Acacia wood has been used in kitchens for thousands of years. It's dense, naturally water-resistant, and develops a rich, warm patina that deepens beautifully with age and use. But even the most resilient natural material benefits from proper care.
The good news: caring for acacia wood is simple. It takes minutes, not hours, and the results speak for themselves.
Day to day — washing and drying
Always hand wash your acacia wood pieces. Never put them in a dishwasher — the combination of heat, prolonged moisture and harsh detergents will cause the wood to crack, warp and lose its finish over time.
Wash with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately with a clean cloth. Never leave wooden pieces soaking in water, and never leave them wet on a surface — moisture is the enemy of wood's structural integrity.
Store your pieces in a dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources like ovens and radiators. Heat causes wood to expand and contract, which leads to cracking over time.
Monthly — oiling your pieces
This is the single most important thing you can do for your acacia wood pieces. Oiling replenishes the natural moisture in the wood, prevents cracking, enhances the grain, and keeps the surface food-safe.
We recommend food-grade mineral oil or a dedicated wood conditioning oil. Avoid olive oil, vegetable oil or other cooking oils — these can go rancid inside the wood over time, creating unpleasant odours.
Apply a generous amount of oil to the surface using a clean cloth. Work it into the grain, covering all surfaces including the underside and edges. Leave it to absorb for at least an hour — overnight is even better. Wipe away any excess with a clean cloth.
How often? Once a month is ideal for pieces in regular use. For display pieces, two to three times a year is sufficient. You'll know your piece needs oiling when the wood starts to look dry or pale — the grain loses its depth and warmth. A fresh coat of oil restores it immediately.
Removing stains and odours
For light stains, sprinkle coarse salt over the surface, squeeze half a lemon over it, and scrub gently with the lemon half. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive, the lemon as a natural bleaching and deodorising agent. Rinse and dry thoroughly afterwards, then apply oil.
For deeper stains or scratches, fine sandpaper (220 grit) can be used very gently along the grain to restore the surface. Follow immediately with a thorough oiling.
The lifetime guarantee
Every SiamMandalay piece comes with our lifetime guarantee — because we believe in what we make. If something isn't right despite proper care, we'll make it right.
A piece that's properly cared for will outlast years of daily use, develop a beautiful character unique to its owner, and become one of those objects that people always notice when they visit your kitchen.
That's what acacia wood does. That's why we've built our Gourmet Collection around it.