How to Care for Your Sisal Basket: A Simple Guide from Kenya
Your sisal basket has traveled a long way, and it may need a little TLC every now and then. Here's how we recommend you care for your handmade basket from Kenya.
The short answer: To care for a sisal basket, keep it out of direct sunlight, keep it dry, spot clean it gently with a damp cloth, and reshape it with a light mist of water when needed. With a little TLC, your handmade basket will last for years.
What is sisal?
Sisal is a natural fiber that comes from the leaves of the sisal plant (Agave sisalana). The sisal that goes into our baskets is grown on farms near our headquarters in Maungu, in Kenya’s Taita Taveta County. To make the twine, the pulp is stripped from the leaves and the fibers are dried, then rolled into twine and woven into baskets by hand.
Sisal is famous for being extremely strong and hardy. It’s even resistant to salt water! But like any natural material, it does best with a little care.
How to care for your handmade sisal basket
1. Reshape it with a light mist of water
If your basket arrives a bit misshapen, or loses its shape from use, lightly spray it with water and gently reshape it with your hands. Let it dry completely before you use it again. Don’t soak or submerge it.
2. Keep it out of direct sunlight
Full sun will fade the dyes over time. To keep the colors bright, display your basket somewhere that gets indirect light.
3. Keep it dry
Sisal is a natural fiber, so if it stays damp for a long time, it can grow mold. Avoid humid spots like bathrooms or damp basements, and if your basket gets wet, let it air dry fully in a well-ventilated space.
4. Line it before using it as a planter
Sisal baskets make lovely plant holders! Just place your plant in a pot with a plate or waterproof dish underneath, so water never touches the fibers.
5. Spot clean gently
To clean your basket, dab any marks with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid scrubbing or heavy rubbing, which can fade the dye.
Quick care tips
- Do: Mist to reshape, spot clean gently, display in indirect light, store somewhere dry
- Don’t: Soak, machine wash, scrub hard, leave in full sun, or put soil or water directly inside
Who makes your basket?
Every Zawadisha basket is handwoven in Kenya, and no two are exactly alike. Meet the hands that make your baskets, or see how we source every basket. Taking care of your basket helps their craftsmanship last for years to come.
Looking for your next one? Browse our handwoven Sisal Baskets.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wash a sisal basket?
No. Don’t machine wash or submerge it. Spot clean with a slightly damp cloth and let it air dry completely.
Can sisal baskets get wet?
A light misting is fine for reshaping, but don’t let it stay wet. Sisal can mold if left damp too long.
Can I use a sisal basket outdoors?
Sun fades the colors and rain or humidity can cause mold, so it’s best kept indoors or on a covered porch.
How do I fix a misshapen sisal basket?
Lightly spray it with water, gently reshape it (stuffing it with towels helps), and let it dry completely.
Can I put a plant in a sisal basket?
Yes. Keep the plant in its own pot with a plate or waterproof dish underneath so no water or soil touches the basket.
How long do sisal baskets last?
With gentle care, a well-made sisal basket can last for decades and can easily be considered an heirloom piece to hand down from generation to generation.
If you have any questions about caring for or using your basket, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to hear from you!