Your Casström kuksa is crafted from natural curly birch, a living material that will age beautifully with the right care. In this guide we explain how to care for, clean, and use your kuksa to ensure maximum durability and long-lasting performance.
The History of the Scandinavian Kuksa Cup
The kuksa has its origins in the traditional culture of the Sámi people of northern Scandinavia, where it was carved by hand from birch and carried as a personal drinking vessel.
Often made from either burl or curly birch for strength and durability, a kuksa was designed to withstand harsh conditions and daily use in the wilderness. Today, it is valued for its beauty, craftsmanship, and connection to nature.
Care Instructions for Your Wooden Kuksa Cup
Wood is a natural material that requires regular maintenance to preserve its strength and appearance. If your kuksa cup begins to look dry or dull, it is time to treat it with oil.
Oiling the Exterior:
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Apply a thin layer of paraffin oil to the outside of the kuksa wooden cup.
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Allow the oil to soak into the wood.
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Wipe away any excess with a soft cloth.
The surface should feel smooth and dry — never sticky.
Oiling the Interior
For the inside of your kuksa cup, always use paraffin oil or another suitable food-safe oil.
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Pour a small amount of oil into the cup or apply it using a cloth.
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Spread a thin, even layer across the entire interior surface.
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Allow the oil to absorb.
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Carefully wipe away any excess oil.
After you have treated the inside, rinse it in hot water to remove the salty residue, and then pour a little coffee into the kuksa and allow it to stand for five minutes.
Regular oiling helps to:
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Seal the wood fibres
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Improve resistance to moisture
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Make cleaning easier
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Extend the lifespan of your wooden kuksa cup
If you really want to enhance the beauty of the natural wood, you can use a pure boiled linseed oil on the outside of the kuksa. Avoid using raw linseed oil – it can take months to dry and pull through to the inside of the cup, which will give your drink a strange taste.
Buy the product online: Curly Birch Kuksa, 1,4dl, Curly Birch Kuksa 1dl
Using Your Kuksa Cup
Being made from wood, a kuksa is naturally comfortable to drink from in cold conditions, unlike metal vessels—an understated but important advantage for life outdoors in northern climates.
As a natural material, wood reacts to changes in humidity and temperature. Avoid exposing your kuksa to sudden extremes. In particular:
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Do not dry it in direct hot sunlight or next to a fire
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Avoid rapid drying of any kind
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Do not leave liquid sitting in the cup for extended periods
Cleaning Your Wooden Cup
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After use, simply:
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Rinse with lukewarm water
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Wipe dry with a cloth
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Allow the kuksa to air-dry slowly at room temperature.
What to Avoid: Never place your kuksa in a dishwasher or soak it in water. Detergents, excessive heat, and prolonged moisture can damage the wood and shorten its lifespan.
A Wooden Kuksa — A Living Object
Small changes in colour or texture are part of the kuksa’s natural character. With proper care, these signs of use add to its beauty rather than detract from it.
Treat your kuksa well, and it will reward you with warmth, character, and reliability wherever your journey takes you.