Caring and Post-Cleaning of a Wooden Bowl

Wooden bowls are versatile and durable and bring out the beauty in the kitchen. They are produced from various hardwoods such as maple, walnut, cherry, and teak, among others.  The gorgeous wooden bowls are either traditionally carved or made using a pieced construction process. Proper cleaning and care for the wooden bowls is crucial in maintaining their mint condition for a long time.

Wooden bowls can be used every other day and not just for special occasions. They are mostly used for popcorn and salads. They can also hold well-wetter foods such as meat, stews, chili, coleslaw, pot roasts, and breakfast cereals.

Cleaning the Wooden Bowl

First,

• Do not use harsh cleaners on the bowl. They are the number one cause of irreversible damage to the wooden bowls.
• Do not put the wooden bowls in dishwashers and microwaves—the heat and pressure cause the bowls to warp and even crack.
• The bowls should not be left soaking in the sink or have water sitting on them.

Washing and Drying

A wooden bowl requires a quick wash and voila! Using dish soap, warm water, and a soft sponge is the best way to clean wooden bowls. Ensure to use the soft side of the sponge or washing cloth as the abrasive side can scratch or remove the finish on the bowl.

After removing debris from the bowl, gently clean it using mild soap and warm water. If the bowl has areas hard to reach, a toothbrush or bottle brush will suffice. In case of odors and stains, use water and baking soda paste. Run in the paste in the affected area then rinse the bowl and dry. You can either towel dry or air dry the wooden bowls.

Seasoning the Wooden Bowls

Treating stains and build-ups in wooden bowls is essential. It helps improve the food taste in the bowl by removing impurities from the grain. It also optimizes the functionality of the bowl. A deep clean with lemon juice and salt helps with antibacterial functions. The combination provides both disinfectant and abrasion to the surface of the bowl.  Lime and regular table salt can be used to give similar effects.

Add some salt to the bowl. Squeeze the lemon juice or rub the pulp all over the bowl surface. After scrubbing, wash with mild dish soap and warm water. Ensure to scrub the outside part of the bowl too.

Disinfecting the Bowls

Disinfecting the bowls depends on how often they are used. After four to five times, a mixture of water and vinegar should be used. The anti-fungal property of the white vinegar kills the bacteria that hide in the porous wood surface.  Use a ratio of 1:5m vinegar and water or mix. Allow the vinegar to sit for five to ten minutes before using. Follow the washing and drying procedure for the bowl.

Oiling the Bowls

Conditioning the wooden bowls is an important step in ensuring they are in good shape and last long. It is a preventative measure against absorbing excessive moisture or drying out.  It also helps maintain the beauty and luster of the wooden bowl.

Resurfacing the wooden bowls depends on their purpose, how often they are used, and when their color fades. Mineral oil and food-grade oil are the best oils for this purpose. You can use your fingers or a microfiber cloth to apply the oil to the grain. Allow the bowl to dry before using it.

Recommended oils include tung oil, walnut oil, and linseed oil. Do not use vegetables (like olive oil) and non-drying oils as they go rancid and leave an undesirable taste.

Storing Wooden Bowls

Storing wooden bowls is so easy! All you need is a cool and dark place and you are good to go. Wooden bowls are sturdy and resilient and can rarely be affected when stacked together. They can be stored on rolling-out shelves or open shelves. Stacking them also allows us to save on space.

Notably, wooden bowls do not condone direct sunlight. Store them away from direct sunlight to avoid discoloring, premature aging, and drying out their natural oils.

Wooden bowls are fashionable and eco-friendly options for wares, especially for environmentally cautious people. They are functional, versatile, and durable. They are also easy to clean and maintain and do not require much when it comes to storage. It is important to shun the idea that bowls are hard to care for and maintain with everyday use. Following the dos and don’ts of caring and post cleaning of the wooden bowls is crucial.