How to keep your olive wood board beautiful for a lifetime: Proper care | Jeske Design

The soul of the Mediterranean in your hands: How to properly care for olive wood

Olive wood is more than just a material; it's a piece of nature, a testament to history and craftsmanship that brings the warmth of the Mediterranean into your home. Its unique grain, golden-brown hues, and unparalleled hardness make each piece truly unique. Proper care is crucial to ensuring your beloved olive wood board, bowl, or kitchen utensil retains its beauty and functionality for generations to come.

Many people believe that natural wood requires a lot of care. But with a few simple steps, your olive wood piece will remain a faithful companion that will only become more beautiful over time.

Basic rule number 1: Gentle cleaning instead of sharp attack

Cleaning is the first and most important step in care. Olive wood loves gentleness and doesn't tolerate aggressive treatment.

1. Clean immediately after use: You should clean your olive wood product promptly, especially after contact with coloring foods (e.g. tomatoes, berries, red wine) or strong-smelling substances.

2. Lukewarm water and mild dish soap: Use a soft cloth or sponge and some lukewarm water. Add a drop of mild dish soap if needed. Gently rub the wood.

3. Rinse thoroughly: Make sure no soap residue remains on the wood.

4. IMPORTANT: Dry immediately: Never let your olive wood air dry or leave it wet! Dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth immediately after rinsing. Excess moisture can cause the wood to swell, crack, and shorten its lifespan.

5. Air dry in a well-ventilated place: If you let it rest for a few minutes after drying it in a well-ventilated place (but not in direct sunlight or on the heater!), make sure it is standing or lying down so that all sides can dry evenly.

What you should ABSOLUTELY avoid:

• Dishwasher: Olive wood is absolutely not dishwasher-safe! The harsh cleaners, high temperatures, and long washing cycles strip the wood of its natural oils, making it brittle and cracking.

• Prolonged soaking in water: Never leave your olive wood in water. It will absorb water, swell, and may also crack.

• Harsh cleaners or abrasives: These attack the surface and can damage the wood.

The fountain of youth for olive wood: regular oiling

Oiling is the perfect treatment for your olive wood. It nourishes the wood, restores its beautiful grain, protects it from drying out, and makes it more resistant to moisture and stains.

1. Which oil? The best options are a high-quality, food-grade olive oil (the name says it all!), linseed oil, or special wood care oil. Avoid oils that could go rancid or are unsuitable for food contact.

2. How often? Oil your olive wood according to use and how it feels. If it looks dull or pale, it's time. For regular use, we recommend once or twice a month. For infrequent use, every few months is sufficient.

3. The application:

   • Make sure your olive wood product is completely clean and dry .

   • Apply a small amount of oil to a lint-free cloth or paper towel.

   • Rub the oil evenly and generously into the wood until saturated, making sure to cover all sides and edges.

   • Let the oil soak in for a few hours, preferably overnight . The wood will "drink up" the oil and take what it needs.

   • Important: Wipe off any excess oil! After the contact time, be sure to wipe off any excess oil with a clean, dry cloth and polish the wood. If oil residue remains on the surface, it can become sticky or develop a rancid odor.

Special situations and problem solutions

• Roughness after washing: Sometimes the surface can become slightly rough after washing, as the wood fibers stand up. Lightly sanding with fine sandpaper (200-400 grit) in the direction of the grain, followed by oiling, will restore the surface to its velvety smoothness.

• Strong odors: If odors have become embedded in the wood, you can rub the surface with a halved lemon and a little salt. Then rinse thoroughly, dry, and oil.

• Discoloration: Light discoloration can often be removed by sanding the top layer of wood and then oiling it.

A piece of nature that lives with you

Caring for your olive wood isn't a burden, but rather an appreciation for a product that ages with you, whose character deepens and becomes more beautiful with every use and oiling. Every olive wood product is a living piece of nature that, with a little attention, will provide a lifetime of enjoyment.

At Jeske Design, we place the greatest importance on the quality and durability of our olive wood products. With these care tips, you'll have everything you need to nurture and care for your unique piece.

Are you looking for the perfect gift idea with olive wood?

Then take a look at our range of personalized olive wood cutting boards: https://www.jeskedesign.de/collections/tranchierbretter