MAINTENANCE TIPS

🌿 How to Care For and Preserve Your Olive Wood Items

Olive wood, with its golden veins, dense grain, and natural Mediterranean charm, deserves your utmost care. Every piece from The Handcraft Store—whether a handcrafted kitchen utensil, a beautifully carved jewelry box, or a hand-sculpted chess set—is made to last. But like all precious objects, it requires gentle, regular maintenance to retain its beauty, strength, and natural shine.

🧼 Step 1 – Gentle but Effective Cleaning

Always hand wash your olive wood items after use with warm water and a mild, natural soap. Avoid dishwashers or harsh chemicals at all costs—these can damage the wood’s fibers, leading to cracks or dullness.

💡 Artisan Tip: For kitchen utensils, a gentle rub with a soft sponge is enough. Be sure to dry them immediately with a clean cloth to prevent moisture absorption.

 

🧴 Step 2 – Nourish and Protect the Wood

Olive wood is a living material—it needs nourishment to maintain its glow. Once a month (or more often if used frequently), apply a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil or food-safe mineral oil using a soft cloth. This enhances the wood's natural veins, restores its golden shine, and protects it from drying out.

🛠️ This simple ritual is essential for all your wooden pieces, whether functional or decorative.

☀️ Step 3 – Store in the Right Conditions

Keep your olive wood pieces away from direct sunlight, prolonged moisture, or excessive heat (like near an oven or radiator). A mild, temperate environment allows the wood to maintain its shape, rich structure, and unique Mediterranean soul.

🌱 Respect the Wood, Respect the Earth

At The Handcraft Store, every item is crafted from olive trees that have naturally reached the end of their productive life. We honor this material by giving it a second life through artisanal craftsmanship. And for every item purchased, $1 is donated to a local farmer to plant a young olive tree—ensuring a sustainable and responsible cycle 🌿

❤️ In Summary

🔹 Hand wash with warm water and gentle soap
🔹 Dry immediately with a clean cloth
🔹 Apply food-safe natural oil regularly
🔹 Avoid direct heat and moisture
🔹 Preserve the wood, preserve nature 🌍

✨ Regular Care = A Lifetime Companion

Olive wood is a gift from nature—rich, noble, and full of heritage. With these simple steps, you’ll extend the life of your artisanal pieces while honoring their Mediterranean origin. Each act of care you give helps continue the story of traditional craftsmanship and respect for the natural world 🌾