QUICK READ SUMMARY
-It's very important to oil your cutting board, butcher block or wood countertop. This blog discusses cutting boards and butcher blocks specifically but it all applies to butcher blocks and wood countertops.
-Mineral oil is what most people use but it is NOT a good choice. It is made from petroleum and is not good for you or the planet. Even "food grade mineral oil" or "FDA Food Safe" mineral oil is derived from petroleum.
-Mineral oil does not seal the cutting board or butcher block and can allow meat/food juices into the wood creating a toxic environment for bacteria and mold.
-ONLY use plant based curing oils. They are the only types of cutting board or butcher block oil we recommend. Curing oils are oils like Tung oil and Walnut oil. Use some caution if using walnut oil as it is made from nuts.
-Curing oils will seal the wood and help resist any bacteria or mold growth caused by "juices" leaching into the wood and causing bacterial growth.
-Curing oils are difficult to work with so choose a cutting board or butcher block oil that is formulated for ease of use and contains a conditioner. Ensure that what you choose is FDA Food Safe. FDA Food Safe means that it complies with FDA requirements for direct food contact.
-Conditioners help extend the life of the wood. Do not use things like olive oil or corn oil. These will go rancid. Choose a cutting board or butcher block sealer and conditioner combo product. One that contains a curing oil and a conditioning oil like refined coconut oil. It must be FDA food safe (direct food contact safe).
-A curing oil and conditioner cutting board oil can be used to rejuvenate older cutting boards and well as protect new one.
Is Your Cutting Board Or Butcher Block Toxic?
There's nothing worse than cutting yourself and then discovering that your cutting board is full of harmful toxins. By following these easy steps, you'll be able to oil your cutting board and butcher block to ensure that you and your family are safe while you're cutting food. Not only will oiling your cutting board help prevent dangerous bacteria growth, it also has a host of other benefits like preventing food from sticking to the board, making it easier to clean, and preserving the wood's natural oils. So what are you waiting for? Follow these steps and oil your cutting board today!
Types Of Toxicity
When it comes to cutting boards, there are different types of toxicity that can affect your health. One of the most common is food-related toxicity, which arises from eating food residue or fat on the board. In order to avoid any toxins, it's important to oil your board every time you use it and make sure the oil you use is plant-based. To clean your cutting board properly, use a cutting board cleaner made out of organic ingredients only - this way you're protecting yourself against toxic petroleum-based products as well as harmful bacteria and viruses.
What is “oiling” a cutting board?
A clean, oiled and sealed cutting board is essential for keeping your kitchen clean and infection-free. In this ultimate guide, we will teach you everything you need to know about oiling a cutting board. We will discuss the different types of oils available, the benefits of oiling a cutting board, and how to clean it after oiling. We will also provide tips on how to keep your kitchen clean and infection-free, by always using an oiled cutting board!
How often should you oil your cutting board?
A cutting board is one of the most-used kitchen utensils, and for good reason. It can help you make perfectly-shaped cuts with food, and prevent food from sticking to the board. As a result, it's important to oil your cutting board on a regular basis to keep it in good condition. There are many cutting board oils available that are compatible with cutting all wooden boards, so choose the one that's right for your kitchen décor. Additionally, oiling will also help to prevent food from sticking to the board, making it easier to clean. So, oil up your cutting board, and get ready to make some delicious and beautiful food! Remember to oil your wooden utensils too. If using a petroleum based cutting board oil like mineral oil you will need to oil it every 2-4 weeks. If using a cutting board oil that is both a sealer and conditioner, you will only need to apply every 1-3 years depending on the age of the wood.
Benefits of oiling a cutting board
A cutting board is one of the most-used kitchen utensils. It's essential for cutting food, and oiling it can help make the job a lot easier. Not to mention, it helps to prevent food from sticking and makes it easier to clean. Oiling a cutting board also helps to prevent juices from meats from penetrating the wood and creating toxic bacteria. In addition, oiling a cutting board can prolong its life, making it less likely to be damaged in the future. So, what are the benefits of oiling a cutting board? There are many types of oils available, so find one that suits your needs best. Apply oil using a cloth or an old towel - not your hands! And if using a curing oil such as tung oil as your board oil always wash out the rags and lay outside flat to dry.
How much oil to use
If you're like most people, you probably oil your cutting board at least once a week. But how much cutting board oil should you use? The answer may surprise you - it depends on your kitchen and the type of oil you're using. A little oil goes a long way with most cutting board oils, so start with a small amount and test it out on your cutting board before using it for the first time. If you're looking to keep other areas of your house looking shiny and new, try using oil on wooden countertops and furniture too! It'll not only keep them looking clean and fresh, but it'll also help protect them from food stains and other damage. Do not use cutting board oils as furniture polish, however.
