Care Instructions

I use a variety of finishes on my bowls, platters, hollow forms, cutting boards and puzzles but caring for them is the same. My pieces should be oiled if they look dull or dry. Usually once or twice a year for display pieces, once a month or so for bowls and cutting boards in daily use. Wipe on a small amount of oil, working it into the surface. When you have oiled the entire piece, use a soft, dry cotton cloth to polish dry. Cloth baby diapers work great but any cotton cloth will do. I use white shop paper towels too (not the blue ones). They are thicker and stronger than household paper towels.

Always start by wiping with a damp cloth and polishing dry.  For food use, wash with a soapy cloth, rinse and polish dry.  Never immerse any of these pieces in water.  Never wash in the dishwasher (yes, people have done it!).  For food safe items, if the finish looks dull, wipe with walnut oil or mineral oil (mineral oil is cheap and food safe but does not dry and always feels oily).  For non-food contact pieces, wipe on Danish oil (Watco or Minwax for example) then polish dry.  Oily rags should be disposed of properly. Follow the instructions on the package of the product you have chosen to use to carefully dispose of the oily rags.

Oil several times a year, as needed (you cannot over-oil if you polish dry).

Stephen Sanders

www.sanderswoodworking.net

704-326-1709