Alaska State Museums > Bulletin Newsletter > Mold on Baskets

How to Deal with Mold on Baskets

By Peter Corey, Curator of Collections, Sheldon Jackson Museum

Mold growth on baskets is not an uncommon occurrence. Food residue, body oil from frequent handling and improper storage are all possible causes. High humidity and heat are ideal environments for mold growth.

If you find mold growing on your basket:

Place the basket in a sealed plastic bag.
Place the bagged basket in a freezer at 0o F for 48 hours.
Take the basket outdoors or to an isolated area (away from other objects), and carefully brush the mold off into a vacuum cleaner using a soft bristled brush. Wear a paper face mask to prevent inhalation of mold spores. Use cotton swabs (with the cotton removed) to loosen hard mold accretions. Cotton swabs slightly dampened with water will remove some mold residue as well.
Discard the vacuum bag and any swabs immediately, otherwise mold spores may re-infect your collection.
Make sure the basket is completely dry before returning it to its location. If it is being returned to its previous location, wipe the area down with a disinfectant and allow to dry thoroughly before setting the basket in place. If it is going into storage, place it in a clean plastic bag. DO NOT REUSE MOLD INFECTED BAGS!

Mold will not grow in clean (dust free), cool, dry areas. Store baskets so that there is some air circulation. Any substance you put on a basket to prevent mold will potentially damage its flexibility and color. The best prevention is a dust free environment and periodic inspection.

When displaying baskets in your home, keep them out of direct sunlight or other strong light sources; away from heat sources (heat vents, radiators or mantels above frequently used fireplaces) and preferably under cover to prevent dust accumulation.