How to apply oil to the cutting board
Keeping your cutting board oil-free is key to preventing food-borne illnesses. Not to mention, cutting board oil can make your food preparation a lot easier. Here's how to oil a cutting board like a pro: 1. Clean the surface of the cutting board with soap and water. 2. Apply your choice of cutting board oil. 3. Wipe off excess oil before use and store in a dry place for future use. 4. If you're using a mineral oil-based cutting board oil, it is important to treat your cutting board every week or two. 5. If you're using a plant-based curing oil, it is important to treat your cutting board yearly.
Different types of oils
Keeping your cutting board clean and oiled is crucial for preventing food-borne illnesses. There are a variety of oils you can use on your board - vegetable, mineral and curing oils are the most widely used. To determine which oil is best for the task at hand, read the labels. Store your oil in a cool and dry place so it lasts longer. Finally, keep a cutting board brush nearby to clean off any food particles left on the board. Now go ahead and oil up - your board and kitchen will thank you!
Petroleum Based Oils
If you're looking for a cutting board oil that's gentle on your knife and won't damage your wood, choose an oil made from petroleum. There are many different types of oils to choose from- some good for food preparation while others are better for specific tasks like cutting boards. Make sure to read the ingredients list carefully- some oils contain harmful chemicals that can cause problems if they get into contact with food or water. Furthermore, it's important to keep in mind the properties of each oil before using it- olive oil is great as a moisturizer but bad when used on a cutting board because it will take on water and make the board slippery.
Vegetable Based Oils
Vegetable oils should not be used on cutting boards as they can go bad and cause sickness. Canola oil is a good choice for baking as it has a neutral flavor and light texture. Coconut oil is high in MUFA's (monounsaturated fatty acids) which make it ideal for skin care products- especially if you have dry skin.
Curing Oils
Curing oils are a necessary part of any woodworking project. They provide the protective layer that seals the wood and helps it resist water damage. There are three main types of curing oil - linseed, tung oil and walnut oil. Linseed oil offers the least protection but is OK if you are in a bind. Tung oil is good for sealing, waterproofing adding a bit of a sheen to the board; while walnut oil provides a delicate smell to boards and just OK protection but better than linseed oil. Our favorite is Tung oil based sealers. Tung oil is very difficult to work with and so we recommend choosing a tung oil based cutting board oil that is formulated to provide ease of application. It is also important to condition your cutting board. Conditioning a cutting board prior to sealing it will help extend the life of your cutting board for decades. Do not condition with vegetable oils like olive or corn oil. These can turn rancid. Instead use a cutting board oil that is combines a conditioner and the sealer. That will save you money and time.
Our favorite and what we believe to be the best cutting board oil and butcher block oil is made by Seal It Green and is called Wood Master’s Secret.
Maintenance tips for oiled cutting boards
A well-oiled cutting board is essential for your food safety. Follow these easy-to-follow maintenance tips to keep your cutting board in top condition: - Apply oil to a clean, dry surface - Wipe off excess with a cloth or paper towel - Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives - Always rinse off the board prior to use. ALWAYS rinse cloth or paper towels with water and soap and lay outside flat to dry. If using a curing oil like Wood Master's Secret you should apply the oil every 1-3 years. If using mineral oil, the cutting board needs to be oiled every couple of weeks. Failure to weekly apply mineral oil can create an environment for bacterial growth. Always rinse off the cutting board well before use. Especially if using mineral oil as it is derived from petroleum and so is not good for your health.
Food-Safe Wood Utensil and Cutting Board Oil With All-Natural Ingredients
Cutting board oil should be a natural product that can be used to keep wood utensil and cutting boards from cracking, swelling and from allowing food juice to enter the boards and creating bacteria. WoodMaster's Secret utensil oil contains no chemicals, toxins or alcohols. The ingredients are all-natural and contain essential oils like tea tree, citrus oil and curing oils. Utensils treated with any food safe oils should be allowed to cure for 24 hours and be rinsed well prior to use. It is best to use drying oils such as tung oil. Drying oils use oxygen to cure and bond to wood fibers so there is no risk of it contaminating your food. Even if it were possible, curing or drying oils such as tung oil is plant base not non toxic. Most plant based drying oils are food-grade which means that they can be used on food prep surfaces. Never use "food-grade" oils, drying oils, curing oils or plant based oils in food unless specifically advertised for ingestion.
