Cleaning Baskets
Tips and Techniques to Help You Maintain the Beauty of Baskets
Preserve the beauty of antique baskets with this technique for removing dust and grime using Murphy's oil soap and water.
If you collect antique baskets, one chore you can easily turn into a ritual is washing the baskets from your basket collection. Baskets are great items to collect, and you can find them in almost any shape, size or color. This task is best done in the early spring, when you can enjoy the delightful spring weather.
Some homes are equipped with central heating and air conditioning. In reality, nothing is worse for baskets than central heating and bright sunlight. This combination can really dry out antique baskets, such as a Shaker basket made from pounded ash. When baskets become dried out, they can be prone to cracking and splitting. Many basket collectors place their baskets on display around their homes; some even have a collection hanging from the rafters of kitchen ceilings. While they look great on display, they do tend to trap dust and grime in their corners and crevices.
Unfortunately, no matter where you display your baskets, they will collect dust and dirt. One effective way to remove this build-up is to clean them on a regular basis by washing them. Most people think you can't wash a basket, but you can with this effective and safe method. However, one thing you should never do is immerse a basket entirely in water. Soaking a basket is never recommended and you can do more harm than good to your prized baskets.
First, wet the baskets down with a gentle stream of water from a garden hose (a fine mist works well). Then, mix 1/4 cup of Murphy's Oil Soap into one gallon of warm water. Using a paintbrush or another soft, bristle brush, gently apply the soap solution over the surface of the baskets. Pay special attention to any areas of the baskets that may be stained or dry. (Remember, never immerse baskets directly into a container of water.) Finally, rinse off the soap from the baskets using a gentle stream of water from the hose. Be sure all of the soap solution has been removed before allowing the baskets to dry outdoors on a sunny, early spring day with a gentle breeze in a location that receives dappled sunlight. Don't expose the baskets to strong, bright sunlight, however.
One way to ensure that any excess water drains away from the baskets is to turn them upside down on the ground. Allow the baskets to dry completely before bringing them back indoors and placing them on display.
