Wicker has long been valued as a durable, beautiful and natural material. That is precisely why wicker log baskets are so popular in both homes and gardens - they are lightweight, spacious, display firewood beautifully and bring a warm, rustic feel to any interior. However, for a wicker firewood basket to serve you well for many years, it needs proper protection. Although wicker is strong, it requires shielding from what harms it most - moisture, dirt and excessive drying. Below, we present proven ways to protect wicker that are worth using not only for log baskets, but also for products such as wicker shopping baskets, laundry baskets, garden baskets and many others. This is universal knowledge, useful for anyone who owns wicker products available in the TheWickerStories collection.
Why is protecting a wicker basket so important?
The natural structure of wicker is similar to wood - it consists of porous, absorbent fibres which, on the one hand, provide lightness and flexibility, but on the other make the material highly susceptible to absorbing water and moisture from the surroundings. When humidity levels are too high, the fibres begin to swell and dull, losing their elasticity. With prolonged exposure to moisture, they can become permanently deformed. Over time, a basket that was once even and stable may become misshapen, less comfortable to use, and may even lose its load-bearing capacity when filled with firewood.
In extreme cases, mould and unsightly discolouration can appear on the surface of the wicker. Not only do they look unattractive, but they also weaken the overall structure of the basket. This problem particularly affects models that are frequently kept outdoors, such as wicker firewood baskets for the garden or mobile wicker baskets used to transport logs, which are exposed to changing weather conditions - rain, fog, snow and temperature fluctuations. Without proper impregnation and moisture protection, such baskets wear out much faster, losing both their visual appeal and practical value. That is why regular wicker protection is not an unnecessary extra, but an essential part of care that genuinely extends the basket’s lifespan and ensures safe, comfortable use for years to come.
Impregnation - the best protective barrier
The most important step in protecting wicker is impregnation. It determines whether the basket will simply be a decorative item for one season or a durable, functional piece for many years. Impregnation involves introducing protective substances into the wicker structure that limit the penetration of moisture and dirt and slow down the natural ageing of the material. As a result, the fibres remain flexible, are less prone to cracking, and the basket surface becomes easier to clean. Depending on the effect you want to achieve - whether you prefer a natural look, a subtle sheen, strong moisture protection or even a colour change - there are several methods to choose from.
Clear varnish
This option works perfectly for baskets displayed indoors, such as a wicker firewood basket with a lowered front or a wicker storage and transport basket with wooden handles. Varnish creates a delicate yet highly durable protective layer that effectively repels moisture and dirt.
Linseed oil or olive oil
For those who prefer natural, eco-friendly solutions, oiling is an excellent choice. After this treatment, wicker regains its flexibility, develops a richer colour and becomes less prone to cracking. This method is especially recommended for baskets with fabric linings, such as lined wicker baskets or wicker baskets with handles, as it does not create a hard coating but instead strengthens the fibre structure.
Acrylic, chalk or oil-based paints
If full surface sealing is the priority, painting the basket is the most effective solution. Opaque paints protect wicker from all forms of moisture. They are particularly suitable for large outdoor firewood baskets that are frequently exposed to external conditions.
Proper storage location
Even the best impregnation will not protect wicker if the basket is placed on a damp surface. A wicker firewood basket with a handle, a wicker log basket with double handles or made-to-measure wicker baskets should always be stored in dry, well-ventilated areas. It is best to avoid placing them near sources of condensation or on damp ground.
Protection from dirt – a practice that saves time and nerves
Firewood always leaves behind fine dust, wood chips, bark residue and small splinters. Even the most elegant wicker firewood basket with a handle on wooden runners can start to look dusty and dirty after just a few days of intensive use, especially inside, where small wood particles tend to collect. The most effective way to prevent this is to use a protective lining. Jute, felt or durable textile liners create a practical barrier between the wood and the basket’s structure. This prevents direct contact between the wicker surface and dirt, while all debris is trapped by the lining. Importantly, the liner can be easily removed, shaken out, vacuumed or simply washed in the washing machine, making basket maintenance much easier and significantly reducing the time spent on cleaning.
Additionally, by reducing contact with sharp wood edges, the wicker wears out more slowly, which genuinely extends the lifespan of the natural material. It is no surprise, then, that manufacturers - including TheWickerWicker - increasingly equip their wicker firewood baskets, as well as shopping baskets, laundry baskets and wicker picnic baskets, with decorative yet highly practical linings that combine aesthetics with functionality.
Moreover, regular dry cleaning - such as vacuuming, gently sweeping with a soft brush or wiping with a cotton cloth - prevents dust from settling. It is a simple, quick and extremely effective routine, especially for baskets used daily.
Maintenance and cleaning - how to keep your basket in perfect condition?
When dirt becomes more stubborn and simple dry cleaning is no longer enough, gentle washing is worth considering. The best method is wiping the surface with a damp cloth using a solution of water and vinegar or citric acid - mild yet effective agents that help remove residue and restore a fresh look to the wicker. The key, however, is to avoid soaking the basket. Wicker should never be submerged or washed under running water, as excessive moisture can penetrate deep into the fibres, causing swelling, deformation and eventually mould growth. For this reason, always use a well-wrung, slightly damp cloth and clean the surface gradually, without soaking the weave.
In the case of larger baskets, such as a wicker firewood basket with double handles or a wicker basket designed for both indoor and garden use, there is no need to scrub the entire structure. Spot cleaning is more than sufficient, focusing on areas most exposed to dirt - usually the interior and the edges. This limits the wicker’s contact with moisture while still effectively removing visible signs of use. After cleaning, the basket should dry naturally at room temperature, in a well-ventilated area, but away from direct heat sources. It should not be placed on a radiator, near a stove or right next to a fireplace - intense heat dries out the wicker and makes the fibres brittle, which over time can lead to cracking and structural weakening. Proper care, combining gentle cleaning with safe drying, ensures that both classic wicker firewood baskets and larger garden models retain their shape, colour and durability for a long time.
To keep a wicker firewood basket looking beautiful and fully functional for many seasons, it is enough to focus on three key areas - impregnation, protection from dirt and regular maintenance. The best barrier against moisture is varnish or oil, against dust and ash - a protective lining, and against wear - systematic dry cleaning. Well-protected wicker is an investment for years to come - durable, beautiful and fully functional. With proper care, your basket will not only last longer, but will also retain its unique, natural charm for a very long time.
