How to Care for Wooden Kitchen Items?

How do you care for wooden kitchen items? Caring for wooden kitchen items such as cutting boards,utensils, and bowls is important to maintain their longevity and beauty. We’d be happy to share some steps for you:

1.Cleaning: Clean wooden items with warm, soapy water after each use. Avoid soaking them, as prolonged contact with water can cause deformation and cracking.  Instead, wash them quickly and thoroughly.

2.Drying: Dry wooden items immediately with a towel after wahsing.Then, let them dry completely before storing them. Do not dry wooden items in the dishwasher, as the heat and moisture can warp and crack the wood.

3.Oiling: To prevent dryness and cracking, regularly oil wooden kitchen items with food-grade mineral oil or beeswax oil. Apply a light coat of oil and leave for a few hours or overnight, then wipe off excess oil. This allows the wood to retain moisture and extend its life.

4.Storing: Store your wooden items in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme temperatures and direct sunlight, which can cause deformation or cracking.

5.Removing Stains and Odors: If your wooden items get stained or odors, you can wipe them with lemon and some kosher salt. This natural method helps remove odors and slight discoloration. For deeper stains, you may need to lightly sand the surface of the wood.

6.Sterilizing: To sterilize, you can wipe the surface with a cloth dampened with a solution of one part vinegar and five parts water. Do not do this too often, as the vinegar will dry out the wood over time.

7.Repairing Minor Damage: If your wooden items have slight scratches or scuffs, lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper and then re-oil the items.

8.Avoiding Cross-Contamination: If you use a wooden cutting board, it is best to keep raw meat separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.

Regular care and maintenance will help your wooden kitchen items last for years and retain their natural beauty.