The Simple Solution That Gives Your Rustic Wicker Basket Decor More Life And Better Protection

If you're a fan of incorporating cottagecore decor, natural materials, or interesting textural elements in your space, wicker baskets are a go-to. There's no limit to their uses — from stylish shelf decor to clever bathroom organization, convenient transport to elevated gift wrap, they can truly find a purpose anywhere. They're inexpensive, too! Thanks to the bevy of options available at thrift and secondhand stores, as well as from affordable retailers like Amazon, Home Goods, and Target, finding and putting a stunning basket to use is incredibly easy to do. The one problem? Maintenance. Unfortunately, wicker does wear, but there's an easy way to shine it up and protect it from future damage: linseed oil.

Linseed oil is nothing new — in fact, it's been popularly used for thousands of years. Derived from flax seeds, this natural oil is frequently used today as both an ingredient in oil paints and a furniture finish. Because it's an oil, it helps bring moisture and sheen to wood, but as it dries, it also creates a thin, durable film that adds additional protection against wear and the elements. Wicker baskets aren't made of wood, but they're still made of a natural material that has many of the same qualities and drawbacks, which makes linseed oil a handy tool to have around if you're looking to keep them shiny, supple, and protected for years to come.

Before you apply linseed oil, be sure your basket is clean. The easiest way to clean your wicker baskets is to wipe away any dust with a microfiber cloth or a paintbrush. If it needs a true deep clean, go in with a sponge dampened with soapy water. Make sure you don't soak your basket or leave it dripping wet, as excessive water can cause long-term damage to the material and the weave. Let everything fully dry before going in with your oil.

For this task, you'll want to pick up some boiled linseed oil. Apply it with a brush until the material stops absorbing it, then wipe away any excess with a cloth and allow it to dry for several days. This will help moisturize the wicker, make it more supple, and minimize the appearance of any cracks or damage. Once the oil is fully dry, you'll also notice that your wicker basket looks shinier and feels more durable. Rags or other materials soaked in linseed oil can present a fire danger if stored or disposed of improperly. Be sure to follow all safety instructions on the product packaging.

If you want to really up your game, you can also apply a linseed oil mixture. Turpentine or mineral spirits mixed with linseed oil will allow for deeper penetration and prevent the oil from leaving a sticky finish on the outside of the basket.  A one-to-one ratio of linseed oil and mineral spirits is a common recommendation, though the same ratio of turpentine and linseed oil will also work. Be sure to wear gloves when applying the mixture to protect your hands.