Cleaning a proofing basket: how to keep it clean and dry

October 31, 2026

Round proofing basket with spiral ribs, kept clean with a dry brush

A proofing basket needs little care. Most of the time it is enough to knock out the flour. Here is what to do after each bake, and what to do when dough has stuck.

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Short answer: Knock out the flour, brush the basket clean and let it dry completely before you put it away. Brush off stuck dough once it has dried. Do not use soap, and never put the basket in the dishwasher.

After each bake

Turn the basket upside down over the sink and tap it gently against your palm.
Brush away the flour with a dry brush, along the ribs.
Stand the basket upside down in an airy place until it is completely dry.
Put it away in a dry place.

A little flour left in the ribs is perfectly normal. The basket does not need to look new.

When dough has stuck

Let the dough dry in the basket. Dry dough comes off much more easily than wet.
Brush it away with a stiff brush.
If something is still stuck, dampen the brush with hot water and scrub without soap.
Let the basket dry completely, ideally for a day, before the next bake.

What to avoid

Soap: The smell of soap easily gets into the basket, and it can pass to the dough.
Dishwasher: Hot water and a long cycle are too hard on the basket.
Soaking: The basket should not lie in water.
Damp storage: Never put away a basket that is not completely dry.

Round bread proofing basket379 NOK

Spiral ribs leave the classic ring pattern in the flour on the crust. About 20 × 8 cm, supplied without a liner.

See the proofing basket →

Bake & Keep519 NOK

Proofing basket and Bivoks™ bread bag in one set, from dough to finished loaf.

See Bake & Keep →

Frequently asked questions

Does a proofing basket need washing?

No, normally it is enough to knock out the flour and brush it clean. Use water only when dough is stuck, and then without soap.

Can a proofing basket go in the dishwasher?

No. Use a brush, and let the basket dry at room temperature.

How long must the basket dry?

Until it is completely dry. If it has been wet, count on about a day.

How do I stop the dough from sticking?

Use plenty of flour, ideally rye or rice flour, and rub it well between the ribs.

Ready for the next bake? See rustic sourdough loaf.

Basket and bag in one set

Bake & Keep gives you a proofing basket for the dough and a Bivoks™ bread bag for the finished loaf.