Olive wood products are durable, elegant, and naturally antibacterial — but they must be maintained properly to preserve their beauty. Understanding how to care for olive wood ensures your kitchen tools, serving boards, and utensils last for many years while retaining their smooth texture and rich grain patterns.

Whether you've purchased handcrafted olive wood bowls, utensils, or cutting boards, proper cleaning, conditioning, and storage will help keep them looking new. Below is a complete guide on how to care for olive wood the right way.

Why Proper Care for Olive Wood Matters

Olive wood contains natural oils that protect it from bacteria, staining, and cracking. However, exposure to water, heat, and detergents can dry the wood over time. With the correct care for olive wood, your pieces will remain strong, shiny, and resistant to wear.

By following simple maintenance steps, you also enhance the lifespan of your products — making olive wood a long-term investment for your kitchen.

Daily Cleaning Tips: Essential Care for Olive Wood

Gentle cleaning is the foundation of good care for olive wood products. Here’s how to wash them correctly:

• Use mild soap and lukewarm water
• Avoid soaking or leaving in standing water
• Rinse quickly and dry immediately with a towel
• Never place olive wood in the dishwasher

Using soft cloths and gentle cleaning methods ensures you protect the natural grain while preventing cracks or warping.

Conditioning: The Most Important Care Step

The best long-term care for olive wood includes regular conditioning with food-safe oil. Oiling restores moisture and brings back the deep, golden-brown color olive wood is known for.

Use one of these oils:

• Mineral oil
• Olive oil
• Walnut oil
• Food-safe beeswax

How to apply:

• Add a few drops of oil to a soft cloth
• Rub evenly over the entire surface
• Let it absorb for several hours
• Wipe off any excess oil

Condition once a month for frequently used items, and every 2–3 months for decorative pieces.

Removing Stains and Odors Naturally

Stains and strong food odors can occur over time, especially on cutting boards. Here are natural solutions:

• Lemon + Salt for surface stains
• Baking soda paste for deeper discoloration
• White vinegar (diluted) to remove strong odors

These gentle methods are safe and effective while maintaining proper care for olive wood without damaging the grain.

How to Restore Older Olive Wood Items

If your olive wood becomes dull, scratched, or dry, you can revive it with a simple restoration process:

• Gently sand using fine-grit sandpaper
• Wipe away dust
• Re-condition with oil
• Buff to a smooth finish

This kind of maintenance is an essential part of long-term care for olive wood products.

What to Avoid to Protect Olive Wood

To keep olive wood looking its best, avoid:

• Dishwashers
• Soaking in water
• Harsh chemicals or detergents
• Abrasive scrubbing pads
• Leaving near heat sources (stovetops, sunlight)

These habits preserve the structure and stability of your products.

Are Olive Wood Products Food-Safe?

Yes! Olive wood is naturally antibacterial and safe for food use. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), properly maintained natural wood is safe for kitchen use:
👉 https://www.efsa.europa.eu/

Maintaining your products correctly supports food safety and hygiene.

Shop High-Quality Olive Wood Products

If you’re looking to expand your collection, explore OLIVIKO’s handcrafted selection of:

• Olive wood utensils
• Cutting boards
• Bowls
• Mortar and pestle sets
• Kitchen accessories

Shop the full collection here:
👉 https://www.oliviko.com/collections

Discover even more tips and buying guides on the OLIVIKO Blog, where we cover maintenance, styling ideas, and product benefits.

Conclusion

With the right care for olive wood, your kitchenware will remain beautiful, strong, and long-lasting. A combination of gentle cleaning, regular conditioning, and proper storage ensures every item ages gracefully and develops a richer patina over time.

When maintained correctly, olive wood products can last a lifetime — making them one of the best natural materials for your home.