Care
We dip each paddle in beeswax and food-grade mineral oil.
Our beeswax and mineral oil polish has been formulated to season the Mapleware® tools properly. It penetrates deep into the wood, displacing moisture to help prevent cracking and reduce staining. Some residue of surface polish remains on the utensils until first washed at home.
Some natural discolouration of the wood is to be expected when cooking foods like tomatoes, curry, or berries. This does not harm the beneficial properties of the maple or transfer flavours to other foods. Most stains go away with repeated washings, but paddles tend to average out at a certain colour. Pre-treating the utensils with the polish before using can help prevent staining, but many people prefer to dedicate a paddle to a favorite recipe like raspberry jam.
How do I care for my Mapleware®?
Everyday Care Hand wash in warm soapy water, rinse, then smooth dry with a lint-free dish towel. Using a dishwasher is strongly discouraged.
Quick Fix To refinish your tools, gently remove any burr or nicks with fine sandpaper. Rub with medium-grade steel wool. Rinse. Dry. Apply food-grade mineral or light cooking oil. Rub to polish.
You may, if you wish, maintain the edge of your Mapleware® by sharpening along the grain with a small kitchen knife.
Enjoy Your Tools for a Lifetime To re-establish a smooth surface and maintain the beauty of your tools, once a year polish liberally with food-grade mineral or light vegetable oil and allow to sink in. Rub to a beautiful finish with a lint-free cloth.
Should I polish my Mapleware®?
We protect each piece with a food-grade mineral oil polish that penetrates deeply into the wood, displacing moisture to help prevent cracking and reduce staining. Some residue of surface polish remains on the utensils until first washed at home.
Wood utensils age visibly with time, which many cherish as part of the evolving beauty of wood. If, however, you want to keep yours like new, or if a utensil starts to feel a little rough in the hand, just smooth the wood with fine steel wool, then rub in a bit of our Mapleware Polish® (or any food-grade mineral or light vegetable oil).
Cutting boards, unlike utensils, benefit from regular seasoning. Routine applications of Mapleware Polish® (or any food-grade oil-and-beeswax polish) especially around the edges, help seal the natural pores in wood, protecting the cutting board throughout its lifetime.
Can I use my Mapleware® when cooking?
The small amounts of oil used in cooking actually protect the wood, seasoning it to help keep moisture out. But we do have 2 bits of advice for all of our utensils:
- They are wood, so don’t rest utensils on a stove’s elements — high heat applied directly will burn Mapleware®!
- Don’t let utensils sit for hours in liquid: use a spoon rest (or dish, or countertop).
FYI: The Pot Scoop was designed specifically for cooking — the pores of the wood are aligned straight with the contact edge, protecting them from moisture.
The Serving Scoop is susceptible to cracking because (like most spoons) the edge of the bowl cuts across the grain, exposing pores of the wood. This allows moisture to enter, where it can swell and retract, potentially causing cracking. Treat the bowl of the tool with a bit of oil after washing and drying to prevent the wood drying out.
My utensil turned grey. What happened?
The wood has dried out a little, but is still perfectly good. Revive maple’s luscious tone with a light sanding and a little polish. Maintain its beauty by keeping it out of the dishwasher.
My utensil turned red (or yellow or purple). What happened?
Vividly colored foods may stain wood. Think: tomato, curry and blueberries. Don't worry. The colors will fade with repeated use and washing. If you are in a rush, remove some of the stain with lemon juice and then repolish the tool. The beauty of Mapleware® is, in part, its natural markings and so-called “flaws” added by time and use. (You will increasingly appreciate this concept as you age!)
My utensil chipped! What do I do?
Even hard maple can chip, especially if your floor is harder than wood. Become a Littledeer apprentice: pick up some light sandpaper and smooth the edge. Big chip? Start with a file, then use sandpaper. Follow with steel wool and polish.
Do you whack stirring spoons on the rim of bowls and pots? Practice chip prevention by tapping utensils high up (at the shoulder), where they are sturdier. {video}
My Sprongs (Tines, Slim Sprongs, Tender Tongs...) became bent. What do I do?
Sprongs and Tines are made from made of a single piece of wood, which acts like a spring. If they become inadvertently misshapen, soak them in warm water, then stretch them gently over a drinking glass or box (approx. 2.5″ in., or 7.5 cm, diameter) with the blades evenly spaced. Let dry in this position in order to restore the spring.
A few precautions ensure the longevity of these tools:
Treat them regularly with Mapleware Polish®. If rough, sand lightly, then apply polish.
Dry well, or store in an airy location.