Keep the wood lunch box out of the dishwasher.

Wood lunch boxes should never go in the dishwasher — the heat, water, and detergent will warp, crack, and strip the finish.

Wood is porous. The dishwasher soaks it, the heat cycle dries it fast, and that expansion and contraction is what causes splitting and warping. It also destroys the glue holding the box together over time. Even if it survives one wash, it won’t survive many.

For maintenance, hand wash with warm water and mild dish soap. Don’t soak it. Wipe it dry immediately with a towel, then let it air out completely before closing the lid.

To keep it looking good, treat the wood every month or so with food-safe mineral oil or beeswax. Rub it in, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe off the excess. That’s it.

A few minutes of hand washing beats buying a new box every season.