Wood is a living, natural material. Unlike plastic or ceramic, your wooden bowls, cutting boards, and utensils evolve with you. With a little love and the right care, your Woody Kitchenware products can last a lifetime and even become family heirlooms.
Here is everything you need to know to keep your wooden items looking beautiful.
1. The Golden Rule: Hand Wash Only
Never put wooden items in the dishwasher. The high heat and harsh detergents will strip the natural oils, causing the wood to dry out, warp, and eventually crack.
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How to wash: Wash with warm water and mild dish soap using a soft sponge.
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Drying: Dry them immediately with a clean towel. Do not let them air dry while wet, as standing water can damage the wood fibers.
2. Don’t Soak It
Avoid leaving your wooden kitchenware soaking in water or sitting in the sink. Wood absorbs moisture; if it absorbs too much, it can expand and split as it dries.
3. Moisturize with Oil (The Spa Treatment)
Just like skin, wood needs moisture to stay smooth and vibrant. Over time, washing removes natural oils. We recommend oiling your products once a month or whenever they look dull/dry.
What to use:
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Food-grade Mineral Oil (Best option)
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Beeswax Cream
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Walnut Oil
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(Avoid olive oil or vegetable oils for long-term storage, as they can go rancid over time.)
How to apply:
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Ensure the wood is clean and bone-dry.
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Apply a generous amount of oil with a soft cloth or paper towel.
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Let it sit for 2-3 hours (or overnight) to absorb.
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Wipe off any excess oil.
4. Removing Odors and Stains
Did you chop garlic or onions? Here is a natural trick to refresh your board or bowl:
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Sprinkle coarse salt (sea salt) over the surface.
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Cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub the salt into the wood.
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The lemon juice kills bacteria and removes odors, while the salt acts as a gentle scrub.
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Rinse and dry immediately.
5. Storage
Store your wooden items in a dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme heat (like right next to the stove). Sunlight can fade the color, and heat can dry out the wood.
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