Care for Woven Baskets

Baskets are traditionally made of roots, reeds and bark.

Woven baskets are made of various types of materials, traditionally roots, reeds and bark. Basket-making begins with a strong frame, which is usually made of wood or pieces of aluminum. The crafter will moisten the weaving medium to make it pliable and direct the medium along the frame using a common technique known as "twining." After completion of the basket, the moistened weaving medium shrinks back to its original state, increasing the strength and durability of the basket. The natural materials used to create woven baskets require proper care to keep them intact and looking their best.

Things You'll Need

• Soft cloth or feather duster
• Small paintbrush
• Cotton swab
• Cotton cloth or cardboard container
• Plastic bag
• Rubber gloves and dust mask
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Dehumidifier or humidifier

Instructions

1. Dust your woven basket on a regular basis. Weekly dustings with a soft cloth or feather duster will prevent build-up of dust, dirt and residue, which can be difficult to clean later on. A small paintbrush can help to remove dust particles in tight areas.

2. Dampen a soft cloth with water for deeper cleanings. Rub the soft cloth over the woven basket, removing dirt. Dampen a cotton swab with water to clean tiny crevices that are impossible to get to with the damp cloth. Allow the woven basket to air dry.

3. Carry woven baskets with one hand cradling the bottom of the basket and the other holding the handle. Although it is natural to want to carry the basket only by its handle, items inside the basket can put extra weight on the bottom, weakening the weave.

4. Store the woven basket in a cool, dry area when not in use. Do not place the basket in a plastic bag or set it in a corner on the floor. A high, out of the way shelf with a loosely draped cotton cloth covering it should suffice. A cardboard container also makes an appropriate storage place for a woven basket.

5. Slip a moldy woven basket in a plastic bag. Place the bag in the freezer for 48 hours to kill the mold. Slip on a pair of rubber gloves and dust-mask after the freezing period. Take the woven basket outdoors for a thorough vacuuming with a brush attachment. After removing the mold with the vacuum, use a damp cotton swab to remove any mold that is still lingering on the woven basket. Air-dry the basket after cleaning.

Tips & Warnings

• A dehumidifier placed in a damp room can keep your woven baskets from developing mold. In the same respect, a humidifier placed in a dry room can keep your woven basket from developing dry rot.

• Keep your woven basket out of the reach of small children and animals. Inquisitive animals and small children can damage the woven basket through unintentional rough handling.

• Do not submerge the woven basket in water during cleaning.

References

• Preserving My Heritage: How to Care for Baskets

Resources

• Simply Baskets: How to Remove Mold from Woven Baskets