How to Keep Your Wicker Baskets Clean: Top Tips for Keeping Them Beautiful

Wicker and rattan baskets are a home decor staple, adding both charm and practicality to any space. Whether you use them for storage, decoration, or even as planters, these natural materials bring warmth and texture to your home. But to keep them looking beautiful, it’s important to care for them properly. Wicker and rattan can collect dust, absorb moisture, and even become brittle over time if not maintained correctly.

If you’re wondering how to clean wicker baskets or keep rattan looking its best, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Let’s dive into the best ways to clean, maintain, and protect your baskets so they last for years to come.

Understanding Wicker & Rattan: What’s the Difference?

Before we get into cleaning tips, let’s quickly go over the difference between wicker and rattan. While often used interchangeably, they are actually quite different:

• Rattan is a natural vine-like plant that grows in tropical regions. It’s flexible, durable, and widely used in furniture and baskets.

• Wicker refers to a weaving technique rather than a material. Wicker baskets can be made from rattan, willow, bamboo, or synthetic fibres.

Regardless of whether your baskets are rattan, willow, or bamboo, they all require similar care techniques to keep them looking their best.

1. Regular Dusting to Keep Baskets Looking Fresh

One of the easiest ways to maintain wicker and rattan baskets is regular dusting. Because of their intricate weave, dust can settle into the gaps, making them look dull over time. Here’s how to dust them properly:

Best Ways to Dust Wicker Baskets

• Use a soft brush: A small, clean paintbrush or a soft toothbrush is perfect for getting into the crevices.

• Vacuum with a brush attachment: A handheld vacuum or the brush attachment on a regular vacuum can gently lift away dust.

• Microfibre cloth: Lightly dampen a microfibre cloth and wipe over the surface to pick up fine dust particles.

How often?

• Dust your baskets once a week to keep them looking fresh and prevent dust build-up.

2. Deep Cleaning: How to Remove Dirt & Stains from Wicker

If your wicker baskets have started to look a little grubby, it’s time for a deeper clean. Here’s the best way to wash them without causing damage.

How to Wash Wicker & Rattan Baskets

1. Make a mild cleaning solution: Mix warm water with a few drops of mild washing up liquid.

2. Dampen (don’t soak) a cloth or sponge: Wring out excess water so it’s only slightly damp.

3. Wipe down the basket: Gently clean the surface, paying extra attention to any stained areas.

4. Use a toothbrush for tight spots: Dip a soft toothbrush into the cleaning solution and scrub between the weaves.

5. Rinse with a damp cloth: Wipe away any soapy residue with a clean, damp cloth.

6. Dry immediately: Allow the basket to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause fading.

What NOT to do:

• Don’t soak wicker in water – it can weaken the fibres and cause them to warp.

• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the natural material.

3. Removing Mould & Mildew from Wicker & Rattan

Because wicker and rattan are natural materials, they can absorb moisture, leading to mould or mildew growth, especially in humid areas.

How to Remove Mould from Wicker Baskets

• White vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water, then use a cloth to wipe affected areas.

• Baking soda paste: Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the mouldy area, leave for 10 minutes, and wipe clean.

• Sun drying: Place the basket outside in indirect sunlight to help kill bacteria and prevent regrowth.

Preventing Mould:

• Keep baskets in a dry area.

• Avoid placing them in damp spaces like bathrooms without ventilation.

• Use silica gel packets inside baskets to absorb excess moisture.

4. Maintaining Wicker Baskets to Prevent Drying & Cracking

Over time, wicker and rattan can dry out and become brittle. Here’s how to prevent that:

• Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure can cause fading and drying.

• Keep them in a stable environment: Extreme temperature changes can make wicker brittle.

5. Styling Tips: Keeping Wicker Baskets Beautiful in Your Home

Now that your wicker baskets are clean and well-maintained, here are some ways to style them beautifully in your home:

• Use them as chic storage – Keep blankets, cushions, or books neatly tucked away in stylish wicker baskets.

• Turn them into planters – Line with a waterproof insert and place potted plants inside.

• Display in open shelving – Wicker baskets add warmth and texture to open shelving in living rooms and kitchens.

• Hang them on the wall – Flat-backed baskets can create a beautiful wall display.

Final Thoughts

Keeping wicker and rattan baskets clean doesn’t have to be difficult. With regular dusting, occasional deep cleaning, and the right storage conditions, your baskets will stay looking beautiful for years. Whether you use them for storage, decoration, or as a stylish way to organise your home, these natural pieces deserve a little TLC.

For gorgeous wicker and rattan home accessories, explore our collection. Find beautifully crafted baskets, stylish storage solutions, and home decor pieces to complete your space.