The Rural Legend
Mar 7
Thrift stores are always filled with an assortment of wicker baskets and other items just waiting to be styled in your home! The problem with wicker is because of it's texture, it holds onto dirt and debris easily, so it's important to thoroughly clean any type of wicker when bringing them home. Read on to learn how to clean wicker baskets properly!
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Check the structure of the basket. Are there holes or breaks in the weaving that will affect the structure?
Is there mold or mildew on the basket? (we'll talk about how to clean this later on in the post!)
Explore all sizes - even the smallest baskets can be used for storage and styling!
Look for older baskets with patina or signs of aging that will add beauty and character to your space.
Look for unique shapes or weaving techniques that will make it look more high end.
Wicker adds a warm organic feel to a space no matter your style. Here are some of my favorite ways to style baskets in a home:
add a plant in a waterproof pot
use as the base for your Christmas tree
organize toys and books
style on shelves
use in an entryway to corral small items like keys or large items like shoes and umbrellas
store blankets and pillows in a bedroom or living room
display shallow ones on a wall as a collection or mixed in with artwork
insert a vase or glass of water and use as a flower vase
store remotes and other less aesthetic items on a coffee table
water
mild dish soap
soft bristle brush or toothbrush
vinegar
1. Start by brushing and wiping off your basket to remove large pieces of debris from inside and outside
2. If your basket is in good shape, fill a sink or tub with warm water and dish soap and full submerge the basket for up to 5 minutes. DO NOT let it soak longer than that to prevent damage.
3. Gently swirl the basket around in water to help loosen extra debris.
4. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap.
5. Let air dry, preferably outside. If drying on a sunny day, make sure to bring your basket back inside as soon as it's dry to avoid UV damage.
6. For mold and mildew, spray a vinegar and water mixture over the area. Let see a few minutes and then scrub with your soft bristle brush. Continue with steps 1-5.
It is possible to lighten your basket depending upon your style preference! Learn how to bleach wicker in this post!
Don't miss our top cleaning products for cleaning all kinds of vintage thrift store finds! Read all about them here!