Treat Wood Cutting Board Mineral Oil
1 buy a mineral oil labeled as food grade or usp.
Treat wood cutting board mineral oil. Other oils simply penetrate the surface of the wood including walnut and mineral oil. Any food safe mineral oil will do i use a cheap bottle of cutting board oil from ikea. To start get some food safe mineral oil or board cream. Seal with beeswax for better water resistance.
The big box home goods stores also stock them regularly. A board that is treated with oil also prevents liquids from penetrating the board which is often the source of germs and bacteria. Be generous with the application especially if the wood is dry or you just purchased the cutting board or butcher block. Once your cutting board is thoroughly dry apply the oil directly onto the surface of the board.
Don t worry about being exact you can continue adding oil as you work around the board. Regular application of mineral oil will prevent cutting boards from becoming dry and brittle which can cause a cracked board. Pour a healthy dose of mineral oil evenly over one side of the wood cutting board. Some oils such as linseed and tung oil harden the wood and seal it from the inside.
Mineral oil is a particularly good choice for cutting surfaces since it is non toxic. The next morning use your hands to apply a generous layer of mineral oil to the sides top bottom and any groove grip or handle. Treating your board with mineral oil helps protect the cutting surface makes it easier to clean and keeps the wood looking as good as new. I got over it but i would have gotten over it a lot faster if i had had food.
The first time you season your board you should aim to really saturate it in oil. Rub the oil around on the cutting board until it s well oiled make sure to get all parts of the board including the back side even though you don t probably use that part as much or even ever it s still important to treat. Using a clean soft dish cloth or paper towel rub the oil into the wood in the direction of the grain or in a circular motion. Mineral oil is ideal for a non toxic finish on a wooden cutting board.
When i first got my wooden cutting board i was excited to use it but also very sure i was going to ruin everything.