Care & Tips for Natural Wood

Wood is a living material—and that’s exactly what makes every piece from Austrian Timber Bowl so special. Grain patterns, color variations, and small natural features aren’t flaws, but rather signs of genuine craftsmanship and a natural material. With a few simple care routines, your one-of-a-kind piece will stay beautiful for many years to come.

The 5 Golden Rules (Short & Sweet)

  1. Do not put in the dishwasher —please wash by hand only.

  2. Do not soak —rinse briefly and dry immediately.

  3. No heat/no extreme temperatures – do not place in a heater, microwave, or oven.

  4. Store in a dry place – avoid standing moisture.

  5. Maintain as needed – wood benefits from occasional re-oiling (for oiled/waxed surfaces).

1) Cleaning – How to Do It Right

After use:

  • Clean with lukewarm water and a soft sponge or cloth.

  • If necessary, use a small amount of mild dish soap.

  • No abrasive cleaners, no steel wool, no harsh cleaners.

After that:

  • Dry immediately (inside and out).

  • Then let it air dry completely (do not store it in closed cabinets while there is still residual moisture).

Tip: If odors (such as onion) linger, rubbing the item briefly with lemon juice and then rinsing and drying it often helps. (Do not let it sit.)

2) Is it safe for wood to come into contact with food?

In general, wood is ideal for serving food—but the finish is what really matters.

  • Depending on the product, our pieces are treated with [enter finish, e.g., hard oil/wax/varnish].

  • If a product is labeled as “food-safe, ” it can be used for dry to slightly moist foods (e.g., bread, nuts, fruit, snacks).

  • For foods that stain heavily or are very wet (e.g., beets, berries, oil-based marinades), we recommend: serve briefly, then clean and dry immediately.

Not recommended (for all wooden bowls—regardless of finish):

  • Dishwasher, microwave, oven

  • Storing very moist foods in the container for a long time

  • Prolonged contact with very hot food or liquids

  • Avoid cross-contamination between raw meat and fish (hygiene & odor absorption)

Note: Depending on how it is used, wood may develop a patina. This is normal and adds to the piece’s character.

3) Maintenance / Refreshing (for oiled/waxed surfaces)

If the wood looks dry, becomes dull, or water no longer beads off it:

Here's how to care for it:

  1. Wash the bowl and let it dry completely.

  2. Apply a very thin layer of food-safe maintenance oil (e.g., pure linseed oil or walnut oil maintenance oil, or a special wood maintenance oil—unscented).

  3. Let it soak in for 15–30 minutes, then wipe off any excess.

  4. Let it air out/dry thoroughly for 12–24 hours.

Frequency: approximately every 4–8 weeks, depending on usage, or as needed.

If your surface is varnished or sealed, re-oiling is usually not necessary. (In that case, please just clean it and keep it dry.)

4) What is normal for natural wood?

Wood is a natural material and reacts to humidity and temperature. The following characteristics are normal and do not constitute grounds for a complaint:

  • Grain, color, small knots: every piece is unique

  • Fine lines/pores: visible depending on the type of wood

  • Slight changes in shape and color over time (patina)

  • Minor hairline cracks or small stress cracks may form, especially in dry, heated air (winter)

Important: Minor, superficial changes are common. With proper care, function is maintained.

5) What isn't normal / when should you reach out?

Please contact us if:

  • a crack becomes significantly larger or compromises stability

  • if any adhesive bonds come loose

  • if the item was damaged during shipping (please provide photos, ideally within 48 hours)

📩 Contact: [your email address]

Quick FAQ

Can I leave the bowl soaking in water?
No—please do not soak it. Clean it briefly and dry it immediately.

Why does the wood look duller after a while?
This is normal. Wood “absorbs” oil—depending on how it’s used, a light re-oiling (for oiled surfaces) can help.

Can I use the bowl as a salad bowl?
Yes, for short-term use (if labeled "food-safe"). Wash and dry immediately afterward.

Why do the grain and color differ from the photo?
Because every piece is one-of-a-kind. Light and screen display also affect the colors.