At Boston General Store, we believe that a household tool should last a long time, but not for all time. Which is to say, we like to use tools that will serve a function in our lives for months or years, and when they’re no longer useful or functional, we’d like to be able to discard them knowing that they’re not going to take centuries to biodegrade.
Which is why we carry so many wooden brushes with natural fiber bristles, wooden household tools, and knives with wooden handles. Most, if not all, of our makers source wood from sustainably managed forests, and many products are FSC-certified. Some of our makers, like Opinel, even go so far as to use the byproducts of their woodworking to fuel their workshops and offices.
Humans have been using wood to fashion the tools of everyday living for thousands of years. The many different colors and grains of wood make using a wooden tool a tactile and visual experience, one that calls us to remember a time when humans lived more intentionally. We hope you will share in our enjoyment of a well-made wooden tool.
Wooden brushes that are exposed to water may develop dark spots over time. These are often mistaken for mold but are actually due to oxidation and do not affect the performance of the brush.
Wood brushes that spend a lot of time in water sometimes crack a bit and occasionally a bristle falls out as a result. When this happens, we usually just pluck out the wiggly bristles and toss them in the compost. Then we continue using the brush until it really gives up the ghost. The brushes we use in our homes and around the BGS offices are a motley crew of speckled and weathered tools. We like to think of their spots and cracks as signs that they’re aging gracefully, like laugh lines or strands of sparkling silver hair.
Keeping your brush in a dry place when it’s not in use is the best way to extend its longevity. Rinse soapy brushes with cool, clean water and give them a good shake before leaving them to dry. If it’s a small brush, like a nail brush, placing it on a soap saver or soap dish will help it dry out between uses. If your brush has a hole in the handle or a hanging loop, use it! Brush racks are a great way to let excess water evaporate off a brush, and they’ll keep delicate bristles from getting bent. (Did you know that brooms should always be hung off the floor for this reason?)
Hand wash your wood-handled knives and if possible, dry them with a clean towel. Never leave them to soak in water as the water will cause the wood to expand. If you leave them to air dry (assuming the blade is stainless steel—carbon steel should always be towel-dried), it is preferable to use a wooden drying rack or a cloth drying mat. Metal drying racks tend to rust at the joints over time and this rust can be transferred to a knife blade that makes contact with the rack.
Read more about Caring for Carbon Steel Knives here.
Wooden brushes and tools are not only functional and long-lasting, but they also align with sustainable living. At Boston General Store, we value products that serve their purpose while being kind to the environment. Your wooden tools will age gracefully over time, developing unique character as they wear. With proper care, these tools can last for years, bringing both practicality and a tactile connection to nature into your home.
