Wood preservation
How to preserve wood products?
IMPORTANT! Every raw wooden object (shovels, spoons, shredders, boards, etc.) that will come into contact with liquid should be impregnated with oil or olive oil at least three times before use.
-We do not soak wooden products in water
-We do not wash wooden products in the dishwasher.
Wood products – a natural product with unique features
Wood products are a natural product, which means that they can react to changes in weather conditions and conditions of use. For this reason, wood is susceptible to deformation, such as shrinkage or expansion, which is a completely normal process resulting from its structure.
Changes in air humidity, temperature or intensive use can affect the appearance and shape of wooden products. Such deformations are characteristic of wood and do not constitute a manufacturing defect. However, wood has the ability to return to its original shapes, thanks to which, after stabilizing atmospheric conditions, it can regain its previous appearance.
It is also worth emphasizing that wood has natural antibacterial properties, which makes it a hygienic and safe material for everyday use. Its ability to limit the growth of bacteria means that it is often used in the production of products that come into contact with food.
The natural properties of wood may also manifest themselves in minor cracks or colour changes that do not affect the quality of the product.
Complaints related to deformations caused by atmospheric changes or improper use will not be accepted. The only exception are manufacturing defects, which are qualified in accordance with applicable standards and quality standards.
To ensure that items serve their intended purpose for a long time, the following rules should be followed.
Wooden kitchen accessories are basic equipment for every cook. If we want them to serve us for a long time, we need to take care of their proper maintenance. You certainly have basic products for wood maintenance in your kitchen.
- olive oil or rapeseed oil, linseed oil,
- apple cider vinegar,
- lemon juice,
- salt
Wooden kitchen accessories cannot be washed in a dishwasher. Detergents, excess water can damage the wood. Wash the wood under running water using dishwashing liquids. After washing, dry at room temperature. Avoid long-term soaking of the wood. Do not dry in the sun or by any mechanical methods.
Olive oil or oil
Preserving wooden kitchen utensils with cooking oil is a fairly simple process that will help keep the wood in good condition by preventing it from cracking, drying out, and absorbing moisture. Here are the steps to do it:
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Oil selection: The most commonly used oils are edible oils such as linseed oil, olive oil or coconut oil. These oils are natural and safe for contact with food.
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Surface preparation:
- Make sure your utensils are clean and dry. If there is any food, dirt or grease on the wood, use warm soapy water to wash them, then dry them thoroughly with a cloth.
- If wooden utensils are badly damaged or dull, they can be lightly sanded with fine-grit sandpaper to remove scratches and restore a smooth surface.
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Oil application:
- Pour a small amount of oil onto a clean cloth or sponge.
- Gently rub the oil into the wood, trying to cover the entire surface. Be sure to apply the oil along the grain of the wood.
- Leave the oil for a few minutes to absorb the wood, then wipe off any excess with a cloth.
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Drying time: Allow the oil to absorb for several hours or preferably overnight. If the wood appears dry, repeat the application process until the wood has a suitable protective coating.
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Cleaning: Once dry, the tools will be ready to use. Regularly repeating this maintenance, every few months, will help keep the wood in good condition.
This method of preservation is safe and natural, and helps bring out the natural beauty of the wood.
Apple cider vinegar
Preserving wooden kitchen utensils with apple cider vinegar is also an effective method that helps clean and protect wood. Apple cider vinegar is a natural cleaner that can act as an antibacterial and restore the shine to wood. Here's how to do it:
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Surface preparation:
- Make sure your utensils are clean and dry. If they are dirty, wash them with warm soapy water and dry them.
- If the wood is damaged or dull, sand it lightly with sandpaper to remove scratches.
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Preparation of apple cider vinegar solution:
- Mix apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio. You can also add a few drops of olive oil for extra protection.
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App:
- Apply the apple cider vinegar and water mixture to a clean cloth or sponge.
- Wipe the entire surface of the wooden utensils, massaging the solution into the wood along the grain.
- Make sure the wood does not become excessively soaked – do not soak it, just dampen it slightly.
