Caring for your wooden goods

Cleaning and Care

Taking care of your handcrafted teak spoons, spatulas, ladles, and bowls is straightforward. Following a few simple steps will keep your wooden kitchenware looking rich, feeling smooth, and performing reliably for years to come.

Daily Cleaning & Maintenance Rules

  1. No Dishwashers: Never place wooden items in a dishwasher. High heat, strong detergents, and harsh water pressure can dry out timber, warp shapes, or cause cracking.

  2. Wash by Hand Promptly: Wash your utensils immediately after use in warm, soapy water using a mild dish soap.

  3. Use the Right Sponge: For durable timbers like dense teak, standard dish sponges or soft brushes work well. Avoid harsh steel wool scrubbers, which can scratch the natural wood surface.

  4. Never Leave to Soak: Avoid leaving wooden spoons or bowls submerged in water. Soaking strips natural moisture and causes timber fibers to swell, leading to split edges. Wash quickly and rinse immediately.

  5. Dry Thoroughly: Dab dry with a soft dish towel and allow items to air dry completely on a rack before placing them in drawers or cupboards. Avoid drying under harsh direct sunlight, and never store wooden kitchenware while still damp.

Condition & Protect with Natural Beeswax

Frequent cooking and washing gradually strip the natural protective oils from wooden utensils. To prevent timber from drying out or looking dull, periodically recondition your wooden items to restore their protective seal and bring out the golden-brown grain.

  • Why Choose Natural Beeswax? While some cooks use food safe mineral oils, a 100% natural beeswax blend offers a superior, chemical-free alternative. It creates a lasting protective barrier against moisture and food liquids without leaving a greasy residue.

  • Avoid Cooking Oils: Avoid using vegetable or olive oils on wooden kitchenware. These oils have a high fat content and can spoil or become rancid over time.

We recommend our 100% Natural Wood Care & Beeswax Conditioner. Handcrafted locally in Gisborne by The Bored Beekeepers, this food-safe blend of pure beeswax, almond, olive, and coconut oils is formulated specifically to nourish, protect, and preserve teak utensils and cutting boards.

How to Condition Your Teak Utensils

  1. Ensure the utensil is completely clean and dry.

  2. Rub a small amount of beeswax conditioner across the entire surface using a clean cotton cloth or fingertips.

  3. Allow 15–20 minutes for the natural oils to absorb deeply into the wood grain.

  4. Buff lightly with a dry cloth to reveal a soft, natural satin finish.