Caring for Your Wood
Make Your Heirloom Wood Last Generations:
- You can improve woods' lustre and protect them by oiling them with
- mineral oil and/ or
- beeswax (both are *nontoxic AND * won't go rancid)
- Any time your beautiful wood * feels dry to the touch, or
- looks dusty, or
- you feel the grain (feels less smooth, when your fingers catch the natural ridges a little, & they begin to feel a bit rough)
- it's time to oil your wood again
- the 'old school' recommendation was once a week for the first month, once a month for the first year-- but we find your eyes + hands are your best gauge for when your wood needs oil.
- Your best tool to oil your wood is your hands--
- unlike cloths, your hands won't absorb so much oil, and
- they will get nicely moisturized in the process
- Wood is absorbent -- like a paper towel, it 'wicks' moisture along its length. Oil fills these gaps and keeps water from getting in.
Care and Use tips:
- Well cared-for, your wood will be an heirloom for generations.
- Re-apply mineral oil and/ or beeswax any time your wood looks dry or dusty.
- Your hands will be your best gauge of when your wood needs oil-- any time you feel it roughen, a little mineral oil or beeswax will help.
- We recommend using only a little water and - when necessary - a small amount of mild unscented soap to clean your wood,
- Then hand dry promptly.
- Your wood does not do well in the dishwasher.
- Always rinse + promptly dry your wood...
- Never let your wood sit with water -- or salad dressing or other liquids - on it....
- turn wood sideways or upside-down if you're heading to bed after entertaining...
- that way moisture won't get in it and start or expand a crack..
- turn wooden boards sideways and
- flip salad bowls upside-down to dry after using.
- Here's to heirlooms to love for generations.