Wax For Cutting Boards Or Butcher Blocks
Oiling a board with wax is generally not a good idea. Waxes, like beeswax, stay on the surface and do not penetrate the surface. Beeswax for cutting boards or butchers blocks is OK for decorative boards or decorative wooden spoons. Oiling a board to ensure it lasts and protects the surface from food juices creating bacteria is ideal with a curing oil such as tung oil. Tung oil can be difficult to use so choose a cutting board oil that has pure tung oil in it but formulated for ease of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should cutting boards be oiled?
Yes, cutting boards should be oiled to prevent them from cracking, warping or splitting. Cracked boards absorb all types of food juices which can grow bacteria.
What are the best oils to use on a cutting board?
When it comes to using cutting boards, many people swear by using olive oil. However, olive oil will go rancid and should not be used on a regular basis - it is best to use it as a seasoning or for finishing off dishes. Coconut oil is also a common choice for many, as it does wonders in terms of conditioning the wood and also helps to keep food from sticking to the board. A blend of curing oil and coconut oil offers the best all-around protection for your cutting board.
How often should I oil my cutting board?
It is important to oil your cutting board evey 1-3 years (every year is ideal) if you are using a curing oil, or nearly weekly if you are using a petroleum-based oil like mineral oil. Some other benefits of oiling your cutting board include preventing bacteria growth, reducing Board Scarring, and enhancing food Cutting Performance. For cutting boards made out of different types of wood, you may need to apply a different type of oil- typically a cutting board oil that is specifically made for wood.
What are some of the dangers of using untreated wood on a cutting board?
There are a few dangers of using untreated wood on cutting boards. One is that untreated wooden boards can allow animal fat and blood to enter the board, creating a toxic environment. This can cause respiratory problems, skin rashes, and other health issues. Additionally, untreated cutting boards can also allow oils and juice from plants into the wood, which can cause them to go rancid or moldy over time. This can produce dangerous smells and harmful toxins.
Can mineral oil be used as an alternative to vegetable oils when it comes to oiling boards?
Mineral oil is not a good choice as an oiling board oil. It is made from petroleum and is toxic, which means it will damage the planet and harm your health. Additionally, mineral oil requires replication every week or two to be effective, so it's not a long-term solution. Furthermore, mineral oil will not help prevent bacteria growth, which means it can allow meat juices and food juices to enter the wood creating a breeding ground for bacteria. We recommend only plant based curing oils such as tung oil. Tung oil by itself is difficult to work with so choose one formulated for easy application. Wood Master's Secrete meets all the criteria in this blog.
Why is it important to oil a cutting board?
It's important to oil a cutting board because it will reduce the amount of bacteria and food-borne illnesses that may occur. Furthermore, it keeps the board from warping, prevents it from becoming slippery when wet, and adds a layer of protection against oxidation. As discussed earlier in the blog, only use plant base, zero VOC non mineral oil (made from petroleum) cutting board oils. Since the sealer will come into contact with food, you want to use a non toxic, FDA Food Safe sealer.
Is mineral oil FDA Food Safe?
The FDA does not issue "approvals" for things like cutting board or butcher block oils. What they do is provide a list of ingredients that are "generally known as safe" for a particular use. For cutting board/butcher block oils, they do list mineral oil as "food contact safe" or "food prep surface safe." However, because mineral oil is made from petroleum we choose not to use it on anything that will come in contact with food.
What is the best food-safe cutting board oil?
The best food-safe cutting board or butcher block oil is Woodmaster's Secret. It contains pure tung oil formulated for ease of application. It lasts 4-10 times longer than mineral oil and contains refined coconut oil which conditions the wood and then the tung oil seals the wood. You should always ensure what ever product you choose contains both a conditioner and sealer. Butcher block conditioners will also work on cutting boards. Make sure however, whatever butcher block conditioner you use also contains a sealer.
Conclusion
Do you oil your cutting board? If not, you should! Not only is oiling a cutting board a healthy habit, but it also has a number of benefits. Not to mention, it can make your food preparation a lot more enjoyable. In this blog, we have outlined everything you need to know about oiling a cutting board and how often to do it. Make sure to check out the maintenance tips too, as they will help keep your board in good condition. Have any questions or comments? We would love to hear from you! And for transparency, we are definitely a bit biased towards Wood Master’s secret. Why? We invented it because there were no good non-toxic, plant based cutting board oil or butcher block oils.