Olive wood is one of Europe's hardest and most durable woods. Nevertheless, it is a natural material – and like all wood, it appreciates a little attention. The good news: caring for olive wood is easy and takes hardly any time. In this guide, you will learn how to properly clean, oil, and keep olive wood cutting boards, cooking spoons, bowls, and mortars looking like new even after years.
The three golden rules
- Wash briefly instead of soaking. Wood should never sit in water for long periods.
- Dry immediately. Standing moisture is wood's greatest enemy.
- Oil regularly. Oil nourishes the wood, protects it from drying out, and makes the grain shine.
If you remember just these three points, you have already done 90 percent right.
Properly cleaning olive wood
After each use, simply rinse your board or cooking spoon under warm, running water. For grease or food residue, a drop of mild dish soap and a soft brush or sponge will help. Then rinse thoroughly.
Important: Olive wood does not belong in the dishwasher. The high temperatures, aggressive cleaning agents, and long exposure to moisture strip the wood of its natural oils. The result: The wood becomes gray, rough, and can crack.
Drying properly
Dry the wood with a dish towel immediately after washing. It is best to stand cutting boards on their side so that air can circulate on both sides. Never lay a wet board flat on the countertop – otherwise, one side will dry faster than the other and the board may warp. You should also avoid direct heat, such as on the heater or next to the stove.
Oiling olive wood: step by step
Our products are treated with olive oil at the factory. Over time and through washing, however, the wood loses some of this protection. Then it is time for a little wellness treatment:
- Let the wood dry completely – preferably overnight.
- Apply some oil: put one teaspoon of food-safe oil on a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
- Rub in: rub into all sides in the direction of the grain, including the edges and the handle.
- Let it soak in: at least 20 minutes, preferably overnight.
- Wipe off the excess: buff with a clean cloth – the wood should feel dry and silky, not sticky.
How often should I oil?
As a rule of thumb: every two to four weeks for cutting boards and cooking spoons used daily, and only once or twice a year for decorative items. A simple test: If the wood looks light, dull, or "thirsty" and water droplets no longer bead up, it needs oil.
Which oil is suitable for olive wood?
- Olive oil: obvious and well-suited for items that are regularly used and washed.
- Rapeseed oil or sunflower oil: flavor-neutral and affordable, completely sufficient for everyday use.
- Linseed oil (pure and food-safe): hardens slowly and forms a very good protective layer. Caution: Cloth scraps soaked in linseed oil can spontaneously combust – always let them dry flat or place them in water.
- Special wood care or cutting board oil: food-safe and particularly practical.
Butter, large quantities of walnut oil (which can go rancid), as well as furniture polishes or lacquers that are not approved for food contact, are not suitable.
Problem solver: stains, odors, and cracks
Odors of onions, garlic, or fish
Sprinkle the board with coarse salt, drizzle lemon juice over it, and rub it with half a lemon. Let it work briefly, rinse, dry – done. Alternatively, a paste of baking soda and a little water helps.
Dark stains
Light discolorations from red wine, berries, or beets often fade on their own. You can carefully sand stubborn stains in the direction of the grain with fine sandpaper (grit 180–240) and then re-oil the area.
Rough surface
Washing sometimes causes the wood fibers to stand up slightly. Simply sand it smooth with fine sandpaper, wipe off the dust, and oil it. After that, the wood will feel silky again.
Fine cracks
Small drying cracks occur when wood dries too quickly or has received too little oil. Rub the wood generously with oil and leave it overnight. Fine cracks often close up a little again. It is important to avoid the cause: never in the dishwasher, never on the heater.
Care tips for individual products
- Cutting boards: treat both sides equally – so oil both sides as well, so that the board does not warp. More on this in the cutting board guide.
- Cooking spoons and turners: do not leave them in the pot, rinse them immediately after cooking.
- Bowls and mortars: perfectly suited for salad or spices. Do not leave very hot foods or acidic marinades in them for hours.
- Soap dishes and bathroom accessories: occasionally rinse off soap residue, let dry thoroughly, and oil occasionally – thanks to its high oil content, olive wood handles moisture well.
- Decor and candle holders: only wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
Frequently asked questions about caring for olive wood
Can I clean olive wood with vinegar?
Diluted vinegar is fine occasionally, but it should not become a routine, as acid dries out the wood over time. Salt and lemon or mild dish soap are the better choice.
Why is my wood turning gray?
Gray, dull wood is dried out – usually from the dishwasher or too much water. Sand it lightly and oil it, then the warm color will return.
How long does an olive wood board last?
With good care, many years or even decades. Unlike plastic, wood can be sanded down and refreshed at any time.
Conclusion
Olive wood is robust, easy to care for, and only gets more beautiful with the years. Wash briefly, dry thoroughly, oil occasionally – that is all it needs. This way, your cutting board, your cooking spoons and mortar, and your bowls made of olive wood will remain loyal companions for a lifetime.