How to Clean Seagrass Woven Baskets? (2023 Guide)

May 30, 2022

Sea grass baskets can add a natural and rustic touch to your home decor when combined with bamboo pendant lights, boho floor lamps and rattan decor, but they can become dirty and dusty over time. Here are some steps you can follow to clean a sea grass basket:

1. Dust the basket regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth to dust the basket at least once a week to prevent dirt and grime from building up.

2. Vacuum the basket: Use a soft-bristled attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or debris that is trapped in the weave of the sea grass.

3. Wipe the basket down with a mild cleaner: Mix a mild dish soap with warm water and use a soft cloth to gently scrub the surface of the basket. Rinse the cloth frequently and be sure to rinse the basket thoroughly after cleaning to remove any soap residue.

4. Dry the basket: Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the basket down and remove any excess moisture. Allow the basket to air dry completely before using it again.

5. Protect the basket: To prevent damage from spills and stains, consider applying a protective spray or wax to the surface of the basket. This will help to seal the surface and make it easier to clean in the future.

Remember to handle the basket gently while cleaning it, as sea grass baskets can be fragile and may become damaged if handled roughly. With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your sea grass basket looking fresh and clean for years to come.

Here's a quick look at some of the most popular FAQs on the internet

TL;DR

Can seagrass baskets be washed?

Yes. Scrub the seagrass baskets using soap and water solution and a dish scrub. Then rinse it off and dry, preferably in the sun.

How do you get mold out of a seagrass basket?

If your basket smells musty, you can also spray a 1:1 water and white vinegar solution. Let it dry. You can also mix a tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup of water, spray it and dry it. 

How do you keep seagrass baskets from smelling?

Sprinkle some baking soda on the basket. Dab the surface using a damp cotton cloth to spread it. Baking soda absorbs excess moisture and removes odors too.

How do you clean a dirty woven basket?

Use a soft dry cloth or a brush to dust off the surface of your seagrass basket. If it is greasy, you can use soap and water solution to scrub it off and dry it in the sun.

Now that your woven baskets are fresh and clean, it's time to get creative, organize, and decorate your home. A helpful tip is to clean your baskets twice a year. It will keep all problems at bay.

Now lets dig a little deeper...

A woven, natural material like seagrass baskets can instantly bring breezy comfort, warmth, and coziness. Seagrass has been around for a while. But this not-so-new classic is taking new forms in recent times. This article will give you all the details on how to clean seagrass baskets and more.

What is seagrass?

Seagrass grows in the shallow depths of the salty coastal waters worldwide. They are marine flowering plants. This textured material with distinct strands gives a natural feel.

Why are seagrass furnishings in demand?

Seagrass has become a popular eco-friendly raw material. Whether your style sensibilities veer towards mid-century modern, contemporary, bohemian, or vintage, a woven aspect brings a fun and comforting element to the room.

The intricate weave patterns and natural tones of seagrass baskets are easy on the eyes. Aside from their artisanal aesthetic, seagrass baskets are durable, making them popular. Known to last for decades, they are pretty sturdy and need minimum maintenance.

Some common problems with seagrass baskets

Mold: Natural materials like seagrass baskets can rot if exposed to moisture. Humidity and cold climate also encourage mold growth.

Smell: Well ventilated areas help your woven baskets thrive. Dark rooms with insufficient light or air circulation leave your baskets smelling musty.

Dust: Since these baskets are woven, they have plenty of crevices in which dust settles, making them tedious to clean.

Damage: Seeing your beloved seagrass baskets torn or ripped is heart-breaking. Don't burden your baskets with heavy objects. If you use it as a planter and want to move it, always take the plant out before moving it.

Reasons to clean your seagrass basket

There are a few reasons why you might want to clean your seagrass basket: 

1. Your basket has been around for a while, accumulating dust.

2. Your basket is from a thrift store. Items picked up from thrift stores will have a lot of dust and dirt. So, it is always advisable to clean them before using them.

3. Your basket holds damp These can be plants, flowers, wet cutlery, and fruits.

How to clean seagrass baskets

A woven seagrass basket should look good and last long. A little TLC will ensure its longevity. Here are simple and easy ways to keep your seagrass baskets looking great.

Brush: For daily cleaning, use a soft dry cloth or a flat, wide bristled paintbrush to dust off the surface of your seagrass basket. It will get into those creases and keep your baskets dust-free. Even the brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner does the job well. Follow this by wiping with a damp cloth and drying it well for a deeper clean.

Soap and water: Scrub your basket with soap and warm water solution to remove mold.

Take some warm water in a bowl. Add some dish soap and mix it. Next, dip the dish brush into the soap solution and scrub the surface of the basket. The dish soap removes dirt and grease.

Baskets with a tight weave or are thick can endure good scrubbing. Thinner and more delicate varieties need more discretion. Use caution while applying pressure.

Once satisfied, rinse the basket with fresh, cold water. Use the nozzle attachment on your faucet as it cleans between the grooves easily. Spread out a thick towel and lay your basket on it when you're done. It helps remove the excess water from these baskets. If possible, put them out in the sun to dry completely.

Chlorine: To get the smell out of your baskets, take a couple of gallons of water. Add a quarter cup of chlorine bleach. Use a dish brush and scrub the surface. Rinse with clean water and dry. 

Vinegar and Baking soda: To remove molds, you can also spray a 1:1 solution of water and white vinegar. Brush or wipe in the direction of the weave to avoid damaging the basket. Let it dry.

Sprinkle some baking soda on the basket. Dab the surface using a damp cotton cloth to spread it. Baking soda absorbs excess moisture and removes odors too.

Or sprinkle the surface with baking soda and place a bowl of vinegar inside the basket. Leave it in a warm spot for a day, then wipe it off. It removes musty smells.

Lemon juice:

• Add 1 tbsp of lemon juice to half a cup of water and mix.
• Use a dish brush and scrub the surface of your seagrass basket.
• Cover the whole surface and leave it out in the sun to dry.
• There is no need to rinse the basket again with this method.

Salt: This works well for smaller items. Stuff your baskets with crumpled newspaper and place them in a sealable bag. The newspaper will absorb excess moisture and help cut any unpleasant smells.

Next, remove the newspaper and sprinkle table salt generously into the bag. Seal the bag. Now shake the bag a few times.

Empty the bag over a trashcan to catch all the salt. The salt shakes off debris from your woven baskets, making them clean.

Follow one or more of these simple steps to ensure your seagrass baskets look attractive and smell fresh and healthy for years to come.

Sealing seagrass baskets

Besides the cleaning tips given above, you can also protect your hand-woven baskets using a basket stain, sealer, or both. The natural reed of the basket will retain moisture, and over time and if it remains damp, it'll start to mold. A sealer or a stain can help protect the baskets from molding.

The stain changes the color of the basket. The sealer gives a finished look to the reed so that it doesn't take on grime and moisture. Sealers usually come in spray cans. You can seal the basket by applying at least 2 coats of sealer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cleaning a sea grass basket is a simple process that requires a bit of care and attention to ensure that it stays looking its best. By dusting the basket regularly, vacuuming it, wiping it down with a mild cleaner, drying it thoroughly, and protecting it with a spray or wax, you can help to maintain the beauty of your sea grass basket for years to come. Remember to handle the basket gently while cleaning it, as sea grass baskets can be fragile and may become damaged if handled roughly. With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your sea grass basket looking fresh and clean for years to come.

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