Extend your abaca baskets’ life: Proper Maintenance

Extend your abaca baskets’ life: Proper Maintenance

Extending your abaca baskets’ lifespan to an extra 5, 10, to 15 years is easy with proper care and maintenance. It’s quite simple yet often overlooked by some owners. The following is a quick guide to take care of these sturdy baskets:

General maintenance 

Your abaca baskets could help in minimal maintenance monthly. A good rule of thumb is to do a quick wipe of your baskets using a smooth cloth or duster to remove any dust and prevent it from collecting dust. A heap of dust especially in a room with humidification might lead to it sticking on the fibres and although it is possible to remove it, you’re going to put more pressure on it when you wipe it that could cause more abrasion.

On the other hand, we have seen firsthand and from owners that if a basket is in the kitchen, splattered oil or humidity from food will not go well would make your baskets sticky over time which leads to more cleaning. Therefore, general maintenance is a must! 

Spills from water-based (beer, pop,) and oil-based liquids

Step1: With a clean smooth cloth, wipe off the liquid on the surface and crevices of the baskets

Step 2: Using a damp cloth soaked in lukewarm water mixed with liquid detergent (small amounts or 5:1 parts), wipe-off surface to blot out stains or any excess liquid

Step 3: Wipe to dry with a clean dry cloth. If possible, further dry it using a hairdryer in low settings, placing the dryer 8-10” away from the basket.

Note: For best maintenance practices, keep your homeware baskets in a dry place to keep them as dry as possible. Abaca is one of the most versatile and water-resistant fibres in the world, historically used and until now as cables, hawsers, and ropes for ships. We’re confident of its exceptional sturdiness but it would not hurt to apply these steps and practices to extend its lifespan for another decade or so.