Caring for Your Handcrafted Wood Bowl: A Complete Guide

Your handcrafted wood bowl is more than just a functional piece—it's a work of art that can last for generations with proper care. Whether you use your bowl for serving salads, displaying fruit, or as a stunning centerpiece, following these simple guidelines will keep it looking beautiful for years to come.

Daily Care and Cleaning

Wood is a natural, living material that responds to its environment. To keep your bowl in prime condition:

After each use, gently hand wash your bowl with warm water and mild dish soap. Use a soft cloth or sponge—never abrasive scrubbers that can damage the finish. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately with a clean towel. Don't let your bowl sit in water or air dry, as prolonged moisture exposure can cause warping or cracking.

For stubborn food residue, let warm soapy water sit in the bowl for a few minutes to loosen it, then wipe clean.

Walnut fruit bowl finished with Polymerized Tung Oil and Carnuba Wax.

What to Avoid: The Critical Don'ts

Never put your wood bowl in the dishwasher. The intense heat, harsh detergents, and prolonged water exposure will strip the protective finish, cause the wood to crack, warp, or split, and can completely ruin your bowl in just one cycle.

Never use your wood bowl in the microwave. Wood and microwave energy don't mix—the rapid heating can cause the wood to crack, create hot spots, or even start smoking. If you need to serve warm food, heat it in a microwave-safe container first, then transfer it to your wood bowl.

Avoid extreme temperatures. Don't pour boiling liquids directly into your bowl or expose it to freezing temperatures. Rapid temperature changes can shock the wood and cause damage.

Maintaining the Finish

Your bowl has been finished with polymerized tung oil and wax, which creates a durable, food-safe protective layer. This finish gives the wood its beautiful luster and helps protect it from moisture and stains.

Over time and with regular use, you may notice the finish becoming less lustrous. When this happens (typically once or twice a year, depending on use), you can refresh the finish:

  1. Clean and thoroughly dry the bowl
  2. Apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil or beeswax
  3. Let it absorb for 15-20 minutes
  4. Buff with a soft, clean cloth

This simple maintenance will keep your bowl's finish rich and protective.

Storage Tips

Store your bowl in a dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Extreme dryness can cause wood to crack, while excessive humidity can lead to warping. A normal kitchen environment is typically ideal.

If you won't be using your bowl for an extended period, give it a light coat of mineral oil before storing to prevent the wood from drying out.

Safe Food Use

Your wood bowl is perfect for:

  • Fresh salads and vegetables
  • Fruit displays
  • Bread and rolls
  • Dry snacks and popcorn
  • Room temperature or slightly warm foods

While the tung oil and wax finish is food-safe, avoid using your bowl for:

  • Very hot foods or liquids (let them cool slightly first)
  • Foods that will sit for extended periods
  • Acidic foods that will remain in the bowl for hours (like marinating)

The Beauty of Wood

Remember, wood is an organic material with natural variations in grain, color, and texture. Small changes over time are normal and add to your bowl's unique character. Minor color deepening or subtle grain enhancement are signs of a well-loved piece, not damage.

With these simple care practices, your handcrafted wood bowl will remain a cherished, functional piece of art in your home for decades. The few extra moments spent caring for it properly are a small investment in preserving both its beauty and its story.