Kitchenware Maintenance 101: Oils, Polishes, and More

If you've invested in quality wooden kitchenware, you know that with the right care, these pieces can last a lifetime and even become heirlooms. Today, I'd like to share some tips on maintaining your wooden kitchenware to keep it looking beautiful and performing well for many years to come.

Recommended Products for Maintaining Your Wood Items

When it comes to caring for wooden kitchenware, using the right finish is crucial. We recommend using food-safe finishes, often referred to as "salad bowl finishes," for any items that come into contact with food.

Mineral Oil and Beeswax

At Old Saguaro, we finish our kitchenware with either pure mineral oil or a combination of mineral oil and beeswax. Here's why:

• Mineral Oil: It's completely food-safe, odorless, and tasteless. Mineral oil penetrates the wood fibers, helping to prevent drying and cracking. It's readily available and easy to apply.
• Beeswax Combination: Adding beeswax to mineral oil creates a protective layer on the surface, enhancing water resistance and giving the wood a soft sheen. This blend nourishes the wood and brings out its natural beauty.

These finishes not only protect the wood but also highlight the rich tones and unique grain patterns of walnut, cherry, and maple—the woods we use at Old Saguaro.

DIY Tips and Homemade Solutions

While there are many commercial products available, some people wonder about making their own wood finishes at home. Here's our take:

Proceed with Caution

• Commercial Products Preferred: We generally recommend using off-the-shelf solutions because they are specifically formulated to be food-safe and effective.
• DIY Option: If you prefer a DIY approach, you can source raw, food-grade mineral oil and, if desired, mix in food-safe waxes like beeswax.
• Avoid Non-Food-Safe Ingredients: Ensure that any ingredients you use are safe for contact with food. Avoid using vegetable oils like olive or canola oil, as they can go rancid over time.

How Often Should Maintenance Be Performed?

The frequency of maintenance depends largely on how often you use your wooden kitchenware.

Regular Use Items

• Utensils and Cutting Boards: Items used daily may benefit from re-oiling every few weeks.
• Signs It's Time to Reapply:
• The wood looks dry or lighter in color.
• The surface feels rough or dry to the touch.
• Water no longer beads on the surface but soaks in instead.

Occasional Use Items

• Serving Bowls and Specialty Pieces: For items used less frequently, applying oil every couple of months - or when they begin to look dry.

Regular maintenance not only preserves the look and feel of your wooden kitchenware but also extends its lifespan.

Practices to Avoid That Could Damage the Wood

Proper care involves not only what you should do but also what you should avoid. Here are some practices to steer clear of:

Avoid the Dishwasher

• High Heat and Water Exposure: Dishwashers expose wood to excessive heat and prolonged water exposure, causing warping, cracking, and splitting.
• Harsh Detergents: Dishwasher detergents can strip the wood of its natural oils and finishes.

Cleaning Recommendations

• Hand Wash Only: Gently wash your wooden items with warm water and mild soap.
• Towel Dry Immediately: After washing, dry the items promptly with a towel to prevent moisture absorption.

Additional Tips

• Don't Soak: Never leave wooden items submerged in water.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Keep wood away from direct heat sources like stovetops or radiators.
• No Abrasive Scrubbing: Avoid using steel wool or abrasive scrubbers that can damage the wood's surface. The scratchy side of your sponge (basically Scotch-Brite) is perfectly fine to use.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your wooden kitchenware doesn't have to be complicated. With the right products and a little routine maintenance, you can enjoy the beauty and functionality of wood for many years. At Old Saguaro, we're passionate about crafting pieces that last, and proper care is a crucial part of that longevity.

Discover our handcrafted wooden kitchenware at OldSaguaro.com. If you have any questions or need personalized advice on wood maintenance, feel free to reach out—we're here to help.

Thank you for being part of the Old Saguaro family. Happy cooking and happy caring!