Short answer
Use a rattan or seagrass tray on a dry surface: the tank lid, a shelf or the far end of the vanity, holding towels, spare rolls or a plant, not dripping bottles. Run the fan and let it air. If it will get splashed, choose synthetic (resin) rattan or a lined woven tray.
Where a woven tray works
Natural fiber needs some moisture but not too much. Care guides such as The Natural Handyman note that mildew flourishes where it is damp, warm and poorly ventilated. In a bathroom, that points to a few rules:
- Good spots: the toilet tank lid, a shelf, the dry end of a long vanity, a dresser.
- Risky spots: right beside the faucet, on the tub rim, inside a shower niche.
- Good contents: rolled towels, spare rolls, a plant in a saucer, closed jars.
- Risky contents: soap pumps that drip, wet sponges, open bottles.
Woven tray types
-
No. 01Texture
Natural rattan tray
Best for: a dry spot in a coastal or boho bathroom
- Fiber
- Rattan cane
- Water
- Keep dry
- Clean
- Brush, damp cloth
- Round and scalloped shapes are common
- Some have a solid wood or MDF base, which is easier to wipe
- Avoid heat drying: it can split
-
No. 02Tank lid
Seagrass tank basket
Best for: spare rolls and towels on the toilet tank
- Fiber
- Seagrass cord
- Fit
- Sized for tank lids
- Weight
- Light
- mDesign sells a woven seagrass toilet tank basket (listing)
- Low sides keep rolls upright
- Check length and depth against your lid
-
No. 03Splash tolerant
Synthetic resin rattan tray
Best for: the woven look near water
- Fiber
- Resin or plastic weave
- Water
- Tolerates splashes
- Clean
- Wipe or rinse
- Looks woven, wipes like plastic
- Listings may say resin wicker or PE rattan
- Still dry it so water does not sit in the weave
Cleaning a woven tray
Dust first
A soft brush or the brush tool on a vacuum lifts dust out of the weave.
Wipe with mild soapy water
A cloth wrung out in water with a little dish soap, plus a soft brush in the crevices. Do not soak it.
Remove the soap and dry
Wipe again with a clean damp cloth, then a dry one. Let it air dry away from heaters.
Treat mildew early
For spots, care guides suggest a diluted bleach and soap mix on a soft brush, rinsed and dried quickly. Test a hidden area first.
More materials in how to clean a bathroom tray. For the toilet tank specifically, see toilet tank trays.
Questions people ask
Is rattan OK in a bathroom?
In a ventilated bathroom and away from splashes, yes. Natural rattan absorbs moisture, which can cause swelling and warping, and mildew grows where it is damp, warm and the air does not move. Keep it dry and let it air between showers.
How do I clean a rattan tray?
Dust it with a soft brush or vacuum brush, then wipe it with a cloth dampened in water and a little mild dish soap, using a soft brush in the weave. Wipe off the soap with a clean damp cloth and dry it. Let it air dry; heat can make it split.
How do I get mildew off a rattan tray?
Act early. Care guides suggest a diluted bleach and soapy water mix applied with a soft brush for mildew, rinsed thoroughly and dried quickly, ideally outdoors. Bleach left in the fibers can weaken them, and it can lighten colored finishes, so test a hidden spot.
What is the difference between rattan, wicker and seagrass?
Rattan is a climbing palm whose stems are split and woven. Wicker is the weaving technique, which can use rattan, willow or synthetic resin. Seagrass is a grass twisted into cord. All three like dry air; resin wicker copes best with water.
Sources
Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Sizes, finishes and listings change; check the product details and measurements before you buy, and follow the maker’s care instructions.