please explain the best way of cleaning them and keeping dust off without damaging the baskets.... are they mold resistant? and if they get wet, will it damage the baskets (mostly referring to the bottom of baskets)? THANK YOU :)
1051150
I would use the small brush attachment of my vacuum cleaner to remove dust. I would not get the basket wet, as I'm pretty sure that could damage the integrity of the woven material. Can't say whether the basket weaving is mold resistant as I live in Colorado where the relative humidity is usually in the teens!
829292
Use a vacuum. The air leaks out making them pretty worthless, though they do keep dust off.
623328
Hi.. I have used this particular bird feeder for years. When I clean it during the warmer weather, I use a bottle brush to clean it and at the end of the season I clean and sterilize for storing. I have never had a problem with it being dirty. I don't use the ends that keep the bees out because they become too aggressive and will not the birds in to feed. Hope that helps some
1446507
I use them all the time for hanging clothes outside. I usually carry two loads at a time with jeans, towels ,etc. The will show rust where metal is after a period of time but to me doesn't affect what the basket is suppose to do. When it starts getting dirty I just swish it in the bath tube with bleach and detergent and hang out to dry. Mine has stains but is still going strong and I use it all the time .I do not try to fold into original form because when folded in half I can fit it between my washer and detergent cart with no problem .I absolutely love these basket and will only go back to plastic if these are no longer available or someone comes up with something better than this! I use them all the time for hanging clothes outside. I usually carry two loads at a time with jeans, towels ,etc. The will show rust where metal is after a period of time but to me doesn't affect what the basket is suppose to do. When it starts getting dirty I just swish it in the bath tube with bleach and detergent and hang out to dry. Mine has stains but is still going strong and I use it all the time .I do not try to fold into original form because when folded in half I can fit it between my washer and detergent cart with no problem .I absolutely love these basket and will only go back... » Read More I use them all the time for hanging clothes outside. I usually carry two loads at a time with jeans, towels ,etc. The will show rust where metal is after a period of time but to me doesn't affect what the basket is suppose to do. When it starts getting dirty I just swish it in the bath tube with bleach and detergent and hang out to dry. Mine has stains but is still going strong and I use it all the time .I do not try to fold into original form because when folded in half I can fit it between my washer and detergent cart with no problem .I absolutely love these basket and will only go back to plastic if these are no longer available or someone comes up with something better than this! « Show Less
1468066
The package I have says, "surface clean with a damp sponge or cloth. Not dishwasher safe." Seems like they could withstand the top rack of a dishwasher, but maybe it's the heat that isn't good for them?
1868849
My wife actually got them apart. Try soaking them in hot, then cold water. Particularly cold (icy) water on the inside and very hot on the outside bowl. Be patient and repeat. Use a thin knife. Plastic or something flimsyer than the bowls, and work to pry them apart. Really have to be patient or you'll break them. Wife said she spent all day working on them. I think the detergent idea from the other poster is good too. That stuff is slippery and should loosen them up.
594813
Good morning. So far mine has held up well. No bowing, and no rust. Not sure that doing all that would be worth the time and effort. I also only have a few items in the 3 baskets. I left one off because I don't use it. Hope this helps. Take care...
1127455
I used bleach to clean mine. You have to rinse about 100 times to make sure to get it all out but it worked. All mold gone. I left overnite. Only use enough bleach to cover the bottom
667730
No problem :) I also dry them on low heat then let it air dry if it's still damp. I don't know what the manufacturer recommends but so far mine have held up.
1167950
Like others have said, these come in a heavy ziplock bag. Mine lasted through about 3 seasons and I stored the unused ones in a cool, dark place. I live in Alaska, so that wasn't hard. They seem to hold their moisture well, but shrink considerably if allowed to dry out, which I avoid. My neighbor bought some and they started to mold and then crumble and fall apart after a year or so. I'm guessing she didn't keep them in a cool enough place. So, I'd say with proper care they should last as long as 4 seasons. They do work very well and I assume it is because they don't dry out quickly. Also, I use a gallon ziplock as a mini-greenhouse and just blow a breath (CO2) into the bag once a day or so. Like others have said, these come in a heavy ziplock bag. Mine lasted through about 3 seasons and I stored the unused ones in a cool, dark place. I live in Alaska, so that wasn't hard. They seem to hold their moisture well, but shrink considerably if allowed to dry out, which I avoid. My neighbor bought some and they started to mold and then crumble and fall apart after a year or so. I'm guessing she didn't keep them in a cool enough place. So, I'd say with proper care they should last as long as 4 seasons. They do work very well and I assume it is because they don't dry out quickly. Also,... » Read More Like others have said, these come in a heavy ziplock bag. Mine lasted through about 3 seasons and I stored the unused ones in a cool, dark place. I live in Alaska, so that wasn't hard. They seem to hold their moisture well, but shrink considerably if allowed to dry out, which I avoid. My neighbor bought some and they started to mold and then crumble and fall apart after a year or so. I'm guessing she didn't keep them in a cool enough place. So, I'd say with proper care they should last as long as 4 seasons. They do work very well and I assume it is because they don't dry out quickly. Also, I use a gallon ziplock as a mini-greenhouse and just blow a breath (CO2) into the bag once a day or so. « Show Less
587310
I'm sorry but I don't have the original box anymore. I have been looking at mine and thinking abouthand-washing them in something like Woolite, rinsing and wrapping in towel to squeeze excess liquid out. Then I guess I will air dry them. This is my best idea.
44543
Mine were the same way, I hung them outside, wiped them down with all kinds of stuff! It seems finally after several months it has dissipated some and is not as strong as it once was. I use them about 4 times a week in a kickboxing class, so I guess it finally rubbed off or something! Not really sure! the last thing I tried was putting baking soda in a coffee filter and placing inside, that was to help with sweat odor, so that may have helped as well! Not really sure what would work the best!
589017
It is not difficult to clean. Keep in mind that you'll probably never get it looking factory fresh again. The baskets will likely always have a slight coating of oil. There might be a faint line on the bowl marking the point where the 375-degree oil sat. Essentially there are five things to clean: the lid which just gets oil spatters on its underside, the baskets (2), the bowl/pan that holds the oil, and the heating element. Soap and water and a sponge scrubber are all that is needed.
423610
Put them in a covered jar and place a damp paper towel on them in a cool, dark place. That will help keep them. Some people wrap them individually in plastic to keep them airtight but I think the former works better. Hope this helps!
417287
now thats a manufacturers question. good thoughts using water. without going through the headache of potentially buying something that would cause even more damage i might try cleaning the entire cube with a regular gentle all natural fabric cleaner. at the very least it would ensure a uniformly cleaned cube... good luck !!
1590502
I agree with the others concerning warm soap and water. I would think a damp paper towel or rag would also do the trick. I've had mine for several months now and it doesn't seem to collect dust. I've just taken the covers (I own several) outside and shake them. If there's any dust, I'd assume it comes off then, although I've honestly not noticed dust coming off, but I do it just incase. By shaking them out, I don't need to wait for them to dry.
178384
What a great idea!!! They were very clean when I got them -- but I do recommend just wiping them out with a micro-fiber cloth (switching out for another clean one often) to make sure any dust is out. Then they won't be wet when you put the M&Ms; in.