What are the benefits of cutting board oil

Like most kitchen utensils, wood cutting boards last longer if you take care of them properly, and cutting board oil is an important part of the care. When you wash hardwood boards, the dish detergent causes the protective coating to wash away in the rinse water. Replenishing the cutting board oil prevents the wood from drying out with a restorative effect and therefore, the cutting board wood will remain strong.

Types of cutting board oil

Mineral oil is the recommended type of oil to be used on a cutting board. The benefit of mineral oil is that it is less likely to turn rancid as it cures, or coats the cutting board surface. Food oils The benefit of food oils is that they are less costly than some brands of mineral oil. Food oils, such as olive or canola oil, while not commonly recommended due to the potential for rancidity and food-borne illness, can be used as cutting board oil. The key to using food oil for chopping block oil is to position the board so that the excess moisture runs off. Bacteria can grow in the moisture if it is allowed to soak into the wood for an extended time period. Cutting board wax A final cutting board oil option is paste wax made from mineral oil and paraffin. You can buy this or make your own. The benefit of wax coating is that it takes longer to wash off and leaves the cutting board with a slight lustre.

How to apply cutting board oil

How to apply food oils to chopping boards Clean the board and allow it to dry completely. Pour a heavy coating of oil over the entire surface of the board. Allow the oil to soak in for about five minutes. If you are using food oil, then stand the board on its end. Allow the oil to run off and then, let the board air dry until it is completely dry. How to apply mineral oil to wood cutting boards Starting with a clean, dry board, coat the surface of the cutting board with mineral oil. Let the mineral oil soak into the wood grain up to fifteen minutes. Stand the board on its end and let the mineral oil run off. Buff the surface with a cotton cloth or allow the board to air dry. How to apply cutting board wax Start with a clean, dry cutting board. Dip the corner of a cloth into the cutting board wax. Apply the wax to the board in a small, circular motion. Push the wax into the surface using a firm pressure. Use a second cloth to remove excess wax and this time, fllow the wood-grain as you wipe.