A well-made wicker basket is more resilient than it might look, but it is not indestructible. Natural willow and rattan fibres respond to their environment — they tolerate a reasonable amount of everyday use without complaint, but heat, prolonged damp, and rough handling will shorten their life noticeably. Basket care specialists at Wicker Woman note that a well-maintained natural wicker basket can last 5 to 10 years or more under normal household use.
The good news is that looking after a wicker basket does not require much effort. Most of what damages a basket is passive — wrong storage conditions, not letting it dry out after getting wet, or positioning it somewhere too warm. Get the basics right and the basket largely looks after itself.
Quick answer: To care for a wicker basket, clean it regularly with a dry brush and occasional damp wipe, let it dry fully if it gets wet, keep it away from heat sources and direct sunlight, and store it in a cool dry place. Avoid soaking, and do not position it near a radiator or log stove.
How to clean a wicker basket
Cleaning a wicker basket is straightforward, but the method matters — using the wrong approach can cause more harm than the dirt itself.
For everyday dust: A dry, natural-bristle brush is the best tool. Work with the grain of the weave, brushing lightly to dislodge dust from the grooves without pulling at the fibres. A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment also works well — if the suction is strong, place a piece of thin nylon stocking over the end to reduce the pull. A feather duster works for light dusting but may not reach into the weave as effectively as a brush.
For a deeper clean: Dampen a white cotton cloth very slightly with cold water and a small amount of mild liquid soap. Wring it out well — you want the cloth damp, not wet. Wipe the basket gently, following the weave. Then go over the whole surface again with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue. Soap left in the weave can attract more dirt over time, so this second wipe is worth doing.
Drying: After any damp cleaning, place the basket somewhere with good airflow and let it dry fully before using or storing it. A warm room with open windows is ideal. Do not put it next to a radiator or leave it in direct sunlight to speed things up — both dry the fibres unevenly and can cause cracking or warping.
What not to do: Never soak a wicker basket in water, and never put it through a dishwasher. Prolonged soaking causes the natural fibres to swell, which loosens the weave and can lead to warping, colour loss, and mould if the basket does not dry properly.
What damages wicker baskets — and what to avoid
Understanding what causes wicker to deteriorate makes it much easier to avoid the main pitfalls without overthinking everyday use.
Heat is the most common cause of premature wicker damage in UK homes. Log stoves, open fires, radiators, and underfloor heating all dry the natural fibres over time. Once the fibres are dry enough, they lose flexibility and start to crack or snap, particularly at the rim and handle attachment points where the material is under more stress. The same applies to car boot storage — a basket left in a warm car for extended periods will dry out faster than one kept indoors.
Direct sunlight has a similar effect to heat, with the additional problem of UV fading. South-facing windowsills and conservatories are the worst spots for wicker. The colour bleaches unevenly and the fibres become brittle more quickly. Indirect light is fine — it is the intensity of direct sun exposure that does the damage.
Persistent damp damages wicker differently. A basket that gets wet and dries out quickly is generally fine. One kept in a damp environment — a garage with poor ventilation, a bathroom without airflow, or near a leaking window — may start to develop mould in the weave. The fibres soften and may lose their shape, and mould can spread into parts of the basket that are difficult to reach.
Overloading puts stress on the sides and on the handle attachment points. A basket that has been regularly overloaded tends to develop a slight outward flare at the sides, and the handles may start to feel loose at the fixings. Loading within a sensible capacity is the easiest way to extend the life of any basket.
How to store wicker baskets properly
Storage is where a lot of wicker baskets age faster than they need to. The key requirements are simple: cool, dry, and away from heat.
A cupboard with ventilation, a dry utility room shelf, or a corner of a bedroom works well. Stacking baskets is generally fine if they are similar in shape and the weight is not pressing heavily on a single point. For baskets you are not using for a period — seasonal hampers, for example — a dust bag or pillowcase keeps dust out of the weave without cutting off airflow.
Avoid storing wicker baskets in garages or outbuildings unless they are properly sealed against damp. Temperature fluctuation in unheated spaces also accelerates the ageing of natural fibres. If outdoor storage is necessary, keep baskets in a sealed dry container rather than leaving them exposed to the air.
Long-term care: conditioning and minor repairs
Most wicker baskets need little more than the cleaning and storage advice above to last well. But for older baskets that have started to dry out — particularly if they have been kept near a heat source — a light application of a natural oil can help restore some flexibility to the fibres.
Linseed oil or mineral oil, applied sparingly with a soft cloth and allowed to absorb fully, can condition dried willow fibres and reduce the risk of cracking. Apply a thin coat, let it sit for an hour, then wipe off any excess. This is useful for a basket that has become noticeably dry or brittle, but does not need to be done routinely.
For loose weave ends or minor damage at the rim, small repairs are often straightforward. A loose willow end can be tucked back into the weave with a thin implement. If a basket has significant structural damage — broken uprights or a failed base — it is worth considering whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
Care tips for specific basket types
Log baskets need particular attention to the heat question. Positioned fireside by design, they are in exactly the environment that dries out wicker most quickly. Position your log basket close enough to be useful but not directly next to the open fire or stove opening. Check the weave and handles periodically for early signs of drying.
Picnic and fitted hampers often spend long periods in storage between uses. A dust bag and dry cupboard storage work well here. Air them out fully before each picnic season and check for any mould that may have developed in the lining fabric.
Everyday household storage baskets and wicker shopping baskets tend to be the most robust in care terms, since they are used regularly and kept at room temperature. Regular dusting and occasional damp wiping is usually enough to keep them in good shape for years.
Browse the full range of handcrafted wicker baskets at Peak Sales, or contact us if you need help choosing the right basket for your home.
Written by the Peak Sales Team — based in the Peak District, helping customers find and look after the right wicker basket for their home. Published September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How long do wicker baskets last?
A well-made natural wicker or willow basket can last 5 to 10 years or more with proper care. The main factors are keeping it dry, away from direct heat and sunlight, and not overloading it regularly. Baskets kept in good conditions and cleaned occasionally tend to outlast those stored near heat sources or in damp environments.
Can I wash a wicker basket?
Do not soak a wicker basket or put it in a dishwasher. Soaking causes the natural fibres to swell and can lead to warping, mould, and colour loss. For everyday cleaning, use a dry brush to remove dust, and a slightly damp cloth with mild soap for a deeper clean. Always allow the basket to dry fully before storing.
Why is my wicker basket going brittle?
Brittleness in wicker is almost always caused by heat or prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Both dry out the natural willow or rattan fibres over time, making them stiff and prone to snapping. Keep your basket away from radiators, log stoves, and south-facing windows to slow this process.
Can I use oil on a wicker basket?
A light application of natural linseed oil or mineral oil can help condition dry wicker fibres and restore some flexibility. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth, allow it to absorb, and wipe off any excess. This is most useful for older baskets that have dried out rather than as a regular treatment.
