Cleaning and care of wooden products

Cleaning and caring for wooden kitchen products such as cutting boards and wooden spoons is especially important to us. These natural kitchen tools are not only highly functional, but also add a warm and inviting atmosphere to any kitchen. However, they do require a little attention to stay in top condition.

Wood is a living material that can develop cracks, discoloration, or even harbor bacteria if not treated properly. With just a few simple care steps, we can ensure that our beloved wooden utensils remain durable, beautiful, and hygienic. Let’s explore together how to properly clean and care for our wooden kitchen companions.

Contents

• Care instructions for specific items
• Cleaning and care after use
• Removing unpleasant odors

Care Instructions for specific items

Cleaning and Care After Use

• After use, you can simply rinse your wooden item with lukewarm water and clean it with a mild dishwashing liquid. A kitchen sponge or dishcloth works perfectly for this.
• If your wooden product is heavily soiled, you may also use a dish brush to gently scrub it clean.
• We recommend rinsing all sides of your wooden product to prevent one-sided moisture, which can cause tension, cracks, or warping. Please make sure not to soak wooden items in water. Wood absorbs water through its fibers, swells, and may deform as a result.
• Finally, dry your wooden item with a lint-free kitchen towel and place it upright to air-dry completely. Please ensure that wood is never dried in direct sunlight, as rapid drying can cause warping.
• Never put wooden products in the dishwasher, as this can cause discoloration and severe deformation due to heat and steam.
• For an extra level of care, you can oil your wooden product once it is completely dry.

Which oil is suitable for care?

An oil treatment helps protect the surface and prevents germs from penetrating deeply into stressed wood fibers. In addition, oil creates a smooth, natural feel and gives the wood a renewed, beautiful shine. To avoid unwanted effects such as rancid odors or stains in the wood, it is important to use the right oil. We recommend our poppy seed oil , as it fully dries and cures, is perfectly suited to the specific needs of wood, and can also be used for other wooden products. If you prefer to use a cooking oil, please find some important information below.

Rapeseed oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil – these are considered “non-drying oils” and may leave a greasy film on the surface. For this reason, always wipe off excess oil thoroughly. Otherwise, wood fibers may soften, the wood may warp, and in the worst case, bacteria can penetrate the material. These oils are only recommended with regular use and frequent cleaning, as they can become rancid and do not provide optimal long-term protection.

Linseed oil / flaxseed oil – dries very slowly (up to 14 days), seals the pores, and prevents water from penetrating the wood. If you use your wooden product during the drying period, the oil may be partially washed out during regular cleaning.

Coconut oil – does not fully harden and may leave a greasy film on wooden products. With regular use and cleaning, coconut oil can be an alternative to traditional wood oils due to its antibacterial properties. However, it can also soften wood fibers and potentially allow bacteria to penetrate the wood.

Removing Unpleasant Odors

When cutting onions on an untreated wooden cutting board, the smell can often linger for days. This is not harmful to your health, but it can be unpleasant and undesirable.

Our Hofmeister kitchen tip: Use a separate cutting board for each purpose (fruit, vegetables, meat, fish). This prevents unappetizing combinations of odors and flavors.

What can cause kitchen utensils to develop odors?

• Frequent cutting of strongly acidic or strongly scented foods
• Food residues left on or in the wood
• Unsealed wooden surfaces
• Insufficient care
• Natural aging of the wood

To remove unpleasant odors, all you need is coarse salt and a lemon.

Depending on the size of the wooden item or cutting board, sprinkle 1–3 tablespoons of salt onto the surface. Cut the lemon lengthwise and use it to rub the salt into the wood.

Once everything has been thoroughly “massaged” in, let the mixture sit for about 15–30 minutes. Then rinse the wood with lukewarm water. The odor will disappear as if by magic. Brilliant, right?