Care and Maintenance for Handcrafted Wood Products

Last updated: June 23, 2026

With proper care, a handcrafted wood product from T. Weatherhead & Co. can remain beautiful and functional for many years.

Wood is a natural material. It responds to moisture, humidity, temperature and sunlight, and its colour may gradually change as it ages. These characteristics are part of the material rather than signs that a product is artificial or manufactured to be completely uniform.

This guide provides general care instructions for our handcrafted furniture, step stools, eyeglass cases, ring boxes, trays, coasters, clocks, office accessories and kitchen products.

Instructions included with a product or shown on its product page take priority where they differ from this general guide.

Wood Product Care at a Glance

For most T. Weatherhead & Co. products:

remove dust with a clean, soft cloth;
clean spills promptly;
use only a lightly dampened cloth when moisture is needed;
dry the surface immediately afterward;
never soak a wood product;
do not place it in a dishwasher unless expressly stated otherwise;
avoid harsh cleaners, abrasives and solvents;
protect it from prolonged moisture and extreme heat;
avoid storing it next to a radiator, heat register or other strong heat source;
keep it away from prolonged direct sunlight where possible; and
use only the maintenance product recommended for that particular item.

Do not apply cutting-board oil, mineral oil, furniture polish, wax or another treatment to a product unless the treatment is suitable for its existing finish.

Understanding Natural Wood

No two pieces of solid wood are identical. Natural differences may include:

variations in grain and figure;
lighter or darker areas;
mineral streaks;
small knots or natural markings;
differences between heartwood and sapwood; and
gradual colour changes caused by age and exposure to light.

Some wood species become warmer or darker over time, while others may become lighter or more muted. Objects left in one position for an extended period can also cause the surrounding wood to age at a different rate.

Rotating decorative objects occasionally and avoiding prolonged, intense sunlight can help the surface age more evenly.

Small seasonal changes may occur as wood gains or loses moisture. Maintaining a reasonably stable indoor environment helps reduce excessive wood movement.

General Cleaning

For routine cleaning of most sealed wood products:

Remove loose dust using a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.
If further cleaning is needed, lightly dampen the cloth with water and a small amount of mild dish soap.
Wipe gently in the direction of the grain.
Follow immediately with a clean, dry cloth.
Allow the surface to dry fully before replacing objects or closing the product.

The cloth should be damp rather than wet. Do not pour water or cleaner directly onto the wood.

Avoid:

abrasive cleaning pads;
scouring powders;
full-strength bleach;
ammonia;
acetone or nail-polish remover;
alcohol-based cleaners;
furniture polish containing silicone;
aerosol cleaners;
steam cleaners; and
products that leave a heavy waxy or oily residue.

Test any unfamiliar cleaning product in a small, inconspicuous area first.

Furniture and Tables

Our handcrafted furniture and living products are intended for use in a stable indoor environment unless a product is specifically described otherwise.

Routine Furniture Care

Dust with a soft, dry cloth.
Wipe spills promptly rather than allowing liquid to remain on the surface.
Use a lightly dampened cloth with mild soap only when needed.
Dry the surface immediately.
Use coasters beneath drinks.
Use trivets or protective mats beneath hot serving dishes.
Use felt pads beneath lamps, ceramics and decorative objects that may scratch the surface.
Lift objects rather than dragging them across the wood.

Do not use furniture polish, oil or wax unless we have confirmed that it is compatible with the finish on your particular piece.

Furniture Placement

Avoid placing solid wood furniture:

directly against a heat register or radiator;
beside a fireplace or wood stove;
in persistently damp conditions;
where water regularly collects;
in direct, intense sunlight for prolonged periods; or
outdoors unless the product was specifically designed for outdoor use.

A moderate and reasonably stable indoor environment is preferable to frequent, extreme changes in temperature or humidity.

Protecting Furniture Surfaces

Hot cookware, wet glasses, plant pots and items with rough bases can damage a wood surface.

Always use an appropriate coaster, trivet, waterproof plant saucer or protective pad. Check beneath plant pots regularly for condensation or leaks.

Never place a hot pan or baking dish directly on furniture.

Step Stool Care and Inspection

Our step stools should be kept clean, dry and free from substances that could make the steps slippery.

Before use:

place the stool on a firm, level and dry surface;
ensure that each leg is stable;
check that the steps and joints appear secure;
inspect folding components before using a folding stool; and
make sure there is no visible damage, looseness or obstruction.

Do not use a step stool if it rocks unexpectedly, has been damaged, has a loose component or has been exposed to enough moisture to affect its stability.

Clean the stool using the furniture-care instructions above. Do not soak it, leave it outdoors or allow water to collect around the feet.

Please contact T. Weatherhead & Co. before attempting to tighten, modify or repair a structural component.

Eyeglass Case Care

Our solid wood eyeglass cases include wood exteriors and soft interior materials intended to protect your eyewear.

Cleaning the Exterior

Remove dust with a soft, dry cloth.
Use a barely damp cloth for fingerprints or light marks.
Dry the case immediately.
Keep moisture away from the hinges, magnets and interior lining.
Do not immerse the case in water.

