Today we’ll share how to restore wooden bowls like the ones we find all the time at thrift stores.
We talk a lot about upcycling and repurposing thrift store finds here on our blog. Well, my favorite use for these old bowls is actually the one they were created for — to serve salads, nuts, or other snack foods! They just need a little bit of care first.
Do you see many wooden bowls when you’re out thrifting? I see them all. the. time. Usually, they’re pretty scratched up and faded from years of use without the proper care. Today I’ll share an easy way to restore these thrift store bowls.
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Supplies for Restoring Wood Bowls
Supplies:
- wooden bowls from the thrift store
- Daddy Van’s furniture polish
- old rags – I used my “paperless” towels for this project.
{{{See a complete list of what’s in my toolbox and supply cabinet.}}}
How to Restore Wooden Bowls
If the wooden bowl doesn’t have much damage:
- Remove any dust or debris stuck to the bowl.
- Wash with hot soapy water. Yes, you can wash wood. But DO NOT soak it or leave it wet.
- Dry with a towel and leave to dry overnight.
- Wipe on food-safe furniture polish.
- Buff with a soft cloth.
I’ve also heard of people scrubbing their wooden bowls with salt and lemon or rubbing them with mineral oil.
One of my Facebook followers sent me this furniture polish and I am in love with it! You can see in this photo how different the left side looks from the right.
How to Restore Wooden Bowls VIDEO
You’ll be able to see how easy this is in this Facebook Live video that I did a few months ago. It’s amazing how much difference that furniture polish makes!
https://www.facebook.com/DuctTapeAndDenim/videos/128987381781247/
Finished Restoration Project
This was one of the most unique wooden bowls that I’ve ever found while thrifting. And I’m so glad it didn’t have any major damage. It’s very thick and heavy. When I saw the $2.99 price tag on it, I grabbed it up quick!
How do you like it now?
Now I want to go thrifting and buy more wooden bowls!
Here’s another set of salad bowls that I restored with Daddy Van’s, too.
More Thrift Store Makeovers (& a Recipe)
If you enjoyed learning how to restore wooden bowls, you might also like these:
- Green Jewelry Cabinet Makeover
- Thrift Store Wooden Tray with Tiles Makeover
- Cherry Tomato, Avocado, and Corn Salsa Salad Recipe – a salad to go IN your newly restored wooden bowl!
Thanks for reading! Leave me a comment and let me know if you buy wooden bowls at the thrift store.
‘Til the next project,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
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Barb says
After using furniture polish, can the bowls be used for food?
ducttapeanddenim says
Barb, It depends on the furniture polish. Check the label and see if it’s food safe.
Kathy A says
Mineral oil is good for salad bowls/cutting boards as it is food safe. I just used Howard’s Wax and Feed (not sure of name) which does have petroleum products but the bowl looks like nuts/dry nibbles or catch all, not salads. Put a lovely sheen on it.
Marissa | Squirrels of a Feather says
I have several wooden bowls that I could use this information on! Thanks for sharing at Grandma’s House!
Jann Olson says
Looks like a great product! The bowl looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Linda at Mixed Kreations says
The bowls polished up nicely! They look new again!
Marjorie says
I had a wooden salad bowl in the basement with mouse droppings in it. I didn’t know how to sanitize it so I threw it out. I didn’t want to put any food in it. Is there a way to sanitize wooden bowls without ruining them?
ducttapeanddenim says
Wow! I’ve used hot soapy water with a little bleach in it before with no problem. And then sat it out in the sun to dry. But if I had one with mouse droppings I’d probably throw it out too!