Use a small, clean paintbrush to dust between those tricky woven spaces.
Microfiber duster: Swipe away any leftover dirt, cobwebs, or evidence of neglect.

STEP TWO: Spot Clean Like a Pro

Time to tackle stains, smudges, and that weird spot you keep pretending not to see.

Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap in your small bowl.
Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution, wring it out (wicker hates being drenched).
Gently clean any dirty areas—don’t scrub like you’re mad at it.
Take a second clean cloth, dip it in plain water, and wipe off any soapy residue.
Let the basket air-dry in a well-ventilated area (avoid direct sunlight unless you like warped wicker).

STEP THREE: Bye-Bye, Mold and Mildew

If your basket has decided to grow its own ecosystem, here’s how to fix it:

Mix one part vinegar to four parts water in a bowl.
Dip a toothbrush or microfiber cloth in the solution.
Wipe away the mold (get into those sneaky corners with the toothbrush).
Rinse the cleaned area with a damp cloth—no soap needed.
Let it air-dry completely. No damp wicker allowed.

🚨 Warning: Do not use chlorine bleach or harsh chemicals—unless you want your wicker to crumble into dust. And never, ever soak your basket in water unless you’re trying to turn it into a pile of soggy sadness.

That’s It!

Your wicker basket is now clean, fresh, and free of mysterious grime. Keep up with regular dusting, avoid excessive moisture, and your basket will last for years—or at least until you redecorate again.

Want more natural fiber, handwoven goodies? Check out https://www.greenweaverstore.com/all-products for beautiful baskets straight from Vietnam!