Do you wash wooden salad bowls?

Wooden salad bowls can be a great addition to any kitchen. They have a natural and rustic look that adds warmth and charm to serving salads, fruits, nuts, and more. However, there is some debate around whether wooden salad bowls should be washed after each use or not. Here is an in-depth look at the pros and cons of washing wooden salad bowls to help you decide what is best for your bowls.

Should You Wash Wooden Salad Bowls After Each Use?

The short answer is yes, wooden salad bowls should be washed after each use. Here’s why:

• Washing removes food residue – Leftover oils, dressings, and food particles can build up on the surface of woodenware if not washed away.
• Washing prevents stains – Many foods like berries, tomato sauces, and dressings can stain the wood if left on for extended periods.
• Washing prevents bacteria growth – Bacteria from food can collect in crevices and grow if not washed off.
• The wood stays looking new – Regular washing keeps the bowls looking like new for longer vs letting buildup occur.

Washing the bowls promptly after eating prevents unsightly and potentially unsafe food buildup. Most experts agree that wooden salad bowls should be washed by hand after each use and not soaked for later washing.

Tips for Washing Wooden Salad Bowls

Follow these tips for keeping wooden salad bowls clean and conditioned:

• Rinse bowls under warm water to remove food particles immediately after eating.
• Wash bowls using mild dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth.
• Avoid soaking bowls for long periods to prevent warping.
• Towel dry bowls thoroughly after washing. Let air dry completely before storing.
• Apply food-safe mineral oil monthly to maintain the wood.
• Avoid harsh detergents or chemicals that could damage the finish.
• Consider periodically sanding and re-oiling bowls to refresh the surface.

Taking these steps after each use will help wooden salad bowls last for many years. The bowls will stay sanitary, conditioned, and looking great with regular washing and oiling.

What About Leaving Salad Dressing On?

Some claim that wooden salad bowls should not be washed because salad dressings help condition the wood. Or that leaving dressings on after eating adds character over time. However, this is generally not recommended. Here’s why:

• Most dressings go rancid – Dressings left on woodenware for hours or days after eating will go bad, creating a foul smell and health hazard.
• Can lead to mold growth – Spoiled dressings in wood crevices can promote mold growth.
• Attracts bugs – Dressings and food residue left in bowls can attract fruit flies, ants, and other pests.
• Unhygienic – It goes against general food safety practices to reuse tableware with old food on it.
• Harms finish – Many dressings contain acids that can pit and erode the wood finish over time.

For these reasons, wooden salad bowls should always be washed after use, even if they contained salad dressing.

What About the Myth that Water Ruins Wood?

There’s a common myth that washing woodenware with water will cause it to crack, warp, and ruin over time. This is not true for most modern wooden salad bowls. Here’s why washing with water is okay:

• Quality wood is sealed – Modern woodenware is kiln-dried and sealed with food-safe oils and varnishes that protect it from water damage during washing.
• Don’t soak – Avoiding long soaks prevents warping or cracks from extensive water exposure.
• Towel dry – Always dry woodenware thoroughly after washing to prevent issues.
• Well-made wood withstands washing – Quality wood manufacturing means bowls can withstand years of gentle hand washing when properly cared for.

Unless heirloom antique bowls are used, most wooden salad bowls today can tolerate normal washing with mild detergent and air drying without issue.

Special Care for Wooden Cutting Boards

Wooden cutting boards require a bit different care from salad bowls:

• Wash after each use – Wash thoroughly with hot soapy water after prepping foods.
• Sanitize weekly – Sanitize by spraying or wiping down with a bleach or vinegar solution weekly.
• Avoid soaking – Don’t let sit wet for long periods to prevent warping or mold.
• Re-oil regularly – Apply food-safe mineral oil every few weeks to maintain the surface.
• Sand periodically – Lightly sanding helps refresh heavily used boards 1-2 times per year.
• Avoid the dishwasher – Don’t wash wooden cutting boards in the dishwasher which can damage them.

