How to Maintain Your Handcrafted Lazy Susan

Ah, the Lazy Susan. It's not just a functional centerpiece for your dining table—it's an elegant piece of art, especially when it's handcrafted with care and precision. At Stewart's Blocks and Boards, we take pride in offering high-quality wooden products like our Handcrafted Lazy Susan, artisan cutting boards, and beautiful handcrafted butcher blocks.

To ensure your Lazy Susan remains a beloved fixture in your home for years to come, it's crucial to maintain it properly. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to care for your Lazy Susan as well as other wooden items in your collection.

Why Proper Maintenance Matters

A Lazy Susan that's well-cared-for doesn’t just look beautiful; it performs better and lasts longer. Proper maintenance helps prevent common issues like warping, staining, and cracking, making sure your Lazy Susan spins smoothly and stays vibrant over time.

Maintenance also ensures that your Lazy Susan remains a healthy and safe addition to your dining experience. By keeping it clean and conditioned, you reduce the risk of cross-contamination and preserve its aesthetic and functional qualities.

Basic Cleaning Techniques

Regular cleaning is the first step in maintaining the beauty and functionality of your Lazy Susan. Here's a simple guide to keep it spotless:

1. Wipe with a Damp Cloth: Use a soft cloth dampened with warm water to wipe your Lazy Susan. Avoid soaking it, as too much moisture can cause the wood to warp.
2. Mild Soap for Tough Stains: If your Lazy Susan has sticky residues or tough stains, use a mild soap. Mix a few drops of dish detergent in warm water, apply it with a soft cloth, and gently clean the surface.
3. Rinse and Wipe Dry: After soaping, use a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue, then wipe dry with a soft towel.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of harsh chemical cleaners. These can strip the wood of its natural oils, causing it to dry out and crack.

Deep Cleaning and Stain Removal

Every so often, your Lazy Susan may require a deeper clean, especially if you notice stains or a build-up of grime. Here’s what you can do:

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar: Create a paste using equal parts baking soda and white vinegar. Apply it to the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
2. Lemon Juice and Salt: Cut a lemon in half, dip it in coarse salt, and gently rub it over the stain. The acidic nature helps break down grime without damaging the wood.
3. Sandpaper for Deep Stains: For deeper stains or scratches, you can lightly sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the surface.

Conditioning Your Lazy Susan

Conditioning is a crucial step in maintaining your Lazy Susan and keeping it looking new. Not only does it revive the natural oils in the wood, but it also adds an additional protective layer. We recommend using Stewart's Blocks and Boards Conditioner here.

1. Apply the Conditioner: Using a clean, dry cloth, apply a generous amount of the conditioner to the surface of your Lazy Susan.
2. Let It Absorb: Allow the conditioner to penetrate the wood for at least 15 minutes. This nourishes the wood and helps protect it from future wear.
3. Buff and Shine: With a separate dry cloth, buff the Lazy Susan to a beautiful shine, removing any excess conditioner as you go.

Storage Tips

When not in use, store your Lazy Susan in a cool, dry place. Direct sunlight or high humidity can cause the wood to warp or crack. If possible, place it flat and avoid stacking heavy objects on top of it.

Rotating Maintenance Routines

Just like any other household item, a little routine care goes a long way:

• Weekly: Quick wipe-down with a damp cloth.
• Monthly: Deep clean and light conditioning.
• Quarterly: Perform thorough conditioning and inspect for any repairs needed.

Maintaining Other Handcrafted Wooden Items

While this post focuses on the Lazy Susan, many of these maintenance tips are applicable to other wooden products, like our handcrafted cutting boards and butcher blocks. Here are a few tips specific to those items:

• Cutting Boards: Regularly oil your cutting boards with a food-safe mineral oil. This prevents the wood from drying out and reduces the risk of bacterial growth.
• Butcher Blocks: Heavy-duty butcher blocks may require more frequent cleaning and conditioning due to their extensive use. Similar to your Lazy Susan, keep them clean, conditioned, and stored properly.

For slicing and serving, consider our elegant and efficient tools like the Black Limba Bread Knife or the Bread Knife – Light in the Grain, Sharp in the Cut.

Problems and Solutions

Even with the best care, wooden items can develop problems over time. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

• Warping: If your Lazy Susan starts to warp, it might be due to excessive moisture. Ensure it's kept in a dry environment and evaluate your cleaning routine.
• Swelling or Splitting: Often caused by changes in humidity, swelling and splitting can be minimized by applying regular conditioning treatments.
• Lingering Odors: Rubbing your Lazy Susan with a slice of lemon or a vinegar-water solution can help neutralize any unwanted odors.

A Testament to Craftsmanship

Caring for your Handcrafted Lazy Susan is about more than just following maintenance tips. It’s about honoring the craftsmanship that goes into every piece we create at Stewart's Blocks and Boards. With the right care and attention, your Lazy Susan will serve as a centerpiece and conversation starter for many meals to come, complemented beautifully by our range of other handcrafted items.

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual family meal, remember that each turn of your Lazy Susan is supported by the care and maintenance you invest in it. Embrace these practices, and your Lazy Susan, along with other wooden items, will maintain its elegance and functionality for years.

Visit our website to explore our full range of products and find the perfect addition to your home today.