Wicker is woven from natural plant fibers, typically rattan, willow, or seagrass, which means soaking it like a plastic tub will warp the weave or split the strands. Knowing how to clean wicker baskets the right way preserves the structure for decades and rescues even the dustiest thrift-store finds. The trick is to use moisture sparingly, dry quickly, and condition the fibers when needed.
- Identify the Wicker Material First
- Quick Weekly Cleaning
- Deep Cleaning a Grimy Basket
- Removing Mildew and Musty Smells
- Restoring Faded or Brittle Wicker
- Dealing With Painted or Sealed Baskets
- Cleaning Outdoor Synthetic Wicker
- What Not to Do
- Storage Habits That Keep Baskets Clean
- Frequently Asked Questions
Identify the Wicker Material First
Cleaning method depends on what the basket is made of. Lift it and look at the weave.
- Rattan: Smooth, blonde-to-honey colored, dense weave. Most flexible and most water-tolerant of natural wickers.
- Willow: Slight knottiness, often darker. Splits more easily when wet.
- Seagrass: Greenish-tan, twisted strands. Can mildew if soaked.
- Bamboo: Hollow, segmented appearance. Tolerates damp wiping well.
- Synthetic resin (PE wicker): Plastic strands that look woven. Can be hosed and scrubbed without restraint.
Quick Weekly Cleaning
For baskets that live in the open and collect household dust, a weekly dust-off prevents grime from settling deep into the weave. A vacuum with a brush attachment on low suction pulls dust out of the gaps far better than a feather duster.
For tighter spots, use a soft 1-inch paintbrush or an old toothbrush to dislodge debris from the weave intersections. Five minutes per basket keeps them looking fresh without ever needing water.
Deep Cleaning a Grimy Basket
For baskets with caked-on dust, food residue, or mystery thrift-store stains, a damp wash is necessary. Work fast and dry faster.
- Vacuum first to remove loose dust. Wet dust turns into mud you’ll grind into the fibers.
- Mix the cleaner: 1 quart of warm water, 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap (Dawn or Method), and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge, wring it nearly dry, and wipe along the grain of the weave.
- Spot scrub stubborn areas with a soft brush dipped in the same solution.
- Rinse with a second clean cloth dampened in plain water. Skip rinsing entirely if you used very little soap.
- Dry immediately with a clean towel, blotting moisture out of every joint.
- Air dry in indirect sunlight with airflow for 24 hours. A box fan speeds this up dramatically.
Removing Mildew and Musty Smells
Wicker stored in basements or attics often picks up a damp, earthy odor. Mildew also leaves dark spots in the weave. Both respond to the same treatment.
Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Mist the basket lightly, you want it damp, not wet. Let sit for 20 minutes, then wipe with a clean cloth. Vinegar kills mold spores without bleaching the natural color. Place the basket outdoors in indirect sun for two hours to finish drying. UV light combined with airflow eliminates lingering odors better than any commercial product.
Restoring Faded or Brittle Wicker
Old wicker dries out and turns brittle. Strands snap, the weave loosens, and the surface looks dusty even after cleaning. Conditioning replaces lost moisture and oils.
Mix equal parts boiled linseed oil and turpentine (about 1/4 cup each for a medium basket). Apply lightly with a soft cloth, working into the weave. Wipe off excess. Let cure for 48 hours in a ventilated area. The wicker will darken slightly and regain flexibility. Avoid this on painted or lacquered baskets, oil seals over the finish unevenly.
Dealing With Painted or Sealed Baskets
Many decorative baskets at HomeGoods or Target have a clear lacquer or color stain. The finish protects the wicker but prevents oil treatments. Stick to damp wiping with mild soap. Avoid abrasive scrubbing, which removes the finish in patches.
If the finish is chipping or peeling, sand lightly with 220-grit, wipe with a tack cloth, and reseal with a clear satin polyurethane spray. Two light coats restore the protective layer.
Cleaning Outdoor Synthetic Wicker
Resin wicker on patio furniture and outdoor planters takes much rougher treatment. Use a garden hose for general rinsing and a soft brush with a bucket of soapy water (1 tablespoon dish soap per gallon) for stuck-on grime. A pressure washer on low setting works for very dirty pieces, keep the wand at least 2 feet away to avoid damaging the weave.
For mildew on outdoor synthetic wicker, a 10:1 water-to-bleach solution is safe since the material is plastic. Rinse thoroughly afterward to prevent damage to nearby fabric cushions.
What Not to Do
- Do not submerge natural wicker baskets in water. Soaking warps the frame and loosens the weave.
- Do not use bleach on natural wicker, it weakens fibers and bleaches color unevenly.
- Do not put wicker in the dishwasher, even resin baskets, the heat warps the structure.
- Do not dry in direct hot sun for hours, this dries strands too fast and causes splitting.
- Do not apply furniture polish with silicone, it builds up in the weave and traps dust.
Storage Habits That Keep Baskets Clean
How you store wicker between uses matters as much as cleaning. Keep baskets in dry, ventilated spaces. Avoid stacking heavy items inside that compress the weave. If storing seasonally, slip a fabric cover (not plastic, which traps moisture) over each basket and place a silica gel packet inside to absorb humidity. Quality wicker lasts 30 to 50 years with this kind of routine care, while neglected baskets unravel within five.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash wicker baskets with water?
Yes, lightly. Use a damp cloth, never submerge them, and dry immediately to prevent warping or mildew.
How do I get rid of a musty smell in wicker?
Mist with a 1:2 vinegar-water solution, wipe down, and dry in indirect sunlight with airflow. Repeat if needed.
Can I put wicker baskets in the washing machine?
No. The agitation breaks the weave and the soaking warps the structure permanently.
How often should I clean wicker baskets?
Vacuum or dust weekly. Deep clean every 6 to 12 months, or any time stains or odors develop.
What oil is best for restoring dried wicker?
A 50/50 mix of boiled linseed oil and turpentine, applied lightly. Lemon oil works as a milder alternative for lighter conditioning.
