When we began making spoons in 1992, we researched utensil and cutting board makers around the world. We found most large manufacturers of cutting boards, rolling pins, wooden spoons and utensils sell them unfinished. Smaller spoon makers use a variety of oils, all of which we ruled out for various reasons. Vegetable, olive, peanut and walnut oils can become rancid, build up on the surface and/or leave an odor or taste that can affect delicate foods. Originally we used plain mineral oil, which is food-safe and brings out the wood's natural color but provides little moisture resistance. After just a few washings the wood becomes dull and dry.
Since Bob had been a beekeeper he was familiar with beeswax which is naturally food-safe. Blended with mineral oil, it did wonders for our new hard maple spoons. Not only did it penetrate into the wood and leave a beautiful sheen, but even after numerous washings, the spoons still looked good. We use Spoon Oil on all of our products. Even if you don't use wooden spoons, you may have butcher blocks, cutting boards, salad bowls or knife handles that you want to protect. Spoon Oil greatly improves the look of wooden kitchen wares but, more importantly, it helps protect both new and used woodenwares from drying and cracking.
Many of you have beautiful hand made cutting boards and wooden spoons passed down from previous generations or treasured kitchen items made by teenage sons and daughters in shop class. Spoon Oil is the answer to preserving them to last through the next generation.
Included in every Spoon Oil Care Kit is a Buffing Pad which smoothes rough or "fuzzy" wood, which naturally occurs when new wood is exposed to moisture. One of our customers bought an expensive rolling pin from a kitchen store, but when she took it home and washed it, was disappointed to find it "felt like a porcupine" and couldn't be used as it was. Even our smoothly buffed Wood 'N Wares spoons will become slightly fuzzy after the first few washings. The Buffing Pad included in our Care Kits solves the problem. It easily buffs away any roughness. You can rub as hard as you like--with the grain or across the grain--and it will not scratch. Note, it will not remove cut marks made by sharp knives--you would use sandpaper for that--but it will smoothe fuzzy wood to like-new or better condition.
Also included in a Spoon Oil Care Kit is "Woodenware Care Tips" with information on sanitizing any wooden kitchen utensils and boards you may be concerned about. Spoon Oil does not have to be applied after each use--only when the wood looks dull and dry.
We're often asked if Spoon Oil can be used for furniture or cabinets. We do not recommend it because it doesn't "cure" like a varnish, wax or polish that is made specifically for furniture. What this means is that if you lay paper or cloth on a surface recently treated with Spoon Oil the paper or cloth will absorb some of the oil from the wood.
The most important tip for all woodenwares is to keep them out of the dishwasher or from soaking overlong in water. Too much water causes wood to swell. When it dries, it shrinks and may crack or warp no matter how much oil is in it.
