Anyone who spends any time in the kitchen would agree that one of items used the most would be a cutting board. If you value quality, you can understand how better quality wood, such as walnut cutting boards, can be preferred over cheaper, less durable materials such as plastic. By spending five minutes to oil and care for walnut cutting boards, you can make them last a lifetime. Below are a few simple and easy ways to care for your boards at home.
Homemade cutting board oil is simple to make and even easier to use. Regular oiling helps prevent the wood from any cracking or warping. You can use these oils once a week, once a month or a few times a year, depending on how frequent the board is used.
However, before carrying out any procedure, make sure that your walnut cutting board is always clean and dry before oiling.
Beeswax
With its super sealing qualities, beeswax is a great way to protect your board from future bacteria causing food borne illnesses. Simply melt the beeswax into a more spreadable consistency and evenly spread it over the board. Remove the excess and let it completely dry before using or washing.
Mineral Oil
For a simple DIY conditioning oil, use a food-grade mineral oil, which can be bought from most drug stores and pharmacies. With the help of a paper towel or a clean cloth, apply an even layer of mineral oil on your walnut cutting board and remove any excess. For the best results, leave the board to dry for a few hours or completely overnight to allow the oil to seep into the wood. You’ll start seeing a difference after the first use!
Beeswax and Mineral Oil Combination
Use this incredible combination to get the penetrating powers of mineral oil and the sealing qualities of beeswax. Make this simple mixture and store it at room temperature in a dry place to continuously use. To make this amazing combination, add 1/4 cup of beeswax and 1 cup of mineral oil to a saucepan. Stir over low heat till the beeswax dissolves and mixes into the mineral oil, continuing to stir every few hours to make sure it is consistently blended. Apply this homemade cutting board oil on your boards and rub in a circular motion till it’s absorbed as much as possible. Store the remaining mixture and reuse as needed.
Apart from applying these simple oil mixtures to your walnut cutting boards to keep them in great condition, you can also use other natural ingredients to help maintain your boards. Other natural ingredients that do wonders for your old cutting board includes coconut oil.
We recommend avoiding vegetable or nut-based oil due to their unpleasant smell. Remember to use vinegar, baking soda, lemon and salt to regularly disinfect and protect your boards from bacteria and to remove any unpleasant stains.
Tend to your walnut cutting boards regularly and enjoy using them for decades to come. Walnut wood is the most elegant and one of the highest quality woods to choose from for you cutting board. Make sure to check out our various model selection and contact us today for a free quote!
