Using your Nella Oval Banneton Baking Basket is easy. First, dust the basket with flour or rice flour. Then, place your shaped dough gently into the basket. Let the dough rise in a warm place. When it's time to bake, invert the dough onto a baking sheet. To ensure the best results, make sure the dough isn't too wet when you put it in the basket. As for maintenance, after each use, gently brush off any flour or dough residue. Don't soak the basket in water as it's made of natural cane. Instead, wipe it with a dry cloth. Store it in a dry place to prevent mold. You can also use it as a bread - serving basket. Just wash it by hand with mild soap and dry it thoroughly before using it again for baking.