How do you clean a tightly woven basket -- that's dusty etc.

[applecrisp]

I have a small basket tray that I would like to clean. The basket is very tightly woven --- and it looks quite dusty in the crevices etc.

The only thing I could think of to clean it with was something like a "can of air" that I used to have in my office that cleaned keyboards etc of dirt/dust etc. by blasting it with air.

I don't have something like that.

Just wondering how to clean baskets of dust/dirt etc. I just quickly tried using a damp sponge but it was hard to get into all the parts -- but I just tried briefly. Any tricks?

Thanks,

[Hammster]

Vacuum cleaner?

[Gumbeaux]

Do you have a paintbrush? Automotive detailers use these to clean dust and debris from crevices on the dash that a cloth can't reach. Use a "jabbing" type motion with the brush bristles to get the best results. I clean all different kinds of things using paintbrushes.

[generic]

Good stiff toothbrushes also work really well for digging stuff from small spaces.

[ADM]

Spray it under the kitchen faucet, a garden hose or under the shower. Let it dry, naturally. The water won't hurt the basket. The basket was woven while the cane or splint, etc was wet.

[shscharles]

What ADM said...

For years I've collected baskets when traveling (cheap, light, unbreakable) and babied them. Then when I was in Burma I saw women in the river scrubbing baskets with stiff brushes and soap. I have also observed baskets being used as colanders. I never looked back.

Fill the sink with water and a little soap, dunk, scrub, rinse and let dry. Works like a charm.

[cchhbb]

If the basket has a dye, you might want to be careful of putting it under water. When Longaberger started putting two different stained strips into their baskets they had a problem of the dye running.

I generally vacuum, but I have put under water also.

Cheryl

[PurplePotato]

I spray mine too. Maybe check a spot underneat to make sure if it is dyed.

[generic]

For years I've collected baskets when traveling (cheap, light, unbreakable) and babied them. Then when I was in Burma I saw women in the river scrubbing baskets with stiff brushes and soap. I have also observed baskets being used as colanders. I never looked back.

I love it when you chime in! We get tips from all over the world.

[applecrisp]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I am going to try one of the vacuum attachments -- and if that isn't cutting it, or a hassle, a quick spray.

Thanks again!

[shscharles]

I love it when you chime in!

Thank you!

[Gumbeaux]

Hi guys, Im a newbie. Nice to join this forum.

Yeah...........

[sneezles]

Yeah...........

Did you report it?

Seems the new rules for new members still aren't installed?

[MealsMadeWLove]

I think I would use a small stiff brush and then vaccum cleaner attachment to assure getting of as much dust as there can be.

[KimKelly]

I've used that "canned" air that I use to clean the key board... works well too! Water works best for me though.

[applecrisp]

I decided to go the super easy route --- and just do a quick spray with water. It worked great, and all the dust etc is gone.

I have a real large basket that also needs to be cleaned (it holds way too many magazines) but I think I will try the vacuum first.

When I cleaned my small basket, it looked like a little bit of dye came out.... since some color was on the paper towel when I was drying it, but it turned out fine.

Thanks again for the help.