Care Guide
How to care for your olive wood.
Olive wood is dense, naturally antibacterial, and built to last for decades. A little regular care goes a long way — and the right conditioner makes a real difference.
The short version
Wash by hand. Dry right away. Condition every month or two with a good oil or our linseed-and-beeswax butter. That's really all it takes to keep a piece of olive wood looking beautiful and working well for years.
These aren't complicated tools. They're meant to be used. The more you use them, the better they look.
The basics
Do
- Wash by hand with mild soap and warm water
- Dry immediately with a towel after washing
- Condition regularly — especially when the wood looks dry or pale
- Store in a dry place with good air circulation
Don't
- Put it in the dishwasher — heat and moisture can crack the wood
- Soak it in water or leave it sitting in liquid
- Leave it on a wet countertop or in the sink
- Store it in an airtight container while damp
That's really most of it. Olive wood is forgiving. If you wash it and dry it promptly, it'll hold up for years.
Conditioning: why it matters
Wood is a living material — it absorbs and releases moisture as humidity changes. Without conditioning, it can dry out, crack along the grain, or develop a dull, ashy look.
Conditioning replaces that lost moisture and creates a protective barrier. Think of it like moisturizing — you wouldn't wash your hands every day without ever using lotion.
How often? Every month or two with regular use, or whenever the wood starts looking pale or dry. A thin coat of food-safe beeswax and linseed oil (like our care balm) keeps the grain sealed.
What to condition with
Olive oil
The most accessible option — and fitting for olive wood. Use pure, food-grade olive oil. Apply a thin coat, let it soak in for 20–30 minutes, then wipe off the excess. Or soak for 4-8 hours for best absorption.
It works. It's natural. The main downside is that it can go rancid over time if you over-apply and don't wipe it clean. Use it sparingly and you'll be fine.
Food-grade mineral oil
The most commonly recommended option by woodworkers. It's odorless, tasteless, doesn't go rancid, and soaks in well. Available at most pharmacies or kitchen stores.
Same method: thin coat, 20–30 minutes, wipe off the excess. Or if you have time leave it for 4-8 hours for better absorption. One coat a month or when appearance is dry keeps the wood in good shape.
Our recommendation
Cold-pressed linseed oil & beeswax butter
This is what we use in our own workshop in Lesvos — and what we'll be offering directly to our customers, we call it Olive Wood Care Balm.
Cold-pressed linseed oil penetrates deep into the wood grain, conditioning from the inside out. The beeswax seals it in, leaving a natural protective finish. The combination is noticeably more durable and longer-lasting than oil alone — one application holds up significantly better through regular washing.
It's also all-natural, food-safe, and has a faint, pleasant earthy scent from the beeswax.
How to apply
- 1Make sure the wood is clean and fully dry
- 2Warm the butter slightly if it's stiff — your hands work fine, or a few seconds in the microwave works well.
- 3Rub a thin, even coat into the wood, going with the grain
- 4Let it sit for 4-8 hours for best absorbtion, or wipe immediately if needed.
- 5Buff off any excess with a clean cloth
That's it. You'll notice the color deepen and the grain come alive. It's satisfying to do.
Signs your wood needs conditioning
- The surface looks pale gray or chalky
- It feels slightly rough when dry
- Water no longer beads on the surface
- The wood feels lighter than usual
Any of these is a good signal to reach for your conditioner.
A note on cracks
Small surface cracks — especially on the ends of handles or edges — are normal and usually cosmetic. Consistent conditioning prevents most of them from developing.
If a crack does appear, apply conditioner directly into it and let it soak in deeply. This won't always close the crack completely, but it stops it from spreading and keeps the piece functional.
Deep splits that affect the structural integrity of a utensil are a different situation — reach out to us and we'll help you figure out what to do. Our 30-day Handmade Happiness Guarantee has you covered.
Questions about your specific piece?
Email lesvoswoodcraft@gmail.com — we're happy to help.