How to Clean Baskets Properly
Baskets serve a number of different purposes in daily chores. They can be used to hold magazines, towels, clothes and lots of other stuff.
With the passage of time, baskets tend to accumulate dust and debris which makes them look dirty. They have a rough texture which makes the cleaning part a little difficult. However, with the proper resources at your disposal and the right technique, you can make the task a lot easier.
Things Required:
– Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
– Spray bottle with water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar
– Cotton swabs
– Soft toothbrush
– Lint-free rags
Instructions
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1
Use a vacuum cleaner
If the basket you are cleaning is made of unfinished wicker, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean it. After the process, you may see some dust or debris particles trapped in the basket. If that is case, use a dry, soft toothbrush or clean cotton swabs to clean the wicker work. -
2
Prepare the cleaning mixture
Prepare a mixture of water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray a light layer of this mixture onto the basket. Avoid spraying too much mixture on the basket. This is important to prevent mildew from forming on the basket. -
3
Wipe the basket
While the basket is damp, thoroughly wipe it down with a clean lint-free rag. Try not to snag at the wicker work. For sensitive parts of the basket, it would be wise to blot the basket instead of wiping it. -
4
Allow the basket to dry
Place the damp basket in open sun and allow it time to dry completely. Do not make the mistake of drying the basket in front of a heater or a radiator because heat would warp the wicker work, thus permanently damaging the basket. -
5
Use dish liquid
For a basket with smooth, protective finish, you will have to modify your technique a little bit. Apply a small quantity of dish liquid and water on a clean piece of rag. Use this rag to clean the basket. Gently clean dust spots on the basket with a soft toothbrush. Avoid applying too much force to clean the basket to prevent damage to the basket.
