La Collina Spalted Maple Salad Bowl Four Steps to keeping your wood healthy. There is something special about a handmade wooden bowl or a custom-turned kitchen utensil. However, because wood is a natural, porous material, it requires a little more "TLC" than your average plastic spatula. With the right care, your wooden kitchenware can last for generations. Here are a four short tips on keeping your wood looking beautiful and performing its best. 1. The Golden Rule: Hand Wash