Olive wood is one of the most beautiful materials you can bring into your kitchen. Its swirling, marbled grain means no two pieces are ever alike, and it's dense and hard enough to last for years of daily cooking. But like any natural wood, it needs a little care to stay smooth, rich in color and crack-free.
The good news: caring for olive wood takes about two minutes after each use and five minutes once a month. This guide covers everything, from washing and oiling to removing stains and bringing a dull spoon back to life.
Why Olive Wood Is Worth Caring For
- It's dense and durable. Olive wood is a hard, tight-grained wood that holds up well to stirring, scraping and serving.
- It's gentle on cookware. Wooden utensils won't scratch nonstick pans, enameled cast iron or ceramic dishes.
- It's naturally beautiful. The dramatic grain darkens and deepens over time with proper oiling.
- It's often a sustainable choice. Olive wood is commonly sourced from old trees and branches that no longer produce olives.
Before First Use: Give It a Welcome Oiling
New olive wood pieces may feel slightly dry after shipping. Before using a new spoon, board or bowl:
- Wash it gently with warm water and mild dish soap.
- Dry it completely with a towel, then let it air-dry for an hour.
- Apply a thin coat of food-grade mineral oil or a wood conditioner (board butter).
- Let it soak in for a few hours or overnight, then wipe off any excess.
Daily Care: How to Wash Olive Wood
Do
- Wash by hand in warm, soapy water right after use.
- Rinse quickly and dry immediately with a towel.
- Stand utensils upright or lay boards on their edge to air-dry fully.
Don't
- Never put olive wood in the dishwasher. The heat, water and harsh detergent cause wood to swell, crack and lose its finish.
- Never soak it in a sink full of water. Prolonged soaking leads to warping and splitting.
- Don't microwave it or leave it resting in a hot pan.
- Avoid harsh scrubbers like steel wool, which scratch the surface.
Monthly Care: How to Oil Olive Wood
Regular oiling is the secret to olive wood that lasts for decades. It keeps moisture out, prevents cracking and brings out that gorgeous grain.
What oil to use
- Best: food-grade mineral oil, or a board butter made from mineral oil and beeswax.
- Avoid: cooking oils like olive, vegetable or canola oil. Many woodworkers advise against them because they can turn rancid over time and leave a sticky, smelly surface.
How to oil it, step by step
- Make sure the wood is clean and completely dry.
- Pour a small amount of oil onto a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Rub it into every surface, following the grain.
- Let it absorb for at least 20 minutes, ideally overnight.
- Buff away any excess with a clean cloth.
How often? About once a month for everyday utensils, or whenever the wood looks pale, dry or feels rough.
How to Remove Stains and Odors
Turmeric, tomato sauce, garlic and onions can leave their mark. Try these gentle fixes:
- Lemon and salt: sprinkle coarse salt on the stain, scrub with half a lemon, rinse and dry. Great for cutting boards.
- Baking soda paste: mix baking soda with a little water, rub it in, rinse and dry. It helps neutralize odors.
- White vinegar: wipe with diluted white vinegar to freshen the surface.
Always re-oil after deep cleaning, since these methods can dry the wood.
How to Fix Rough or Fuzzy Olive Wood
After washing, wood fibers can sometimes rise and make the surface feel fuzzy. This is called "raised grain" and it's easy to fix:
- Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit or finer), following the grain.
- Wipe away the dust with a damp cloth and let it dry.
- Apply a fresh coat of oil.
Your spoon or board will feel smooth as new.
How to Store Olive Wood
- Store utensils upright in a holder with good airflow, like the one included with our 6-Piece Olive Wood Kitchen Servers Set with Holder.
- Keep wood away from direct heat sources, like the stovetop edge or a sunny windowsill.
- Store cutting boards on their edge so both sides can breathe.
Olive Wood Care Cheat Sheet
| Task | How Often | How |
|---|---|---|
| Wash | After every use | Warm soapy water, by hand |
| Dry | After every wash | Towel dry, then air-dry upright |
| Oil | Monthly | Food-grade mineral oil or board butter |
| Deep clean | As needed | Lemon and salt, or baking soda |
| Sand | When rough | 220-grit sandpaper, then re-oil |
Our Favorite Olive Wood Pieces
- Mediterranean Olive Wood Ultimate Kitchen Collection: a complete set for the serious home cook.
- Olive Wood Kitchen Servers Set (5 Pieces): the everyday essentials.
- Original Olive Wood Cutting Board with Handle: for prep and serving.
- Mediterranean Olive Wood Multi-Purpose Bowl: for olives, nuts and dips.
- Olive Wood Butter Knife and Honey Spoon: small luxuries for the breakfast table.
- Olive Wood Honey Pot with Dipper and Pan Coaster Trivet: practical and beautiful.
The same care routine works for our mango wood serveware too, like the Large Mango Wood Platter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is olive wood dishwasher safe?
No. Dishwashers expose wood to high heat, long soaking and harsh detergent, which can cause cracking and warping. Always wash olive wood by hand.
What oil is best for olive wood?
Food-grade mineral oil or a mineral oil and beeswax board butter. Avoid cooking oils, which can go rancid.
How often should you oil olive wood utensils?
About once a month for items used daily, or whenever the wood looks dry or pale.
Why is my olive wood spoon rough after washing?
Water can raise the wood fibers. Lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper, then re-oil to restore a smooth finish.
Are olive wood utensils good for nonstick pans?
Yes. Wooden utensils are gentle on nonstick and enameled cookware and won't scratch the surface.
Built to Last a Lifetime
With a quick wash, a towel dry and a monthly coat of oil, your olive wood pieces will only grow more beautiful with age. Explore our full Kitchen & Dining Collection for handcrafted pieces made to be used and loved.