Assuming you use wooden utensils, cutting boards, rolling pins or other wooden kitchenware, here’s a simple and fast way to care for them so they last for years.
Rub on food grade mineral oil, let it sit for at least 20 minutes and wipe off the excess.
Unsure whether your wooden kitchenware needs a mineral oil application? Sprinkle them with water. If the water absorbs into the wood, apply mineral oil. If the wood is especially dry, apply several coats, leaving time for each coat to dry.
Locally, you can find food grade mineral oil at Suffield Hardware and Home Depot.
Pour some food grade mineral oil on a lint-free cloth and apply, as I did with the spoon. Or pour it directly onto the wood, as I did with the cutting board. Then rub it in. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes – even overnight is fine – and remove the excess with a dry cloth.
Other tips:
Dos
- Wash your wooden kitchenware with mild soap and let them air dry before putting them away.
- Discard cracked wooden utensils. Cracks can hold food which can grow bacteria.
- To remove food stains and odors from wooden kitchenware, apply a baking soda and water paste and rub it in with half a lemon.
Don’ts
- Never put wooden kitchenware in the dishwasher. They’ll warp, crack or age prematurely.
- Never use food-based oils like vegetable or olive oil in place of food grade mineral oil. They stay sticky, can discolor your utensils and eventually turn rancid. Exceptions are linseed and walnut oil. They dry and won’t turn rancid, but can become sticky and darken utensils over time. Be mindful of nut allergies, too.