A detachable or removable wash basket having a wash compartment for the receipt of articles for washing separately from a larger wash drum of the appliance. The wash basket is received upon an agitator of the washing appliance and includes a valve for draining wash fluid from the wash compartment. A lid can provide a sloped surface for delivery of water into the wash compartment and may be partially covered by a water retaining plate to prevent the flow of fluid from the wash compartment during a cleaning cycle.