Caring for Handmade Woodenware

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 Only

If you remember nothing else, remember this: Never put handmade wooden items in the dishwasher. The high heat and prolonged exposure to water will cause the wood to swell, warp, and eventually crack. Instead, follow these steps:

• Wash immediately after use with warm, soapy water.

• Use a soft sponge.

• Dry it immediately with a clean towel. Never let wood "air dry" while sitting in a puddle of water.

2. Season and Condition Regularly

Wood dries out over time, which can lead to a dull appearance or brittle edges. To prevent this, you need to "feed" the wood with a food-safe conditioner.

• What to use: We use our own "Cera della Nonna" wood conditioner. It is a blend of food grade mineral oil, carnauba wax and beeswax from our own beehives.

• What to avoid: Never use olive, vegetable, or canola oils. These are organic fats that will eventually go rancid, leaving your kitchenware smelling unpleasant.

• How often: Once a month, or whenever the wood starts to look "thirsty" or pale. Simply rub the oil on with a soft cloth, let it soak in for 20 minutes, and buff off the excess.

"Cera della Nonna" Wood Conditioner

3. Maintaining Handles

Items like ice cream scoops, bottle openers, and pizza slicers often have metal components attached to wooden handles.

• Don't soak them: Water can seep into the joint where the wood meets the metal, causing the wood to rot or the adhesive to fail.

• Oil the handles: Just because it’s a handle doesn't mean it doesn't need oil! Treat the handle of your favorite ice cream scoop or pizza slicer just like you would your favorite bowl or cutting board.

4. Refreshing the Surface

Over time, cutting boards might develop a "fuzzy" texture or deep knife marks.

Pro Tip: If your wood feels rough, give it a light hand-sanding with 400-grit sandpaper. Apply light pressure and sand in the direction of the wood grain. Once smooth, wipe away the dust and apply a fresh coat of our wood conditioner.

Caring for handmade woodenware requires a few simple steps. Clean gently, dry promptly, and nourish the wood regularly with a conditioner. Store items properly and address minor damage early. Following these steps will help keep your wooden bowls, cutting boards, and utensils looking beautiful and working well for years to come.

As always, please feel free to reach out to us via our Contact page should you have any questions.