Caring for Your Personalised Wooden Homeware

How to clean, maintain and protect your handcrafted oak KMP pieces

Each of our handcrafted wooden homeware pieces is crafted from FSC-certified solid oak and built to last. With a little care, your personalised choppinh boards, trays, plaques and shelves will stay looking beautiful and functional for years to come.
This care guide includes cleaning tips, maintenance routines and protection advice for:

• Personalised chopping boards
• Engraved serving or display trays
• Custom oak floating shelves
• Personalised plaques and signs

Caring for Personalised Oak Chopping Boards

Our engraved oak chopping boards are made for everyday use. Naturally antibacterial and durable, oak is a premium wood but it benefits from regular care to prevent drying and warping.

Daily cleaning

1. Wipe off crumbs or residue.
2. Hand wash using warm water and mild washing-up liquid.
3. Rinse quickly and dry immediately with a clean towel.
4. Stand the board upright to dry both sides evenly.

Avoid: dishwashers, soaking or harsh chemical sprays because they can cause cracks or warping.

Weekly or deep cleaning

If the board has absorbed strong smells or looks dull, do this:

Salt & lemon scrub

• Sprinkle coarse salt over the surface.
• Use half a lemon to scrub with the grain.
• Leave 3–5 minutes, wipe clean and dry thoroughly.

Gentle sanitising

• Mix 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts water.
• Wipe the board lightly and dry immediately.

Oiling your board

Oak dries out naturally over time so regular oiling protects and hydrates the wood, especially for end grain boards which absorb more oil.

How often?

• Frequent use: every 3–4 weeks
• End-grain board frequent use: every 2-3 weeks
• Occasional use: every 6–8 weeks
• End-grain board occasional use: every 4-6 weeks

What oil to use?

• Food-safe mineral oil
• Chopping board conditioning oil
• Beeswax-based board balm

How to oil your oak board

1. Ensure the board is fully dry.
2. Apply a small amount of oil using a lint-free cloth.
3. Rub with the grain, including the edges.
4. Let it absorb for 20–30 minutes (or overnight).
5. Wipe away excess oil.

Refreshing the surface

For light scratches or knife marks:

• Sand gently with fine-grit (240+) sandpaper following the grain.
• Wipe off dust.
• Re-oil to restore protection.

Caring for Oak Serving & Display Trays

Each personalised serving tray is hand-finished with food-safe oil for durability and daily use.

Everyday cleaning

• Wipe with a damp cloth and mild washing-up liquid.
• Avoid abrasive pads, which can scratch the surface.
• Dry immediately with a soft towel.

Serving trays should not be soaked or washed under running water for long periods.

Handling spills

• Wipe spills quickly, especially coloured liquids (coffee, wine).
• For sticky or stubborn marks, use warm water and a soft sponge.

Re-oiling

To keep your tray nourished:

• Re-oil every 6–8 weeks, or when the surface looks dry.
• Use food-safe mineral oil or board conditioner.
• Apply oil sparingly, allow it to soak in and wipe away excess.

Avoid

• Dishwashers
• Standing water
• Direct heat from radiators, fireplaces, or sunlight
• Strong chemical cleaners

These can damage the finish over time.

Caring for Oak Floating Shelves

Our engraved floating shelves are designed for strength and style, requiring only minimal care.

Regular cleaning

• Dust weekly with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
• For deeper cleaning, use a tiny amount of mild soap mixed with water then wipe quickly and dry immediately.

Protecting the finish

• Avoid placing wet or damp items directly on the shelf.
• Use coasters or felt pads under heavy or abrasive objects.
• Keep shelves away from strong, direct sunlight to prevent uneven fading.

Oiling

Floating shelves don’t require frequent oiling, but if the wood looks dry:

• Apply a light coat of food-safe oil or natural wood balm.
• Buff well so the surface is smooth and non-oily.
• Only re-oil every 6–12 months if needed.

Caring for Personalised Oak Plaques & Signs

Your oak plaques and signs are crafted from solid oak and engraved with precision CNC machining. Each one is finished with a protective oil, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use when cared for properly.

Indoor care

For plaques displayed inside:

• Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth.
• For fingerprints or light marks, wipe with a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately.
• Use a soft brush (such as a clean paintbrush or makeup brush) to gently remove dust from engraved areas.

Avoid harsh chemicals or sprays, as they can dull the finish over time.

Outdoor care

Your plaque can be displayed outdoors on a front door, garden wall, shed, memorial area or gate. Outdoor exposure means it will need a little extra care.

To keep it in the best condition

• Reapply a clear outdoor-suitable wood oil every 6–12 months, depending on weather exposure.
• Place the plaque in a spot that avoids constant direct sunlight, if possible, to prevent UV fading.
• If mounted in a very exposed or damp location, check the surface every few months for dryness and re-oil if needed.

Note: Weathering of natural oak is normal outdoors. The wood may gradually develop a silver-grey patina over time, re-oiling slows this process but does not stop it completely.

Cleaning engraved details

• Avoid soaking engraved areas.
• Gently brush dust or debris from the engraving using a soft bristle brush.
• For deeper cleaning, lightly wipe the surface with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

Maintaining the finish

For both indoor and outdoor use:

• Re-oil lightly when the wood looks dry or matt.
• Apply a thin coat of clear wood oil using a lint-free cloth.
• Allow it to penetrate for 10–20 minutes, then wipe away any excess.

This keeps the oak nourished and protects it from moisture and UV exposure.

Avoid

• Abrasive scrubbing pads
• Harsh chemical sprays or cleaners
• Prolonged exposure to standing water
• Mounting close to direct heat sources (like outdoor heaters)