FAQ

FAQ — Olive Wood

Everything you need to know about our olive-wood boards, salad bowls, utensils and accessories: features, cleaning & maintenance, shipping and returns.

What are the characteristics of olive wood?
  • Dense, hard, and naturally antibacterial wood.
  • Unique grain: each piece shows natural variations (knots, marbling).
  • Sourced from regular pruning/maintenance of olive trees (no dedicated felling).
  • Finished with food-contact-compatible oil (no varnish).
What should I do before first use?
  1. Wipe the piece with a dry cloth.
  2. Apply a thin coat of neutral food oil (olive, grape seed), let it absorb for 20–30 min.
  3. Wipe off any excess. Repeat 1–2 times if the wood feels very dry.

Tip: oil in the evening, wipe in the morning for an instant glow.

How do I clean and maintain olive wood?

After each use

  • Wash by hand: lukewarm water + soft sponge + a drop of dish soap.
  • Rinse, then dry immediately with a cloth.
  • Do not use: dishwasher, soaking, microwave, oven.

Conditioning the wood

  • Oil about once a month (or whenever the wood looks dry/dull).
  • Recommended oils: olive, grape seed, or food-grade mineral oil.

Stains & Odors

  • Color stains (turmeric, beet): gently rub with lemon + fine salt, rinse, dry, oil.
  • Odors (garlic, onion): baking soda + a few drops of water, leave 10 min, rinse, dry, oil.
Best practices (do’s / don’ts)
Do ✅
  • Alternate cutting sides to reduce marking.
  • Use well-sharpened knives.
  • Store away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
Don’t ❌
  • Dishwasher, prolonged soaking, drying on a radiator.
  • Thermal shock (very hot dishes placed directly on the wood).
  • Harsh chemicals / bleach.
What if my wood cracks, warps, or shows knife marks?
  • Micro-cracks: caused by changes in humidity/heat. Oil generously for 2–3 days in a row. If needed, fill with a thin paste of wood glue + sawdust (artisan repair).
  • Warping: oil, then store with the convex side facing up and a light, even weight on top for 24–48 h.
  • Knife marks: very light sanding (grit 400–600) along the grain, dust off, oil.
Is olive wood food-safe?

Yes. Our pieces are finished with food-contact-compatible oil, and olive wood is naturally resistant to bacteria. Proper washing and quick drying remain essential.

Do you offer personalization/engraving?

Yes, on many items (initials, logo, date). Additional lead time: 2–4 business days. Email us with the product reference and your artwork.

Origin & craftsmanship

Handcrafted in Tunisia from wood sourced via olive-tree pruning (natural renewal). Each piece is hand-worked, sanded, and oiled.

Lead times & shipping
  • Dispatched from France.
  • France: 48–96 h (business hours) · Europe: 4–7 days · Worldwide: 7–12 days.
  • Tracking sent by email upon dispatch.
Returns & exchanges

You have 14 days after delivery to return an item (unused, like new). Personalized items are not returnable unless defective.

Need help? Contact us

Email: contact@olivewoodstore.com — we reply within 24–48 business hours.