Caring for Olive Wood
Season new utensils with food-grade mineral oil. Avoid using vegetable or olive oil because these products can go rancid. Mineral oil is a safe product that is easily absorbed and doesn't leave the utensil feeling greasy. Place a small amount of the oil on a soft cloth, rub the oil over the entire utensil and allow it to soak into the wood. After the wood has dried, apply a second coat of oil. Avoid using the utensils before they are fully dried.Caring for your olive wood is of great importance to ensure that you have many years of use and enjoyment of your products. With a few simple tricks your olive wood will always look its best.
Olive wood utensils
Clean your utensils in warm water using a mild liquid dish detergent. Use a nylon scrubbing pad to remove all bits of food. Avoid soaking the utensils in the water because this could raise the grain and cause the wood to swell, which could lead to cracking or splitting over time. Rinse the utensils with warm water and instead of air drying, use a drying towel to wipe them dry.
Olive wood treatment
Rub your utensils periodically with mineral oil -- when the utensils appear dull and the last oil treatment has worn off. This helps to prevent liquid from soaking into the wood and keeps it in good condition. After applying the oil, let the utensils sit for a few hours and then wipe off the excess. How often you treat the utensils with oil depends on how often they get used.
Sanitise Olive Wood
Every few months you are advised to clean the utensils in warm, soapy water and then spread them out on a flat surface. Pour 3 percent hydrogen peroxide over all sides of the utensils and let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse the utensils in warm water and then wipe them dry with a towel.
Warning
Do not put your olive wood item in the dishwasher or leave in standing water.