Handcrafted wood is one of the few kitchen materials that actually gets more beautiful with age. A well-kept tray or board develops a deep, warm colour and a smooth feel that no plastic or steel can match. The secret is not expensive products — it is a handful of simple habits. Here are the seven we recommend to every OudArs customer.

1. Wash by hand, never in the dishwasher

Hot water, strong detergent and long drying cycles are the fastest way to crack or warp wood. Wash your wooden pieces by hand with lukewarm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. A soft sponge is enough — avoid steel scrubbers that scratch the surface.

2. Don’t leave it soaking

Wood absorbs water. Leaving a board or tray in the sink overnight makes the fibres swell, and when they dry they can split. Wash it, rinse it and take it out of the water within a couple of minutes.

3. Dry it upright, straight away

Wipe the piece with a clean cotton cloth and let it air-dry standing on its edge, so both sides get air. Drying flat on a wet counter traps moisture underneath and can cause one side to bend.

4. Oil it once a month

Oiling is what keeps wood from drying out and turning dull. Once a month (or whenever it looks pale and thirsty), rub a thin layer of food-safe oil into the surface with a soft cloth. Coconut oil or a food-grade mineral oil works well. Let it soak in for a few hours or overnight, then wipe off the extra.

• Use only a thin coat — more is not better.
• Oil all sides, including the bottom and edges.
• Avoid cooking oils like mustard or sunflower in large amounts; they can turn sticky over time.

5. Keep it away from direct heat

Don’t place wooden pieces right next to the gas stove, on a hot tawa, or in strong afternoon sunlight for long periods. Sudden heat dries wood unevenly. Our serving and sizzler pieces are made for hot food, but they should not go on an open flame or inside an oven.

6. Remove smells the natural way

Garlic, onion or fish smells can stay in wood. Rub the surface with lemon juice or a paste of baking soda and water, leave it for five minutes, then rinse and dry. Your piece will smell fresh again.

7. Store it in a dry, airy place

A closed, damp cabinet is wood’s enemy. Store your trays, boards and organisers on an open shelf or in a ventilated drawer. Pieces like spice racks and knife stands are meant to live out on the counter — just keep them away from the sink splash zone.

Treat wood like you treat leather: keep it clean, keep it dry and feed it a little oil now and then.

When to sand and refresh

If your board gets rough or has light knife marks after years of use, lightly sand it with fine sandpaper (around 220 grit), wipe away the dust and give it a good oiling. It will look almost new.

For a printable, step-by-step version of these tips, see our Wood Care Guide. And if you’re looking for pieces that are built to last, browse the full OudArs collection.