Thank you for choosing a handmade piece from Geesler Studio.
Our wooden bowls, boards, spoons, and kitchen pieces are made to be used, enjoyed, and cared for over time. Because wood is a natural material, a little routine maintenance goes a long way. With proper care, your piece can age beautifully and develop even more character with use.
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Quick Care at a Glance
• Hand wash only
• Wash soon after use
• Use warm water and mild dish soap
• Towel dry immediately
• Do not soak
• Do not put in the dishwasher
• Do not store in the refrigerator or freezer
• Keep away from high heat
• Avoid large swings in temperature or humidity
• Reapply a food-safe oil or wax polish as needed
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Everyday Cleaning
For regular use, keep it simple:
• Wash by hand soon after use
• Use warm water and mild dish soap
• Rinse clean
• Towel dry immediately
The biggest key to caring for woodenware is avoiding prolonged moisture. Washing promptly and drying right away helps prevent unnecessary stress on the wood.
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How to Maintain the Finish
Over time, your woodenware may begin to look:
• Dry
• Dull
• Lighter in color
• Less smooth or less “nourished” than when it arrived
That’s your sign it’s time for a little refresh.
We recommend applying a quality food-safe oil and wax polish every few washes, or anytime the piece seems dry, dull, or lackluster.
Our preferred finish is a natural blend of flaxseed oil and beeswax, but any well-regarded food-safe wood conditioner, board butter, or oil/wax polish made for wooden kitchenware can work well.
To refresh your piece:
• Make sure the item is clean and fully dry
• Apply a light coat of food-safe oil or oil/wax polish
• Rub it in with a soft cloth
• Allow it to absorb according to the product directions
• Buff off any excess if needed
Regular conditioning helps keep the wood looking rich, feeling smooth, and better able to handle everyday use.
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What to Avoid
To help your woodenware last as long as possible, please avoid the following:
• Do not put it in the dishwasher
• Do not soak it or leave it submerged in water
• Do not leave food sitting in the bowl or on the board for extended periods
• Do not leave it sitting wet in the sink
• Do not store it in the refrigerator or freezer
• Do not expose it to high heat
• Do not use it in the microwave or oven
• Avoid prolonged direct sunlight when possible
• Avoid large swings in temperature or humidity
Wood naturally responds to its environment, so the more you can avoid moisture extremes and sudden environmental changes, the better.
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A Note About Wood Movement
Wood is an ever-changing natural material, and some movement over time is completely normal.
Even with proper care, wood may naturally respond to:
• Humidity
• Dry indoor air
• Seasonal changes
• Heat
• Daily use
This can sometimes lead to:
• Slight expansion or contraction
• Subtle movement
• Changes in grain appearance
• A richer color or patina over time
These are normal characteristics of real wood and part of what make handmade wooden pieces unique.
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If the Surface Feels Rough
Sometimes, especially during seasonal changes or in dry conditions, the grain may raise slightly and the surface can feel a little rougher than usual.
This is fairly common and can often be improved by:
• Cleaning and fully drying the piece
• Applying a food-safe oil or oil/wax conditioner
• Buffing well with a soft cloth
If the surface still feels noticeably rough after conditioning, feel free to contact us before trying anything more aggressive.
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When in Doubt, Keep It Simple
The best long-term care for woodenware is usually simple:
• Wash it soon after use
• Dry it right away
• Don’t soak it
• Don’t dishwash it
• Recondition it when it looks thirsty
That little bit of care goes a long way.
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Questions?
If you ever have a question about caring for a specific piece from Geesler Studio, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to help.