How to Eliminate Seagrass Basket Smell Naturally
You just bought a gorgeous handwoven basket only to discover a strong seagrass basket smell? Don’t worry! It’s natural, and completely fixable. At Artera Home, we love the charm of seagrass, but we also understand that sometimes, its scent can be a bit much. This article shares practical tips on how to get the smell out of seagrass baskets, ensuring your home feels fresh, welcoming, and beautifully styled—without sacrificing the eco-conscious materials you love.
What Does Seagrass Smell Like?
Seagrass carries a subtle, natural scent often described as earthy with a gentle marine undertone. Its aroma reflects the coastal environment where it thrives—think of a blend between dried grass, clean sea air, and a touch of saltwater.
The exact scent can vary slightly depending on the species of seagrass, how it’s harvested, and how it's processed. When woven into baskets or décor, the smell is usually mild and organic, contributing to the charm and authenticity of each handcrafted piece.
This natural scent comes from the plant's organic fibers and essential oils, which are preserved during the drying and weaving process. While some may notice the scent more strongly at first—especially if the product is new or kept in a closed space—it typically fades over time with proper ventilation.
So, does seagrass smell? Yes, but in a natural, pleasant way. It’s a hallmark of the material’s authenticity. Unlike synthetic alternatives, genuine seagrass retains a light, earthy aroma that reassures you of its eco-friendly origin.
>> Read more: Seagrass Material for Sustainable Home Decor
Seagrass material
Why Does Seagrass Basket Smell Bad?
Seagrass baskets can develop odors for several reasons, primarily due to their natural composition and environmental conditions.
As a natural fiber, seagrass has its own mild scent that may intensify over time, especially if the baskets are kept in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Humidity and dampness can further encourage the growth of mold or mildew, which often causes unpleasant smells.
The conditions under which your basket was stored before it reached your home, including the packaging materials used, can sometimes trap or contribute to odors. If a basket has been sealed in plastic for a prolonged period without adequate ventilation, any inherent scents can become concentrated.
Poor airflow and fluctuating temperatures can also cause the baskets to absorb odors from their surroundings. For pet owners, accidents such as urine near or on the basket can lead to unwanted odors, so training pets to avoid these areas is important.
Moreover, the items stored inside the basket can influence its smell, as certain contents may leave lingering scents within the seagrass fibers.
To keep your seagrass baskets fresh, ensure they are stored in well-ventilated areas, clean them regularly, and be mindful of their placement. These simple steps will help prevent odors and preserve the natural beauty of your baskets.
>> Read more: 6 Stylish Ways to Use Seagrass Storage Baskets in Home Decor
Seagrass baskets
How to Get Rid of Seagrass Basket Smell
If you want to enjoy the look of your seagrass basket without the strong scent, there are several natural and effective ways to reduce or eliminate the odor. Here’s how to get the smell out of seagrass baskets:
1. The Fresh Air & Sunshine Treatment
This simple yet highly effective first step involves taking your seagrass basket outside on a dry, breezy day. Place the basket in indirect sunlight for a few hours, allowing fresh air to circulate to carry away odor molecules and UV rays to naturally sterilize the fibers. This process also helps to evaporate any trapped moisture, often significantly reducing or eliminating the lighter smell of seagrass and answering your question of how to remove odor from a seagrass basket using the power of nature itself.
>> Read more: Can You Wash a Wicker Basket? Full Care Instructions
Cube Seagrass Handwoven Storage Baskets with Handles
2. Baking Soda
Should a scent linger after airing, baking soda acts as a remarkable natural deodorizer. You can generously sprinkle dry baking soda directly inside the basket, letting it sit for several hours or overnight to absorb odors before vacuuming thoroughly with a brush attachment. Alternatively, place an open box of baking soda within the basket for a few days. Its ability to neutralize both acidic and alkaline odor molecules makes it excellent for tackling various lingering notes effectively.
Baking soda
3. Diluted White Vinegar
With caution, diluted white vinegar offers a powerful deodorizing solution. Create a mix of one part distilled white vinegar to one or two parts cool water, then lightly dampen a soft cloth and gently wipe the basket's surfaces, avoiding saturation. The acetic acid neutralizes odors and offers mild disinfection, and while the initial vinegar scent is noticeable, it fully dissipates upon complete air drying, preferably outdoors, taking other unwanted smells with it. Always ensure thorough drying afterwards.