Avoid applying eyeglass-cleaning spray, alcohol, lens cleaner or disinfectant directly to the wood case.

Cleaning the Interior

Use a clean, soft brush to remove dust and small particles from the lining. A rubber bulb blower may also be used gently.

Do not use:

a wet cloth;
fabric-cleaning spray;
leather conditioner;
adhesive lint rollers;
compressed-air products containing propellants; or
a vacuum nozzle placed directly against the lining.

Make sure eyeglasses are reasonably clean and dry before storing them. Grit left on lenses or frames may transfer to the lining and cause scratching.

Avoid leaving the case in a hot vehicle, beside a heat source or in another environment with excessive heat or moisture.

Ring Box and Keepsake Box Care

Our handcrafted ring boxes combine solid wood with metal hardware and soft leather or fabric inserts.

Exterior Care

Dust with a soft, dry cloth.
Remove fingerprints using a barely damp cloth.
Dry immediately afterward.
Keep liquids away from the hinges, magnets and interior.
Do not soak or submerge the box.

Interior Care

Remove loose dust with a very soft brush. Do not apply water, jewellery cleaner, leather conditioner or fabric cleaner to the insert unless we have specifically recommended it.

Jewellery should be clean and dry before being placed in the box. Residue from jewellery polish, hand cream, perfume or cleaning solution may transfer to the insert or wood.

Open and close the lid gently. Do not force the lid beyond its normal range of movement or allow objects to obstruct the hinges.

Trays, Coasters and Serving Pieces

Wood trays, coasters and decorative serving pieces should be wiped clean rather than soaked.

Wipe spills promptly.
Use a soft cloth with mild soapy water when required.
Follow with a clean, damp cloth if soap residue remains.
Dry immediately and allow the piece to air dry fully.
Do not place it in a dishwasher.
Do not leave it submerged in a sink.
Do not allow wet glasses or food residue to remain on it for an extended period.

A serving tray is not automatically a cutting board. Do not cut directly on a tray unless its product description specifically identifies it as suitable for cutting.

Highly coloured foods, oils, wine, coffee and condiments can stain wood if left on the surface. Prompt cleaning provides the best protection.

Browse our current trays, coasters and living accessories.

Trivet Care

A wooden trivet is designed to create a protective barrier beneath a serving dish or piece of cookware after it has been removed from a heat source.

For safe use:

place the trivet on a stable, dry surface;
make sure the cookware rests securely on it;
keep the trivet dry before use;
do not expose it to an open flame;
do not place it directly on an active burner;
do not put it inside an oven or microwave; and
do not use it as cookware.

After use, allow the trivet to return to room temperature before cleaning. Wipe it with a lightly dampened cloth and dry it thoroughly.

Discontinue use and contact us if the trivet becomes severely scorched, cracked, warped or unstable.

Our current trivets can be found in the Kitchen collection.

Office Accessories, Valet Trays and Keyboard Trays

Our handcrafted office accessories should be cleaned using the general instructions for sealed wood products.

Dust with a soft cloth.
Wipe liquid spills immediately.
Keep pens with leaking ink away from the wood.
Avoid dragging metal objects across the surface.
Do not apply adhesive tape directly to the finish.
Lift electronic equipment rather than sliding it.
Ensure that felt pads remain clean and free from grit.

For a wooden keyboard tray, remove the keyboard before cleaning. The tray must be completely dry before the keyboard or another electronic device is returned to it.

Wooden Clocks

Dust a wooden clock with a clean, dry cloth. Do not spray cleaner onto the clock face, mechanism or wood body.

Keep the clock away from high humidity and strong heat sources. Replace the battery with the type specified for the clock mechanism and observe the correct polarity.

Remove the battery if the clock will be stored for an extended period. A leaking battery can damage the clock mechanism and surrounding materials.

Cremation Urns

A handcrafted wood urn should be kept indoors in a stable, dry location.

Dust the exterior using a clean, soft cloth.
Use a barely damp cloth only where necessary.
Dry the surface immediately.
Do not immerse the urn or allow liquid to enter it.
Avoid abrasive cleaners, furniture polish and solvents.
Support the urn securely when moving it.
Lift rather than slide it across a surface.

Please contact us before attempting to open, reseal, repair or refinish an urn if you are uncertain about its construction.

Food-Contact Kitchen Products

Our wooden kitchen collection includes cutting and charcuterie boards, rolling pins, pastry scrapers, pasta measures and other food-contact products.

These instructions apply only to products identified as suitable for food contact.

Cleaning After Use

After each use:

Remove loose food.
Wash the product by hand using warm water, mild dish soap and a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge.
Rinse away soap residue.
Dry immediately with a clean towel.
Allow the product to finish air drying with air able to circulate around it.

Cutting boards without feet can be dried upright or on their edge when stable and safe to do so. Boards with feet should be dried in a position that allows air to reach both sides.

Never:

leave a wood kitchen product soaking in water;
place it in a dishwasher;
leave it sitting in a wet sink;
place it in a microwave or oven to dry;
dry it directly beside a strong heat source; or
store it while it is still damp.

