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A close-up of an antique wooden bowl placed on a dark textured background, highlighting its vintage appeal.

How to Care for Antique Wooden Bowls and Treen

Care & PreservationDate Published
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Treen includes small functional objects made from wood: bowls, boxes, spoons, cups and domestic wares.

Safe routine care

Dust with a soft brush or cloth, supporting thin handles and rims. Keep away from soaking water, dishwashers, food oils and strong household polish.

What not to do

Splits, powdery insect debris, lifting paint or sticky coatings need assessment. Do not make an old food vessel safe for use by guesswork.

Storage and specialist help

Store with air circulation in stable, moderate conditions and handle with clean dry hands.

Conservation references

  • [Canadian Conservation Institute: Caring for objects and collections](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/care-objects.html)
  • [Canadian Conservation Institute: Agents of deterioration](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/agents-deterioration.html)

Begin with the least intervention. For valuable, unstable or regulated objects, use a qualified conservator and check current law before treatment, sale or transport.

Watch careful restoration

Visit the [Antique Repair Shop YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop) for practical workshop demonstrations and object examinations.