How to Keep a Wooden Salad Bowl From Splitting

Care for your wooden bowls properly to avoid damage.

Wooden bowls are finished with a food-safe protective sealant, but excessive exposure to moisture and immersion in water can cause splitting. Proper care can keep your wooden salad bowls from splitting or incurring other damage.

Things You'll Need

• Mild dish detergent
• Nonabrasive sponge or washrag
• Dry towel
• Mineral oil

Instructions

Washing the Bowl Properly

1. Fill your sink with warm water and add mild dish detergent.

2. Dip a sponge or washrag into the warm water and gently cleanse the surface of the bowl. Do not place the bowl inside the water at all. If water soaks into the bowl, splitting can occur due to swelling wood.

3. Wring out your sponge or rag and dip it into some fresh rinse water. Wipe the sponge or rag over the bowl to rinse off any soap. The soap can damage the finish if left on the bowl.

4. Dry the bowl completely with a clean towel. Do not allow any water to sit on the surface of the bowl.

Protecting the Wood

1. Dip a dry, clean rag into some mineral oil. Rub the mineral oil into the surface of the bowl and allow it to soak in.

2. Dry the bowl by removing the excess oil with a dry area of the rag before storing the bowl. Mineral oil is food-safe and does not need to be removed before use.

3. Reapply the mineral oil each time the bowl is cleansed.

References

• The Bowl Mill: Wooden Salad Bowls