My sister bought a new wooden salad bowl and it has developed splits and cracks, can it be repaired ?

Question

it is made of different tropical woods, damage caused by home with low humidity, my guess.

Answer 1

I would be reluctant to use it for food now. The cracks and splits can contain bacteria that is within the wood and may be very difficult to get rid of.

You could always sand the bowl, use filler for the cracks and restain/varnish it, but again, I would not use it for food.

Answer 2

Olive Wood Salad Bowl

Answer 3

Ugh, I hate when that happens.

She most likely washed it and let it air dry, or poped it in the dishwasher then..... didnt properly treat the wood afterwards.

Just like butcher block, wooden bowls, plates and such NEED to be treated with oil. More specifically an food safe oil, like say vegetalbe oil or butcher block oil. Since the damage is already done, it'll be really hard to fix. Her best bet for npw would be to replace the bowl and then after washing it by hand, then quickly drying it off, then applying a ligfht coat of vegetable oil over the entire surface, this should be done anyways daily for the first week she owns the set, then once a week for the first month, then once a month for the first year and of course after each use.

Answer 4

It could be low humidity, but can also be caused by immersing it in water for longer periods of time as well. It is dramatic changes in humidity that can do real damage. Never put wooden utensils or bowls in the dishwasher as that will split them surely.

Wood isn't as likely to contain bacteria as is plastic. Many woods will have chemicals that can actually kill bacteria. Still, if you are going to use it, you might want to sanitize it. While it's cracked, you can also seal it with a food-grade sealer. Check with your local wood shop like Woodcraft or others. They should be able to point you to a good product.

Answer 5

Hello
With different types of woods the bowl stands no chance of repair as it is a natural element .

Instead of throwing it away make a feature out of it as a piece of artwork

that should solve the problem

Good luck

Answer 6

Due to it being a concave object, you're going to pay hell trying to fix it. You'll need a high pressure air hose to blow the glue down into the crack then you have to place clamps on it to squeeze the crack together until the glue dries. This is actually a job for a master of woodwork. I only know a little because my oldest friend is a master.

Your best bet would be to chuck it and buy a new one.

Answer 7

If you don't season wooden bowls after each use, they will dry and crack beyond repair. Tell her to turn it into a lovely centerpiece using silk or dried flowers.

Best wishes!

Answer 8

although there is little chance of saving it there are a few things you can do to make it look prettier. 1. sand it lightly with a low abrasive papper. 2. use a natural mineral oil or natural bee's wax to polish it. and 3. use it as a fruit bowl or candle bowl centerpiece for the kitchen or dinning table. Good luck!

Answer 9

No, you can't repair it. Just get a new one.

It's not from the low humidity. It's probably because she put it in the dishwasher. Water will cause the wood to expand - and when it does, the wood will split.

Answer 10

No it cannot be repaired, buy a new one and when she does remeber it's wood so occasionally oil it with a little olive oil and do not wash in dishwasher. wash with soap and water and wipe down and air dry rub a little dab of olive oil on the inside. hope this helps.