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Damage search:
- Apple cider vinegar can help clean grease and other stains from wood, so be sure to check the wood for stains or other imperfections that need to be corrected.
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Drying and polishing:
- Let the utensils dry naturally. The vinegar may leave a slight odor, which will disappear once it dries.
- Once dry, if you wish, you can apply a thin coat of cooking oil or olive oil to give the wood extra protection.
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Cleaning and care:
- Repeat this process regularly to keep your wooden utensils in good condition, clean and protected from moisture and dirt.
Apple cider vinegar is a great natural cleaner that will help keep your wooden utensils in good condition and also get rid of unpleasant odors.
Lemon juice
Preserving wooden kitchen utensils with lemon juice is another natural method that not only helps with cleaning but also brings wood back to life, giving it a fresh scent and a natural shine. Lemon juice also has antibacterial properties, which is an additional advantage in terms of kitchen hygiene. Here's how to preserve wooden utensils with lemon juice:
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Surface preparation:
- Make sure your utensils are clean and dry. If they are dirty, wash them with warm soapy water and dry them thoroughly.
- If the wood is rough or dull, you can lightly sand it with sandpaper to remove scratches.
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Preparation of the solution:
- Mix lemon juice with water in a 1:1 ratio (you can also use pure lemon juice if you want a stronger effect).
- Lemon juice will not only help clean the wood, but it will also give it a fresh scent and brighten its surface.
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App:
- Apply a small amount of the solution (or pure juice) to a clean cloth or sponge.
- Gently rub the wooden utensils, massaging the lemon juice along the grain of the wood. Be careful not to overdo it, as the wood should not be too wet.
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Cleaning stains and dirt:
- Lemon juice will help remove grease stains and unpleasant odors. If necessary, wipe additionally on areas that require more thorough cleaning.
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Drying and polishing:
- Let the utensils dry naturally. The lemon juice may leave a subtle smell that will quickly disappear once it dries.
- Once dry, for added protection and shine, you can apply a thin layer of edible oil, olive oil or wax, which will help preserve the wood for longer.
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Regular care:
- Repeat this maintenance every few months to keep the wood in good condition, clean, fresh and protected from moisture.
Lemon juice is a natural agent that not only helps to keep things clean but also restores the wood's natural shine. Regular use of this method will keep your wooden utensils looking new for a long time.
Salt
Cleaning and preserving wooden kitchen utensils with salt is a natural and effective method that helps both clean the wood and preserve it. Salt acts as an abrasive, helping to remove dirt, and also has antibacterial properties. Here's how to perform the preservation of wooden utensils with salt:
1. Surface preparation:
- Make sure your utensils are clean and dry. If they are dirty, wash them with warm soapy water and dry them thoroughly.
- In case of damaged wood, you can lightly sand it with sandpaper to get rid of scratches.
2. Preparation of salt paste:
- You can create a paste by mixing salt with a little water or vegetable oil. Salt works well with water, but oil will create a paste that will penetrate the wood better, moisturizing it.
- If you use water, a few tablespoons of salt per small amount of water will suffice. If you choose oil, use 1-2 teaspoons of salt per few tablespoons of oil.
3. Application of salt paste:
- Apply salt paste to a clean cloth or sponge.
- Gently rub it into the wood of the utensils using circular motions. The salt will act as an abrasive, removing dirt and grease residue from the wood surface.
- Be careful not to overdo it with the amount of paste – there is no need to soak the wood.
4. Removing excess paste:
- After cleaning your utensils, wipe the wood with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining salt paste.
5. Polishing:
- Allow the wood to dry naturally, then polish it with a dry cloth to restore its shine.
6. Additional maintenance:
- If you want to further protect the wood, apply a thin layer of cooking oil or olive oil to protect against moisture and drying out.
7. Regular cleaning:
- You can repeat cleaning your utensils with salt every few months, especially if you notice that the wood is starting to lose its shine or has stains.
Salt is an effective, natural agent that will help keep wooden kitchen utensils clean and in good condition. Regular use of this method will keep the wood looking fresh and protected from damage.