With these proper care steps, wooden cutting boards can be safely and hygienically used for food prep.

Oil and Conditioner Options

To keep any wooden tableware looking its best, occasional oiling is needed. Here are some top options:

• Food-grade mineral oil – Typically made from petroleum extract, mineral oil is FDA-approved, odorless, and inexpensive for conditioning wood.
• Beeswax conditioner – Made from natural beeswax, this is a non-toxic option that provides light protection for wood.
• Walnut oil – Pressed from walnuts, this food-safe oil adds a smooth surface finish to woodenware.
• Coconut oil – A light and natural oil option extracted from coconuts.
• Butcher block oil – Contains a blend of penetrating oils and waxes to protect wood.

Any of these can safely condition wooden salad bowls or cutting boards. Apply a thin layer monthly or as needed to hydrate the wood.

Cleaning Musty Smells from Wood

If woodenware ever develops a musty odor, these tips can help refresh it:

• Air dry in the sun – Set bowls outdoors in direct sunlight for a day.
• Vinegar rinse – Wipe bowls down with diluted white vinegar and water solution.
• Baking soda scrub – Make a paste of baking soda and water and gently scrub over wood surface.
• Recondition – Sand lightly if needed and re-oil with a fresh layer of food-safe oil.

With some occasional deep cleaning, unwanted odors can be removed to keep woodenware smelling fresh.

Can You Put Wooden Salad Bowls in the Dishwasher?

This is not recommended. While some higher end woodenware may claim to be “dishwasher safe” it’s still best to avoid the dishwasher when possible. Here’s why:

• Heat damage – Excessive heat from dishwashers can damage the finish.
• Warping risk – Long exposure to hot water and steam can warp and crack wood.
• Detergent damage – Harsh dishwasher detergents strip away protective oils.
• Ages the wood – The high heat and detergents prematurely weather and dry out wood.
• Recommended for hand washing – Most wood item manufacturers recommend gentle hand washing.

For longest life, hand washing wooden salad bowls is the safest approach. Skip the dishwasher and use a soft sponge and mild detergent by hand instead.

Storing Wooden Salad Bowls

Like all woodenware, proper storage helps extend the life of salad bowls between uses. Follow these tips:

• Fully dry before storage – Ensure bowls are completely dry to avoid mold growth in storage.
• Avoid damp areas – Store bowls in a dry, climate-controlled space, not outside sheds or basements.
• Space out items – Allow air circulation between stacked or nested bowls to prevent moisture buildup.
• Use breathable wraps – If wrapping for storage, use breathable materials like cotton or linen rather than plastic.
• Lay flat if stacking – Stack bowls with layers of cloth between rather than nesting.
• Check periodically – Inspect stored bowls occasionally for any dampness or damage.

Following these wood storage best practices will maintain woodenware for many years to come.

Signs Your Wooden Bowls Need Reconditioning

With frequent use, wooden salad bowls may eventually need some reconditioning. Signs it’s time include:

• Splintering wood – Rough areas or splinters arise on the surface.
• Staining – Discoloration that doesn’t wash away.
• Cracks or warps – The wood expands, contracts, or bows.
• Dry, rough surface – The bowl feels abrasive to the touch.
• Odors – Lingering food or musty odors in the wood.
• Dull finish – The surface looks faded and tired.

Lightly sanding with fine grit sandpaper can refresh the surface. Follow with a fresh application of food-safe oil or conditioner. This will extend the useful life of tired wooden salad bowls.

Conclusion

Wooden salad bowls add natural style and charm to any meal. But like any tableware material, they require proper care for best results. Washing promptly after use, conditioning periodically with oils, avoiding harsh detergents, and storing carefully all help wooden salad bowls provide years of enjoyable service. With just a little extra attention, your woodenware will stay looking and performing its best for all your homemade salads.