When you order a gift hamper, you may notice that many of them are packed in a wicker basket. If you are not quite sure what wicker is or what to expect, here are some interesting questions and answers. These answers will help you better understand the product and why so many vendors choose wicker over other materials.

What finishes are available?

A number of finishes can be applied to your wicker basket. Unpeeled willow is when the willow (raw product of wicker) is used with the bark intact. This is great for that rustic look. White wicker requires the bark to be stripped and then the basket is created. Buff wicker is also really popular. The willow is harvest and then it is boiled with the bark intact. Afterwards, it is allowed to dry thoroughly before the basket is woven.

How sustainable is wicker?

When you look at that beautiful wicker basket, you may wonder just how sustainable it is. More and more people are making the effort to do their part for the environment. The good news is that they grow to 6 feet in just 6 months. They are also an excellent alternative to plastic.

Can a wicker basket be recycled?

Wicker is a natural material and biodegradable. It is important to take note of any other materials that might be attached to your basket. If you plan on recycling your basket, make sure that there are no other materials attached to the basket.

How strong are wicker baskets?

You can rest assured that your wicker basket is more than tough enough to support the weight of the hamper contents. Not only will it last for the delivery, but it will maintain its strength for years which means that you can reuse the basket.

Can wicker be cleaned?

As tough as your wicker basket might be, it will lose that strength if you use the wrong cleaning solutions. To clean these baskets, you should start by removing the surface dust. Wipe down with a non-abrasive cloth and water. You can use a very small amount of dishwashing soap to remove stubborn dirt.

Now that you know what to expect from a wicker basket, you will be even more inclined to choose hampers with this type of packaging. These baskets come in all shapes and sizes which means that you can use them for a wide variety of purposes in your home.