>> Related: Can Wicker Baskets Get Moldy? Tips to Prevent and Clean
4. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal serves as an incredibly potent purifier for stubborn seagrass basket smells due to its highly porous structure. Simply place several pure activated charcoal briquettes or sachets (perhaps in a breathable fabric bag to prevent any powdery residue on lighter baskets) inside the seagrass basket. Leave it for several days, allowing the charcoal’s vast surface area to effectively trap and hold a wide range of lingering odor-causing molecules for a fresher result.
Activated charcoal
5. Dried Herbs or Unscented Rice
Once the primary Seagrass Basket Smell is diminished, consider this gentle method for a final freshening touch or ongoing maintenance. Place small sachets of fragrant dried herbs like lavender or chamomile inside the basket to impart a subtle, natural aroma. Alternatively, an open bowl of plain, uncooked rice can be placed inside for a day or two; it acts as an excellent desiccant, absorbing any residual moisture and faint odors effectively.
>> Read more: How to Restore Old Wicker Baskets for Timeless Beauty
Tips to Prevent Bad Odor for Seagrass Baskets
Once you have successfully deodorized your seagrass basket, a few preventative measures can help ensure your seagrass basket stays smelling fresh:
1. Ensure Maximum Dryness
Avoid placing your basket in consistently damp or humid environments such as poorly ventilated bathrooms or directly on damp floors. Do not store damp items (such as wet towels or unwashed clothes) inside the basket.
>> Continue to read: How To Waterproof A Wicker Basket for Long-Lasting Use
Twisted Rectangular Seagrass Wicker Basket
2. Promote Good Air Circulation
Don’t overcrowd your seagrass baskets or store them in tightly packed, stuffy cupboards for long periods. Allowing air to circulate around and through the fibers helps to prevent moisture buildup and odor concentration.
3. Give an Occasional Sun Bath & Airing
Periodically, perhaps once a season or as needed, give your seagrass baskets a brief airing outdoors in a dry, breezy spot with indirect sunlight. This simple step can work wonders in maintaining their freshness.
4. Address Spills Immediately and Properly
If something spills on or in your basket, act quickly. Blot any liquid gently with a clean, dry cloth – avoid rubbing, which can push the moisture deeper into the fibers or damage the weave. Clean the affected area gently according to care instructions (often a slightly damp cloth is sufficient for minor spots) and then ensure the area dries completely and quickly.
>> Read more: How to Clean Wicker Baskets – Simple & Effective Guide
Gently wipe the surface of the basket with a towel
Elevate Your Living Space With High Quality Seagrass Baskets From Artera Home
At Artera Home, we believe that beauty and sustainability should be present in every corner of your home. Our seagrass baskets are not only functional and stylish, but also carefully crafted, made from 100% natural, ethically sourced seagrass that has been properly treated to minimize unwanted odors in the first place.
Each basket is handcrafted by skilled artisans from traditional Vietnamese craft villages, preserving age-old techniques that ensure durability and exquisite design. Unlike mass-produced options, Artera baskets undergo a meticulous drying and curing process to reduce moisture and prevent mold, two common causes of unpleasant odors.
Seagrass basket production process of artisans
We offer a wide selection of woven storage baskets, woven planter baskets, woven blanket baskets, and woven laundry baskets. Whether you’re organizing a living room, refreshing an entryway, or simply adding texture to a space, our seagrass baskets provide a clean, fresh look without compromising on quality. Experience the difference that carefully crafted essentials can make – and let natural elegance and lasting freshness define your space.
Explore our collection today and breathe new life into your home with Artera Home.
Artera Hom’s seagrass baskets
FAQs: Seagrass basket smell
1. Does seagrass always have a smell? Yes, seagrass naturally has an earthy, ocean-like smell, but it typically fades over time.
2. Is the smell of seagrass toxic? No, the smell is not toxic. It’s caused by organic compounds in the plant and is completely safe.
3. How do I get rid of the seagrass basket smell quickly? Use baking soda, activated charcoal, or air out the basket in a well-ventilated space for a few days.
4. Can I spray perfume or essential oils on the basket? While not harmful, it's better to use odor absorbers first. Oils may mask but not eliminate the scent.
5. Will the smell return over time? Typically no, as long as the basket is stored properly in a dry, ventilated environment.
The scent of a seagrass basket may surprise you at first, but it’s a natural, harmless part of using organic materials in your home. With a little care and a few household ingredients, you can easily eliminate any strong odors and enjoy the beauty and function of your basket for years to come.
At Artera Home, we celebrate the authenticity and sustainability of natural décor. Our handcrafted seagrass baskets offer a perfect blend of function, style, and earth-friendly living. With proper care, they’ll bring long-lasting beauty—without the smell.
Explore woven baskets collection today and bring a breath of fresh, natural elegance into your space.
