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There is virtually a wicker basket for every use imaginable. This material, natural as well as resin wicker, lends itself to be shaped into many different forms and shapes. Therefor wicker baskets are not only available in all imaginable shapes and sizes but also in many different colors. Additional advantages are that wicker, especially resin wicker, is easy to clean and maintain. Wicker has a certain clean and elegant look that only few can resist (not me for sure 
) The two main types distinguish themselves by being either artificially created (resin) or organically grown (natural wicker). Both have advantages and disadvantages. Natural wicker ages gracefully and has a more organic look and is also easier to repair should the need arise, but it also needs that little bit more care and maintenance. Compared to this, resin wicker looks a bit more even, but is far more easier to keep clean and good looking, but also more difficult to repair when a thread brakes. But enough babbling around, lets have a look at some wicker basket types to see the varieties in detail:
Storage Baskets
Let’s face it, if you want to store something that might be dirty or damp, or even both, resin wicker is without any doubt the way to go, which would apply to a laundry basket. Same goes for outdoor uses as this type is far more resistant to weather and climate influences. So if you are looking to buy a storage bench for your swimming pool area or a storage basket for your water hose, go for resin wicker, far more resilient and easier to clean. The only exception from the rule, there is always one, isn’t there?, is when you specifically require a wicker baskets to have this gracefully aged, Victorian or vintage look. For example if said basket is used as a decorative element. Whatever kind of basket you choose, storage baskets should be both, stable and easy to carry. Equally important is, when it comes to storage solutions that the design follows the desired use. Sounds complicated? It simply means that when you need to store many small items you should go for a larger but lower basket and if you want to store many high items, like umbrellas for example, you need a taller, but probably less wider, one. The last point to consider is where you want to put your baskets. Do you want to use them under a bench or table, freestanding or in a shelf? All these are points to consider before you buy your new wicker storage basket. Oh, and obviously you also have to decide if you need a lid on your basket or not. And one extra tip: A lot of storage baskets, especially when placed in a shelf, benefit greatly from a piece of fleece or fabric placed beneath. That saves surfaces from scratches and reduces noise when the baskets are pulled out or pushed back.
Wicker Laundry Hampers
Another case for resin wicker, a clear one this time. You simply don’t want to risk having mold growing in the gaps of the wicker. Another important tip would be, to buy only a laundry hamper where you can remove the fabric inset from in order to wash it. Keeping your laundry basket clean, dry and mold-free should be paramount in order to preserve your families health (mold can be a health hazard) and the clothes you store in them. As for size, and numbers, you should orientate yourself on the size of your family and the amount of clothes you have to sort. Provided you have enough space, having several laundry baskets will make your live easier as you can directly sort your washing into them. This allows you to see when you have enough together to fill your washing machine and not to waste energy and water.
General Wicker Basket Care Tips
As mentioned before, wicker is pretty easy to care for. Apart from reading -and following the manufacturers manual- you might apply simple common sense for this task. So, for example, if there is any fabric attached to the basket you should always remove it first and wash it separately. If you don’t do this, you will end up staining the fabric, especially if the basket is made of natural wicker. Another important tip is to clean out your basket regularly and, even more importantly, to de-clutter the contents thoroughly. A handy tip to de-dust a wicker baskets and its many gaps is to use a hairdryer set to ‘cold’, preferable outside. This way you can blow (always from inside to outside) dust and loose dirt away. For more resistant dirt in the gaps you can use cotton buds / q-tips or even tooth picks, the later ones with a lot of care so not do damage the wicker itself. Even more resistant stains can be spot cleaned with warm, soapy water and a tooth brush, alternatively you can just wash the whole basket with warm, soapy water and let it dry in the shade. The last bit is important in order to avoid ‘burns’ from the water drops that might catch the sunlight.
So, that should give you a good overview on the different types of wicker baskets available. And hopefully make your choice between resin and natural wicker a bit easier
