Basket Storage and Care

Everyone owns a basket or two. But does everyone know the importance of proper basket storage and care?

Hung by the chimney with care
In Olden Days, baskets were as much a part of the décor as they were necessities. Baskets were typically hung near the hearth, close to the ceiling away from prying little fingers, yet within easy reach of adults, as they were used often.

Today, it's still important to keep baskets up and out of harm's reach, but we now also realize it's best to keep woven baskets away from heat sources and covered for sanitary reasons and to preserve colors..

Baskets are usually very durable, but a heat-weakened basket can lead to brittle fibers.

Proper basket care
A good way to store small baskets and protect them from harmful dust is to turn a grocery bag upside down over the basket.

• Keep the open end of the bag on the same end as the bottom of the basket.
• Press the bag tightly against the handle.
• Firmly grasp the handle, forming the bag around the handle with your fingers.
• Carefully cut a slit in the paper bag with a pair of shears--just beneath your curled fingers--on both sides of the handle.
• Then pull the bag down over the basket (like a skirt).

Basket protection of this type is important for all sorts of woven containers. Damaged baskets are hard to repair, hence many a good basket has been tossed due to careless handling and storage.

Rubber bands make great hooks or hangers
Because rubber bands will tighten when stretched, they make excellent basket hangers. Make sure you use thick rubber bands for this project.

• Insert one end of a large rubber band through the two slits in the paper bag, making sure the rubber band slides beneath the handle.
• Take one end or "loop" of the rubber band and pass it through the other "loop" of the rubber band, and pull tight.
• Use the remaining loop to hang the basket from a nail in the rafters in the garage or basement. (A dark dry room is best.)

Large basket storage
For larger baskets, follow the same procedure using a large (paper or plastic) department store bag or a garbage bag.

How to clean a basket
Dust the basket with a small easel brush or artist's brush. This is a tedious process, but it is essential in order to get into the weave without damaging the basket. Be gentle. Wipe carefully with damp cloth, if necessary. Dry the basket promptly and thoroughly, being careful not to force the drying process. Never apply heat. A good rule of thumb is 24 hours of air drying.

With the bottom of the bag open, and the basket visible, it's easy to locate just the right basket when you're ready to work on your next project.

Paper bags are better than plastic for use in basket storage, as they are thicker and absorb moisture rather than holding in moisture. If you're using plastic, darker bags are preferred.

Because the added weight may distort a basket, it's best if nothing is stored inside the baskets. Additional weight may also snap the rubber bands. However, if space is an issue, smaller baskets and baskets without handles may be placed inside large baskets as long as considerable weight is not involved and two rubber bands are used.