How to Care for Your Recycled Wood Treasures 🌳✨

Hello, wood enthusiasts! 👋 At Anej Vidmar Woodworking, we pour our hearts into crafting unique, sustainable wood treasures like skateboard shoe horns, wine barrel creations, and leaf-shaped trays—all made from reclaimed wood. These pieces aren’t just functional; they’re stories of nature and craftsmanship, meant to last for years. To keep your wooden goodies looking stunning and performing beautifully, here are some simple, practical tips to care for your recycled wood treasures. Let’s ensure they shine for generations! 🌿

Why Recycled Wood Needs Special Love 🪵

Our wood treasure creations, made from repurposed skateboards, wine barrels, and other reclaimed materials, have unique grains, textures, and histories. Because recycled wood has lived a previous life, it can be more sensitive to environmental changes. With a little TLC, you can preserve its rustic charm and durability. Here’s how to do it:

1. Keep It Clean and Gentle 🧼

• Dust Regularly: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to wipe off dust. For intricate carvings like our leaf-shaped trays, a soft-bristled brush (like a clean paintbrush) can get into crevices.

• Clean Spills Immediately: For items like trays or shoe horns, wipe spills with a slightly damp cloth and mild dish soap (diluted). Avoid soaking the wood, as excess water can cause warping.

• Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, dry with a clean, dry cloth to prevent moisture from seeping in. Recycled wood can be more porous, so don’t let water sit!

Pro Tip: Never use harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive scrubbers—they can strip the wood’s natural finish or damage its patina. 🚫

2. Protect the Finish with Natural Oils 🌰

• Re-Oil Periodically: Our pieces, like wine barrel shoe horns, are often finished with food-safe mineral oil or beeswax for a smooth, protective sheen. Every 3-6 months (or when the wood looks dry), apply a thin layer of food-grade mineral oil or a beeswax-based wood conditioner. Use a soft cloth, rub it in, and buff off excess after 20 minutes.

• Why It Matters: Recycled wood, especially from skateboards or barrels, can dry out over time. Oiling keeps it hydrated and prevents cracking.

• For Food-Safe Items: If you’re using a leaf-shaped tray for serving snacks, stick to food-safe mineral oil (available at most hardware stores or online).

Pro Tip: Warm the oil slightly (not hot!) for better absorption, especially on wine barrel wood, which loves a good soak-up! 😊

3. Mind the Environment 🌞💧

• Avoid Extreme Heat or Humidity: Recycled wood is sensitive to temperature swings. Keep your treasures away from direct sunlight, radiators, or damp areas like bathrooms. For example, don’t leave your skateboard shoe horn near a sunny window—it might warp or fade.

• Ideal Conditions: Aim for a stable environment (40-60% humidity, 60-75°F). If you live in a humid climate, consider a dehumidifier; in dry areas, a humidifier helps.

• Store Smart: If storing your leaf-shaped tray or shoe horn for a while, wrap it in a breathable cloth (like cotton) and keep it in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture.

4. Handle with Care 🤲

• Avoid Heavy Impacts: While our pieces are sturdy, dropping a wine barrel shoe horn or overloading a tray can cause dents or cracks, especially in softer reclaimed woods.

• Use as Intended: Our leaf-shaped trays are perfect for serving or decor, but avoid using them as cutting boards unless specified—knife marks can damage the finish.

• Polish Scratches: For minor scratches (common with recycled wood’s unique textures), rub a small amount of walnut oil or a wood-specific polish with a soft cloth to blend them in.

5. Celebrate the Patina 🎉

• Embrace the Aging: Recycled wood, like that from skateboards or wine barrels, develops a beautiful patina over time. Small wear marks or color shifts add to the story—don’t stress about perfection!

• When to Refinish: If your piece looks very dull or cracked (rare with proper care), reach out to us at anejvidmar.sp@gmail.com. We can guide you on refinishing or do it for you!

Bonus: Caring for Specific Pieces 🛹🍷

• Skateboard Shoe Horns: The colorful layers can fade in direct sun, so store them in a shaded spot. A quick oiling every few months keeps the wood vibrant.

• Wine Barrel Shoe Horns: These may have a faint wine aroma (cool, right?). Avoid submerging in water to preserve the wood’s unique character.

• Leaf-Shaped Trays: If used for food, clean immediately after use and re-oil monthly to maintain the food-safe finish.

Let’s Keep the Magic Alive! 🌟

Your recycled wood treasures are more than objects—they’re pieces of art with a sustainable soul. With these simple care tips, they’ll stay beautiful and functional for years to come. Got a question about a specific piece or need advice on a stubborn stain? Drop us a line or comment below—we’re here to help! 📬

Follow us on social media for more tips, behind-the-scenes peeks at our workshop, and stories about the reclaimed wood we love. Thank you for choosing Anej Vidmar Woodworking and supporting our mission to give wood a second life. 🙌

Warmly,
Anej Vidmar
Anej Vidmar Woodworking

P.S. Our store reopend today on October 1, 2025, with fresh goodies! Stay tuned for new creations and care guides!