Have you been wondering why your wooden cutting board is discolored or splitting?
Like natural wooden furniture, the wooden cutting board is made of natural material.
So, we need to provide it the protection and constant maintenance for it.
Well, what we should do is “the oil finish”.
Why the oil finish is necessary for a wooden cutting board?
How does it work for it in the future?
Today, I am going to tell you all about the oil finish such as the types of oil to apply and care tips for making wooden cutting boards last longer.
So, if you are especially a beginner, please read this post now!
Why Do Wooden Cutting Boards Warp Or Split?
Shrinking and swelling are caused by the wood changing moisture content, so the wooden cutting board warped and split in the worst case.
Especially, warping and splitting will occur when the cutting board dries rapidly such as using a dishwasher or drying under direct sunlight.
The oil finish prevents drying, protects the surface of the cutting board, makes it less moldy, and makes it less likely to get stains.
Why Do Wooden Cutting Borads Smell?
Although we try to do our best not to make knife marks on the wooden cutting board, it is inevitable to damage it with a kitchen knife.
Once bacterias get into the marks and scratches, they build up and make an odor.
The Oil Finish Is The Protection For Wood
There is a variety of wood for cutting boards such as Hinoki cypress, ginkgo, and olive, and each wood has originally its own antibacterial effect.
However, as you use it, its natural antibacterial power will be weakened and unpleasant odor and mold (black stains) will be on the board.
One of the most effective ways to prevent odor and stains is to apply oil before the first use.
The oil coating gives the cutting board water repellent which eventually prevents warping, cracking, and splintering.
Due to water repellent, it helps reduce bacterias growing up which also cause odor and black spots.
Moreover, the mineral oil does not interfere with the breathing and natural power of the wood.
It also has antiseptic and water repellent properties, so it really makes sense to apply the oil finish to wooden cutting boards as protection for wood.
Use A Drying Oil For The Oil Finish
Not all types of oils can be used for the oil finish.
Simply, you can use wood utensils polishing oil (mineral oil) or use “drying oil”.
Oil for wooden kitchen tools and cutlery. The food-grade mineral oil is harmless and is made to protect the surface of the wood.
What’s A Drying Oil?
Drying oil is an oil that has the property of gradually increasing viscosity and solidifying when left in the air or heated.
Typical examples of drying oils are Linseed oil, perilla oil, Shiso oil, walnut oil, and sunflower oil.
The oil absorbed by the wood combines with oxygen and composes the protection varier.
Vegetable oil, sesame oil, and olive oil, which are popular oil at home, are unfortunately not drying oils.
For example, sesame oil is a semi-drying oil, and olive oil is a non-drying oil that does not solidify or dry.
If you use these semi-drying oils or non-drying oils for the oil finish, they will be sticky forever and it is not suitable for the oil finish.
Therefore, use drying oils such as Linseed oil, perilla oil, Shiso oil, walnut oil, and sunflower oil for the oil finish.
Linseed Oil
Also called flaxseed oil, linseed oil is one of the recommended natural oil for the oil finish.
It makes great protection film inside and outside of the wooden cutting board.
Walnut Oil
Walnut Oil is food-safe and smell-free, and one of the best natural oils that give the wood a durable finish.
Note that it can cause allergic reactions for people who have a nut allergy.
Pure Tung Oil
Use pure tung oil for the oil finish. Pure Tung oil is food-safe and creates a beautiful wood finish.
It dries quickly and clear, easy to apply.
However, tung oil has a strong (aggressive) smell and is strong viscous, so it is recommended to mix it evenly with Solvent to apply much easier.
How To Finish Wooden Cutting Board
The oil finish is not only for the first use but also finishes the board occasionally when it becomes grayish or whitish and the water repellent becomes poor.
The oil finish is not complicated, here is an easy step instruction.
- Clean the wooden cutting board. Make sure that there is no dust and dirt on the surface. Sand marks and spots if needed.
- You can soak a cotton rag in the oil or pour it over the surface directly. Spread the oil in a circular motion on the entire surface.
- Repeat it on the other side, and do not forget sides.
- Clean the wooden cutting board. Make sure that there is no dust and dirt on the surface. Sand marks and spots if needed.
- You can soak a cotton rag in the oil or pour it over the surface directly. Spread the oil in a circular motion on the entire surface.
- Make sure that no excess oil left on the surface.
- Repeat it on the other side, and do not forget sides.
- Once completed the oil coating, wait to allow the wood to absorb the oil.
- Make sure that no excess oil on surfaces once more, and wipe it off with clean cotton rag if needed.
- Dry the wooden cutting board in a well-vented, shade place. Use a rack or dry it upright.
The Bottom line
The oil finish prevents drying and food odors, bacterial invasion while protecting the surface.
Still, daily maintenance is necessary to make the wooden cutting board last longer.
Rinse it before and after use, wash thoughtfully and immediately with a scrubbing brush, and dry it well.
Read this post carefully about how you can take care of your wooden cutting board daily.
