Care of Baskets

Care of Baskets

1). KEEP BASKETS AWAY FROM HEAT SOURCES OR SUNLIGHT

Keep all baskets away from heat sources fireplaces, wood stoves, gas stoves, heat registers and radiators, and/or sunlight. The intense heat and sunlight may cause fading and bleaching in addition to drying them out prematurely, making them brittle.

2). KEEP BASKETS AWAY FROM GREASE

Keep baskets away from the kitchen stove, wood burning stove, or fireplace area where they might become dirty with soot, smoke and grease, making them hard to care for and clean.

3). MAINTAIN INTENDED USE FOR BASKETS

Don't cross contaminate your baskets used for food storage and baskets used to hold potpourri, perfumed oils, or soaps. Keep baskets used for food separate from those used for other purposes. For baskets that hold food, be sure to line them with a plastic liner to protect the baskets, or line with a cloth napkin or paper towel to absorb any grease or oil that might be in the food.

4). HANDLE BASKETS CAREFULLY

As an added caution, handle your baskets with clean, dry lotion-free hands or by wearing cotton or plastic gloves. Body oils can damage the baskets as can high humidity, by causing stains, mold and mildew. Also pick up baskets by supporting the bottom, especially if it has any contents inside.

5). CLEANING YOUR BASKET

A feather duster or a clean, dry natural bristle paintbrush is the best way to remove dust from a basket. Or use the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner with a nylon stocking placed over the end.

For deep cleaning, dampen a white 100% cotton cloth (cotton baby diapers work well), very slightly with clean cold water and blot gently; then let basket air dry completely. Soaking a basket in water or giving it a thorough "shower" can result in swelling of the fibers, and can contribute to color fading and loss of patina (a valuable asset for antique collectors).

6). ROTATE YOUR COLLECTION-KEEP IT CIRCULATING

Move your collection of baskets around your room and house so that each basket gets a change in humidity and heat, different exposure to sunlight or artificial light, and changing exposure to objects they might come in contact with, which might be deteriorating factors.

7). MAINTAIN A CONSTANT HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE LEVEL

We all know how temperatures and humidity can fluctuate in our homes, but it can be very detrimental to your basketry collection. The use of air-conditioners and dehumidifiers for hot, humid conditions discourages mold and mildew growth and insect activity. Mold and mildew are very difficult to remove properly and can severely damage your basket's condition, quality and value.

8). HANG OR MOUNT BASKETS PROPERLY

If your basket is to be hung on the wall, use wall hangers appropriate to the weight of the basket and its embellishments. Incorrect mounting devices may distort your basket in an undesirable way.

9). KEEP BASKETS OUT OF HARMS WAY

Fragile baskets should be kept up high, away from pets and young children where they could easily get bumped or broken. Antler baskets and ones made with sharp projections can hurt children too, so keep them on a level surface, away from curious children and pets. Displaying your baskets in glass or acrylic cases or domes is a good protective measure, and also keeps dust away.