Rapid or uneven moisture changes can contribute to warping, checking or cracking.

Food Safety and Cross-Contamination

Clean cutting boards, utensils and work surfaces carefully after food preparation.

Consider keeping separate cutting boards for:

fruits, vegetables, bread and ready-to-eat foods; and
raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood.

After contact with raw foods, clean and sanitize the board using a method appropriate for wood food-contact surfaces. Follow the cleaning product’s label and current public-health guidance, then rinse and dry the board thoroughly.

Do not continue using a board for food preparation if it develops deep cracks, open joints or damage that cannot be cleaned effectively.

Oiling Cutting Boards and Other Oil-Finished Kitchenware

Apply a maintenance treatment when the wood begins to appear dry, pale or rough rather than according to a rigid calendar schedule.

Use:

food-grade mineral oil specifically sold for cutting boards or butcher blocks; or
a board cream or board wax clearly labelled for use on food-contact wood.

To apply:

Make sure the product is clean and completely dry.
Apply the treatment according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Spread it evenly over all accessible wood surfaces.
Allow time for absorption.
Wipe away all excess with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Allow the product to rest and dry before food contact.

Do not use ordinary cooking oils such as olive, canola, sunflower or vegetable oil. These oils can oxidize, develop unpleasant odours or become sticky.

Do not apply board oil to sealed trays, furniture, cases, boxes, clocks or office accessories. Those products may have a different finish that could be damaged or made uneven by added oil.

Cutting Board Surface Wear

Knife marks are expected on a cutting board intended for chopping and food preparation.

a deep split or crack;
a separated glue joint;
significant warping;
a loose foot;
a surface that can no longer be cleaned effectively; or
an unusual finish problem.

Do not sand, plane or refinish the board unless you are familiar with food-contact wood finishing or have first discussed the issue with us.

Stains, Odours and Difficult Marks

Start with the gentlest cleaning method appropriate for the product.

For sealed furniture, cases and decorative pieces, use a lightly dampened cloth and mild soap. Do not use a stronger cleaner without confirming that it is compatible with the finish.

For food-contact kitchen products, wash promptly and allow the item to dry fully. Repeated soaking or aggressive scrubbing may cause more damage than the original stain.

Some colour change from foods, handling, sunlight and normal use may become part of the patina of a natural wood product.

Please send photographs through our Contact page before attempting to remove a stubborn stain with bleach, solvent, abrasive cleaner or sandpaper.

Scratches and Surface Damage

Minor signs of use can develop over time.

Do not attempt to disguise a scratch using:

household furniture polish;
cooking oil;
stain-marker pens;
shoe polish;
permanent marker;
glue;
nail polish; or
an unknown refinishing product.

These products may make a professional repair more difficult.

Contact us with a clear photograph and the product name. We can advise whether the mark is normal wear, whether a simple care step is appropriate or whether the product should be professionally repaired.

Repairs and Refinishing

Do not disassemble, sand, glue, oil or refinish a product while a damage report or return request is being reviewed.

Modification or attempted repair may affect the options available under our Return, Refund and Exchange Policy.

For products outside the return period, we are still happy to review photographs and provide general guidance. Repair availability depends on the product, type of damage, age, shipping requirements and current workshop schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a T. Weatherhead & Co. wood product in the dishwasher?

No, unless the individual product instructions expressly say otherwise. Dishwashers expose wood to prolonged water, detergent and heat that may cause warping, cracking, joint failure or finish damage.

Can I use mineral oil on every product?

No. Food-grade mineral oil is intended only for compatible oil-finished food-contact products such as certain cutting boards, rolling pins and pastry tools. It should not be applied to sealed furniture, eyeglass cases, ring boxes, clocks, trays or office products.

How often should I oil a cutting board?

Oil it when the wood begins to appear dry, pale or rough. The frequency depends on use, washing and the indoor environment.

Can I use olive oil or vegetable oil?

We do not recommend ordinary cooking oils for wood maintenance. They may oxidize, become sticky or develop unpleasant odours.

Why has the colour of my wood product changed?

Natural wood can gradually change colour through age, light exposure and handling. This is usually a normal characteristic of real wood.

Are natural grain and colour variations defects?

No. Grain, figure, colour and natural markings vary from piece to piece. Contact us when you believe a product is damaged or materially different from its description.

What should I do if my product arrives damaged?

Keep the product and all packaging, photograph the damage and contact us within three calendar days of delivery. Review our Return, Refund and Exchange Policy for full instructions.

Can I bring a product to the workshop for repair?

The workshop is not open for unannounced visits. Contact us first so we can review the issue and determine whether an appointment or another solution is appropriate.

Related Information

Contact Us About Product Care

Questions about cleaning, maintenance, repairs or refinishing may be submitted through our Contact page or sent to:

T. Weatherhead & Co.
Fall River, Nova Scotia, Canada
Email: tweatherheadco@gmail.com

Please include the product name, approximate purchase date and clear photographs when contacting us about a specific care issue.