How to Clean and Care for Your Wooden Serving Tray
Wooden serving trays, particularly those made from high-quality woods like cherry and walnut, add a touch of elegance to any dining experience. However, to maintain their beauty and functionality, proper care is essential. Whether you're new to owning a wooden serving tray or looking to improve your maintenance routine, these tips will ensure your tray remains in pristine condition for years to come.
How to Clean Your Wooden Serving Tray
- Avoid the Dishwasher
The most important rule when cleaning a wooden serving tray is to never put it in the dishwasher. The combination of high heat and prolonged exposure to water can cause the wood to warp, crack, or lose its finish.
- Hand Wash Only
Use Warm, Soapy Water: Gently hand wash your tray with warm, soapy water. Avoid hot water, as it can damage the wood's surface.
Avoid Soaking: Do not soak the tray in water, as prolonged exposure to moisture can cause the wood to swell and warp.
Rinse and Dry: Rinse the tray thoroughly and dry it immediately with a soft dish towel. Stand the tray up to air dry completely, ensuring it does not lie flat on your countertop, which could cause water to pool and warp the wood.
Benefits of Oiling Your Wooden Serving Tray
Regular oiling is crucial to keep your wooden serving tray in top shape. Oiling helps prevent the wood from drying out, warping, and cracking, ensuring it stays beautiful and functional.
- Choosing the Right Oil
Food-Safe Oils: Use food-safe oils like mineral oil, walnut oil, or coconut oil. These oils penetrate the wood's surface, providing moisture and protection.
Avoid Rancid Oils: Do not use common vegetable oils, such as canola or olive oil, as they can become rancid and impart unpleasant odors to your tray.
- When to Oil Your Tray
Water Stains: If your tray shows "water" stains when dry, it's time for oiling.
Absorbs Water: If water droplets are absorbed into the wood instead of forming droplets on the surface, oiling is needed.
Stains or Yellowing: An amber-yellow surface or visible stains indicate that your tray requires conditioning.
Odor Issues: If the tray starts to smell or has a weird odor, it’s time for a re-oil.
- How to Apply Oil
Clean the Tray: Ensure the tray is clean and dry.
Apply Oil: Using a clean cloth, apply a generous amount of oil to the surface of the tray, rubbing it in with the grain of the wood.
Let it Soak: Allow the oil to soak in for at least 15-20 minutes.
Wipe Off Excess: Wipe off any excess oil with a dry cloth.
Dry Completely: Let the tray dry completely before using it again.
What About Wax?
Waxing your wooden serving tray can provide an additional layer of protection, making it even more resistant to water and stains.
- Benefits of Waxing
Enhanced Waterproofing: Waxing makes the tray more resistant to water, preventing water from soaking into the wood and causing damage.
Easy Cleaning: Food residues slide off more easily, making the tray simpler to clean.
Stain Prevention: Wax adds an extra barrier that helps prevent staining, particularly from foods like turmeric or beets.
- How to Apply Wax
Clean and Dry: Ensure the tray is clean and dry.
Apply Wax: Apply a thin layer of food-safe wood wax with a clean cloth, following the wood grain.
Buff the Surface: Buff the surface with a soft cloth until it shines.
Reapply as Needed: Waxing can be done every few months or as needed based on the tray's usage.
Proper cleaning and care of your wooden serving tray, especially those made from cherry or walnut, involve regular hand washing, oiling, and optionally waxing. By following these maintenance steps, you can preserve the beauty and functionality of your tray, ensuring it remains a cherished part of your dining experience for years to come.