Butcher’s block oil is a food-safe, non-toxic, and colorless mineral oil (often combined with Vitamin E) designed to nourish, seal, and protect wooden surfaces like cutting boards, countertops, and utensils. It penetrates deep into the wood grain to prevent drying, cracking, and water damage.
Butcher Block Oil is a maintenance product that should be reapplied over time. It has a lovely matte finish that soaks into the wood and is an excellent protectant for wood surfaces that come in contact with food. Simply wipe on, allow 5 minutes to penetrate and wipe off the excess.
Its properties prevent water absorption, which makes FDA approved food-grade mineral oil a popular choice for wooden kitchen items such as wooden spoons, bowls, and, of course, cutting boards and butcher blocks.
Oiling your butcher block keeps the wood supple and moisturized. Think of it like your skin: the more it's exposed to the elements (water), the more it becomes scaly and dry, eventually leading to cracking and splitting.
To properly oil new wood surfaces, apply at least 2 coats and let each coat soak in for at least an hour. For thick surfaces apply 3-4 coats. Additional coats help ensure that the oil fully soaks into the wood. After Cutting Board Oil, maintain wood with Howard Butcher Block Conditioner.
Butcher Block Conditioner Product Info Short / How To
What is the 7 rule for butcher block?
The “rule of 7” for butcher block refers to the finishing process that ensures a durable and long-lasting surface. According to this rule, you need to apply a mineral or alternative oil in a series of 7: once a day for 7 days, once a week for 7 months, and then once a month for 7 months.
Only use oils that are edible and tasteless on your board. Be careful of nut-based oils which may cause an allergic reaction in people who have allergies to nuts or nut products. NEVER use vegetable, coconut, or olive oil as butcher block/cutting board care! Organic oils contain fats which may turn rancid over time.
If you are worried about marks or would like to use your item for food, you can seal it yourself at home. It's super easy. To do this you can use either olive oil or beeswax. Please be aware that adding olive oil, beeswax or coconut oil will change the colour of your piece and the overall aesthetic.
After cleaning and drying the block, I apply the oil first and allow it to sit overnight, then wipe off the excess. Then I allow the oil to cure for a day or two until it has hardened completely, and there is no sticky oily feeling when I touch th e board.
However, make sure you don't use baby oil on wooden surfaces that touch food, such as butcher block or cutting boards. Unlike mineral oil, baby oil is not food-grade; plus, it contains fragrances.
Food grade mineral oil is the most recommended and widely used oil for boards and blocks. It's non-toxic. It's safe, colorless, odorless, and flavorless.
When to use each oil: Tung Oil vs Danish Oil. As mentioned before there is no instance where one oil is better than the other. But there are two areas where the oils differ. Tung Oil dries to a matt finish vs Danish Oils satin / semi-gloss finish and Tung Oil is 100% natural.
Remember: You should not use any type of cooking oil on your board such as olive oil, vegetable oil, or regular coconut oil because they will go rancid. Also, keep in mind that excess moisture is bad for wood. Never soak your cutting board or let it sit in water for a long period.
Butcher block offers convenience in terms of food preparation, typically comes with lower costs, and can easily be restored or replaced. On the other hand, granite is generally more durable than wood, doesn't require as much maintenance, and is more resistant to water and heat.
Placing hot pots and pans directly on the butcher block surface is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make. It is also one of the most problematic. The hot items can burn and even crack the wood, leaving permanent damage, in most cases.
Oiling, however, keeps wood and bamboo from drying out. If you regularly oil your butcher block and let them air dry after washing, it will help prevent your boards from warping. Oiling your wood boards prevents dryness, cracking, mold and warping, and on top of all that, it also adds a beautiful finish to your board.
If excess oil is not wiped completely off the surface in the recommended timeframe, it can leave a residue on the surface which may appear uneven or inconsistent and / or have a tacky or sticky feel.
Linseed oil is the best option to protect natural wood that is neither varnished nor previously stripped of other coatings. This oil is used to coat wood and protect it from the effects of deteriorating agents. It's extremely easy to use and dries rapidly.
Natural oils for waterproofing wood include linseed oil and tung oil oil as well as Danish oil. Danish oil is a blend of tung oil and varnishes. Oils can be brushed on or wiped on with a cloth. They have a short re-coat time and are usually ready to be touched soon after.
Can you use olive oil instead of butcher block oil?
Olive oil is an extremely versatile type of cooking oil and can be used for anything from baking to frying to sautéing. When recipes call for the use of either butter or any other type of refined oil, such as vegetable oil, we highly recommend substituting this for olive oil instead.
Yes it will go rancid. It is a bad idea for a finish. It doesn't polymerize like other oils do and it is susceptible to being attacked by bacteria, unlike mineral oil. You also can't remove it as it sinks into the wood.
Mineral Oil protects and conditions wooden cutting boards, bamboo cutting boards, and butcher blocks to help increase its longevity. It works its way into the board and hydrates it, which helps prevent it from drying out and cracking over time.
