One of the things that makes palm leaf worth choosing is that it's a genuinely durable, natural material — but "natural" also means it behaves differently from the plastic-based rattan-style alternatives many people are used to. A little basic care goes a long way toward keeping a GAAREED piece beautiful for years, and toward letting it develop the warm, lived-in character natural fiber is known for, rather than showing premature wear.
Keep It Dry
Palm leaf is a plant fiber, and like any plant fiber, prolonged exposure to moisture is its biggest enemy. If a piece gets wet — from a spill, humidity, or being placed somewhere damp — let it air dry fully and naturally before using it again. Avoid placing baskets or lampshades in consistently humid spaces like an unventilated bathroom, and never submerge a piece or run it through a washing machine.
Dust Regularly, Clean Gently
Routine care is simple: a soft, dry brush or a lightly damp (not wet) cloth is usually all a piece needs to stay clean. For baskets used for storage, a quick shake-out or vacuum with a brush attachment on a low setting handles dust that settles into the weave. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, bleach, or anything abrasive — they can dry out and weaken the natural fiber over time.
Mind Direct Sunlight
Like most natural materials, palm leaf will gradually change tone with prolonged direct sun exposure — typically deepening or lightening slightly depending on the piece. This isn't damage, but if you want to keep a piece's color as close to its original tone as possible, position it out of harsh, direct sunlight for extended periods, particularly in south-facing windows that get strong afternoon light.
Handle With Normal Care
Palm leaf is strong enough for genuine daily use — that's part of the reason it's been used for baskets and storage for generations — but it's still a natural, hand-split material, not a synthetic composite. Avoid overloading a basket well beyond its intended use, dragging it across rough surfaces, or forcing a tightly woven piece to flex further than its weave allows. Normal daily use is exactly what these pieces are built for; the concern is only unusual stress well outside that range.
Let Natural Variation Be Natural
Because every GAAREED piece is handwoven, no two are perfectly identical, and small variations in color, texture, or weave tightness aren't flaws — they're the visible signature of a real hand at work. Over time, with normal handling and light exposure, palm leaf tends to develop a warmer, richer patina rather than simply looking worn out. That's the material aging the way it's meant to, not a sign that something has gone wrong.
Lampshades Specifically
For woven lampshades, keep the same dry-cleaning approach as above — a soft dry brush or duster works well for the fine detail of a diffusing weave. Make sure any bulb used is rated appropriately for an enclosed or semi-enclosed natural-fiber shade, and avoid positioning high-heat bulbs in direct, prolonged contact with the weave itself.
Storage Between Seasons
If you're storing a piece temporarily — between seasonal use, for example — keep it somewhere dry and well-ventilated rather than a sealed plastic bag, which can trap residual moisture against the fiber. A breathable fabric cover or simply an open shelf works better than an airtight container.
When in Doubt
If you're ever unsure how to handle a specific stain, repair, or unusual situation with your piece, reach out to us directly rather than guessing with a household product that might do more harm than good. We'd always rather help you keep a piece in good condition for years than have you risk damaging it with the wrong approach.
Explore the Collection
See the full range of pieces worth caring for properly: browse Baskets and Lampshades, or explore Home Decor.
