Thrift a delightful assortment of woven baskets for your pantry

If you're open to a little hodge podge of basket shapes and sizes, thrifting is a lovely way to add character and natural materials to your pantry. Here's what to look for and how to clean them appropriately before use.

Inspecting and Selecting Baskets

• Check the weave: Ensure the rattan, wicker, or seagrass isn't brittle, cracked, or heavily unraveling.

• Smell test: Avoid baskets with musty, moldy, or smoke odors that are hard to get out.

• Test the base: Press down on the bottom to make sure the structural foundation is firm and flat.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

• Dust removal: Vacuum with a brush attachment or use a dry-paint brush to clear out debris between the weaves.

• Wash safely: Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild dish soap, or quickly rinse with a hose for sturdy pieces. Avoid long submersions that warp natural fibers.

• Sun dry: Leave the basket in direct sunlight until completely dry to naturally eliminate lingering odors or bacteria. Most users on Reddit agree that fresh air and UV exposure are the safest ways to disinfect secondhand natural materials.