How to Restore and Bring Your Old Wooden Bowls Back to Life

Written by: Karen Marsh

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Restoring wooden bowls is not only a fun and rewarding project, but it's also a great way to give new life to a cherished family heirloom. We'll show you how to transform a tired and dull wooden bowl into a shiny and beautiful centerpiece for your table.

With proper care, quality wooden bowls are meant to last a lifetime. However if you're dealing with a well-used bowl that has plenty of build-up, staining, and possibly a rancid smell, simply follow these steps to restore it:

  1. A wooden bowl's build-up is usually from vegetable-based oils, which leads to bacteria growth and the bowl feels tacky or sticky. Using a non-abrasive scrub pad, apply lemon juice to the bowl and build-up to remove the old layers of oil.
  2. Sometimes it takes more than one go-over with the scrubber and lemon juice to completely remove the layers. Once removed, wash your wooden bowl in warm sudsy water and towel dry well.
  3. Generously apply a food-safe, mineral oil to your wooden bowl. Let it sit for 24 hours. Once dry, your bowl is ready to use!

Tip: always use a bowl and board rub that is non-vegetable based to avoid future buildup.

Why Should I Restore My Wooden Bowls?

Restoring wooden bowls is great for preserving history and reducing waste.


By restoring a cherished family heirloom, you're also keeping a piece of your family's history alive for future generations to enjoy. Plus, who doesn't love a good family story to share at dinner parties?


And let's not forget about sustainability! Many wooden bowls are made from eco-friendly materials, so by restoring them, you're reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable future. That's a win-win for everyone!


But let's be real, a restored wooden bowl is not only good for the planet and your family's history, it's also a beautiful addition to your home decor. 


We love to use our wooden bowls for food prep and serving, so it's important to make sure they're safe to use. By restoring them, you can smooth out any cracks or rough spots that could harbor bacteria and make sure they're ready for your next delicious meal.


Don't forget: bring out the natural beauty of the wood and create a one-of-a-kind centerpiece for your table with a non-toxic, food-safe bowl rub.

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