Wooden Product Care

General Care Information

All wood finishes, no matter how strong or durable, will eventually wear over time — this is part of the natural character of wood. Depending on how often you use your item, some pieces may need regular maintenance to preserve their appearance and strength, helping them last a lifetime.

Cleaning Instructions

Kitchen Boards, Bowls and Utensils

Hand-wash only using mild dish soap and warm water by wiping it down as we don't recommend soaking in the water.
If needed, gently scrub with a soft dish brush to remove any food debris lodged in the grain.
After washing, immediately dry with a clean towel and allow the item to air dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area for at least 12 hours.
Note: Wood is sensitive to moisture — drying is more important than washing.

Pepper Grinders and Other Wooden Products

Wipe with a dry cloth or soft brush to remove dust and debris.
Never get the mill wet, as water can damage both the wood and the grinding mechanism.
For stubborn buildup, gently clean around openings with a small dry brush.

Important Handling Tips

Never put wooden items in a dishwasher. High heat, detergent, and water exposure will severely damage the wood, and this cannot be reversed.
Avoid placing wooden products in direct sunlight, near fireplaces, heaters, or other heat sources.
Sudden temperature and humidity changes can cause wood to crack or warp.

Ideal storage humidity: around 60%.

Restoring and Oiling

All our wooden products are finished with natural ingredients. Items intended for food contact are treated with Haarlem oil and beeswax for a food-safe, durable finish.

Over time, the surface will naturally become less smooth and may lose some of its lustre. When this happens:

Apply a thin layer of Haarlem oil to the surface.
Let it dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area for 2 to 14 days, depending on temperature and humidity.
The item is ready to use again once the oil has fully dried and cured.

Important: Used cloths soaked in Haarlem oil can spontaneously combust if not handled properly.

Lay rags flat to dry completely, or

Soak them in water and dispose of them safely.

Haarlem Oil Purchase

To maintain your Wood Grain NZ products, you can purchase Haarlem oil through the link below.
We recommend the 250ml tin for best results.

👉 Purchase Haarlem Oil Here

Helpful Tip: Raised Wood Fibres

After multiple washes, you may notice the wood surface becoming slightly rough — this is a natural reaction as wood fibres raise with moisture.

Lightly sand the surface with 400–600 grit fine sandpaper.
Reapply a thin layer of Haarlem Tung oil to restore the smooth texture and original lustre.

Thank you for caring for your Wood Grain NZ products.
With simple and regular maintenance, your wooden piece will age gracefully and continue to bring warmth and beauty to your home for many years.

Email Us if you have any questions or need personalised advice.