Question from Suzy
I have a very nice old salad bowl, made of one piece of wood. It may be teak, but I’m not sure. However it has developed this sticky coating on the outside, and a little also on the inside. I’m assuming it’s whatever the wood was finished with originally, turned old and sticky. I am wondering how to safely remove this. It seems a shame to sand this nice old bowl. Any ideas?
Debra’s Answer
I don’t know if this is a finish decaying or a build-up of an applied finish, such as mineral oil.
I’d start with soap and water, or lemon juice or vinegar.
Just FYI, I’ve purchased several one-piece wooden bowls and they were completely unfinished (hence the need to add your own protection). Some do have finishes of various types.
Readers, any experience with this?
