The extra-large maple wood ladle should be cleaned by hand with lukewarm water and a mild dish soap after each use. Use a soft cloth or brush and always rinse all sides to prevent tension in the wood. Dry the wood thoroughly with a cloth and allow it to air dry completely upright, but not in direct sunlight or near radiators. Because maple wood has a fine pores, dirt doesn't penetrate deeply; however, the ladle should never be soaked in water or cleaned in a dishwasher. To protect the wood from drying out in the long term, it is recommended to occasionally rub the surface with a food-safe cooking oil (e.g., linseed or rapeseed oil).