How to Clean and Care for Wood Serveware: Bowls, Trays, Platters, and Charcuterie Boards

Wood serveware—whether bowls, trays, platters, salad servers, or charcuterie boards—brings a sense of warmth and craftsmanship to every table setting. At Vayu Earth, our handmade wooden pieces carry the heritage of remarkable artisans who shape each item with skill, intention and time-honoured techniques. Caring for wood serveware properly ensures not only longevity but also preserves the unique beauty and integrity of each handcrafted piece.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean and care for wood serveware using simple, natural methods that maintain their quality for years to come. Whether you’re looking to clean wooden platters, maintain wooden bowls, or understand the best way to care for a wooden charcuterie board, this comprehensive resource will help you protect your collection with confidence.

Why Proper Care Matters

Wood is a living, natural material. Even after it has been shaped into a beautiful bowl or board, its organic fibres continue to react to moisture, temperature and handling. Without proper care, wooden serveware can:

• Dry out and crack

• Warp when exposed to excess water

• Absorb odours or stains

• Become rough or lose its sheen

Good maintenance helps prevent these issues, allowing you to enjoy your wooden kitchenware for decades. The better your care routine, the more beautifully your wood serveware will age—developing a natural patina that is uniquely yours.

Daily Cleaning: The Right Way to Wash Wood Serveware

One of the most critical aspects of maintaining wooden bowls, trays and platters is understanding how to clean them safely.

1. Wash by Hand Only

Never put wood serveware in the dishwasher. Prolonged heat and water exposure causes:

• Splitting

• Warping

• Loss of oils

• Structural weakness

Instead, wash by hand using mild washing-up liquid and warm (not hot) water.

2. Use a Soft Sponge or Cloth

Avoid harsh scouring pads or metal scrubbers, which scratch the wood and remove its natural protective oils. A soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge is ideal.

3. Quick Rinse, Quick Dry

After rinsing:

• Wipe immediately with a clean towel

• Allow to air-dry upright to ensure ventilation on all sides

Never leave wooden serveware soaking in water, as this will cause swelling and damage over time.

Deep Cleaning: Removing Stains and Odours

Serving foods like cheese, berries, garlic or charcuterie can occasionally leave marks or faint smells. Here’s how to keep your board or bowl fresh without damaging the wood.

Salt and Lemon Method (Natural & Effective)

This classic, natural method is ideal for removing stains from wooden boards and refreshing their surface.

1. Sprinkle coarse salt over the surface.

2. Cut a lemon in half and use it as a scrubber.

3. Rub in circular motions to lift stains and neutralise odours.

4. Rinse lightly and dry immediately.

Bicarbonate of Soda Paste

For deeper stains:

• Mix bicarbonate of soda with a little water to form a paste.

• Apply and rub gently with a soft cloth.

• Wipe clean and dry thoroughly.

This technique is particularly effective for wooden serveware used for fruit, wine or spice-heavy dishes.

Oiling: The Secret to Long-Lasting Wood Serveware

One of the most essential steps in wood serveware care is regular oiling. Oiling nourishes the wood, prevents cracking and restores its lustrous finish.

How Often Should You Oil?

• Every 3–4 weeks with regular use

• Every 6–8 weeks for occasional use

• Immediately when the wood looks dry, rough or dull

Best Oils for Wooden Serveware

Use food-safe wood oils such as:

• Mineral oil

• Fractionated coconut oil (non-solidifying)

• Food-safe beeswax and oil blend

• Specialised wooden board conditioning oils

Avoid:

• Olive oil

• Vegetable oils
  These can become rancid over time and cause unpleasant smells.

How to Oil Wooden Serveware

1. Ensure the wood is completely dry.

2. Apply a generous amount of oil using a soft cloth.

3. Rub along the grain to ensure an even coat.

4. Allow the oil to soak overnight.

5. Buff off any excess the next morning.

This process fills the wood’s pores, protecting it from moisture and enhancing its natural richness.

Preventing Damage: Tips for Long-Term Maintenance

Knowing how to care for wooden bowls and boards helps extend their lifespan significantly. Here are practical tips to keep them in pristine condition.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Don’t store wooden serveware near:

• Radiators

• Ovens

• Direct sunlight

Rapid temperature changes cause cracking or warping.

Rotate Usage

If you use your wooden boards or bowls daily, rotate them to reduce uneven wear.

Use Separate Boards for Raw Meat

While wooden serveware is beautiful, it’s best reserved for cooked foods, breads, cheeses, fruits and snacks. For raw meat, use a non-porous material such as glass or BPA-free plastic to avoid cross-contamination.

Store in a Dry, Ventilated Space

Avoid stacking tightly while still damp. Good airflow prevents mould and odour build-up.

Special Care for Different Wood Serveware Types

Wooden Bowls

Often used for salads or snacks, bowls should be:

• Washed promptly after use

• Dried thoroughly

• Oiled frequently due to deeper curves that dry faster

If serving oily foods, be sure to clean immediately to avoid residue soaking into the wood.

Charcuterie Boards

Charcuterie boards often face heavier “wear” from acidic or oily foods. After each use:

• Scrape off residues with a flat spatula

• Clean using the salt and lemon method weekly

• Oil more frequently, especially if used for cured meats or cheese

Wooden Platters and Trays

Platters with handles or carved edges can collect moisture. Make sure all grooves are wiped completely dry.

If your tray has decorative carvings, use a soft brush (like a pastry brush) to reach intricate details.

Eco-Friendly Care Practices: In Line with Vayu Earth’s Values

At Vayu Earth, our mission is to bring together ethical craftsmanship and mindful living. The way you care for your wooden serveware can also reflect sustainable, eco-friendly habits.

Choose Natural Cleaning Solutions

Lemon, salt and bicarbonate of soda are effective and non-toxic.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Bleach, chemical disinfectants, and heavy detergents degrade wood and pollute water sources.

Buy Well, Buy Once

High-quality handmade serveware, crafted by artisans using responsibly sourced materials, lasts far longer when cared for. Your purchase supports both the artisans and a more sustainable home.

Troubleshooting Common Wood Serveware Issues

1. Wood Feels Rough or Grainy

This is a sign of dryness.
Solution: Oil thoroughly and buff.

2. Faint Cracks Appearing

Minor cracks can be managed.
Solution: Fill with a beeswax-based conditioner and adjust storage conditions.

3. Persistent Odours

Try the salt and lemon method, followed by an overnight baking soda application.

4. Warping

Warping occurs when one side dries faster than the other.
Solution: Lightly moisten the concave side and place it face down to encourage re-balancing.

Final Thoughts: Honouring the Craft Through Proper Care

Caring for your wooden serveware is not simply about maintenance—it is a way of honouring the artisans behind each piece. The bowls, trays and boards offered at Vayu Earth are more than functional objects; they are reflections of cultural heritage, sustainability and fair-trade craftsmanship.

With the right care, your wooden serveware will age beautifully, develop character, and remain deeply connected to the stories of the hands that shaped it. Each time you oil, clean or handle these pieces with intention, you continue the cycle of respect for both the maker and the material.

By choosing to care for your products in a mindful, eco-friendly way, you play an essential role in supporting a healthier, more sustainable world—one handmade item at a time.