When it comes to maintaining your kitchen tools, especially cutting boards, choosing the right oil is crucial. Unfortunately, many commercial cutting board oils on the market are mineral oils, which are petroleum-derived and not something I want anywhere near my food preparation surfaces. Mineral oil may be widely available, but it’s far from the most natural or safest option for your health.
In this post, I’m going to show you how to make your own non-toxic cutting board oil blend that’s both effective and safe for your home. Forget about the petroleum-based sludge—let's use something natural and wholesome for your cutting board care!
Why I Don't Use Petroleum-Based Oils for Cutting Boards
Petroleum-based oils, like mineral oil, are commonly used on wooden kitchen tools, but they come with hidden risks. As a byproduct of crude oil, mineral oil may be surface-safe but isn’t ideal for anything that comes into contact with your food.
After four years of living animal-based, I’ve made it a priority to avoid toxic oils in both my diet and my kitchen. Instead, I choose high-quality animal fats or occasional olive and coconut oils for cooking and caring for my cutting boards. Not only are these free from harmful additives that can leach into food, but they’re also better for your overall health.
For cutting board care, I’ve found a natural solution: MCT oil combined with beeswax. This alternative is not only safer but also more sustainable and eco-friendly than petroleum-based products.
Ready to clean up your other kitchen habits and embrace healthier choices? Check out my Animal-Based Beginner’s Guide—it’s packed with practical tips to help you get started!
Here's why this combination works wonders:
The Power of MCT Oil and Beeswax: A Natural, Effective Duo
MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil):
MCT oil is derived from coconut oil but is refined to strip away the long-chain fatty acids. This process results in an oil that’s stable, resistant to oxidation, and less likely to go rancid compared to regular coconut or olive oil. This makes MCT oil an excellent choice for treating cutting boards, as it won’t spoil over time. Additionally, it’s easy to absorb into the wood, leaving your cutting board conditioned without a greasy residue.
Beeswax:
Beeswax is a natural protective coating that creates a water-resistant barrier on your cutting board. It helps seal the wood, preventing moisture damage and warping, a common issue with wooden kitchen tools. Beeswax also provides a smooth, non-greasy finish, ensuring that your board looks beautiful and feels silky to the touch without any oily residue. Plus, it gives your cutting board a pleasant, natural scent!
Why This Blend is Better Than Commercial Alternatives
Commercial cutting board oils often contain hidden additives or ingredients that you can’t pronounce. These can affect the safety of the oil, and in many cases, can lead to chemical buildup over time. Using natural oils like MCT oil and beeswax ensures that you’re applying nothing but pure, nourishing ingredients to your cutting boards.
This blend not only conditions the wood but also protects it from the elements, helping your cutting board last longer without the need for toxic chemicals. So if you want a healthier, greener alternative to traditional cutting board oils, this DIY oil blend is exactly what you need.
DIY Non-Toxic Cutting Board Oil Recipe
Making your own cutting board oil is simple and cost-effective. Plus, it’s free from harmful chemicals and provides a nourishing, protective layer to keep your boards in top shape.
Ingredients:
Beeswax: 1 part (e.g., 1 ounce)
MCT Oil (Fractionated Coconut Oil): 4 parts (e.g., 4 ounces)
Tools:
Double boiler or heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water
Stirring utensil (wooden stick or metal spoon)
Measuring cup or scale
Heatproof container or small jars for storage
Instructions:
1. Set Up a Double Boiler
Fill a pot with about 1-2 inches of water and place a heatproof bowl on top. Heat the water over medium-low heat, creating gentle steam. Do not let it boil.
2. Melt the Beeswax
Add the beeswax to the bowl and allow it to melt slowly, stirring occasionally. Beeswax has a melting point of around 145°F (63°C), so keep an eye on it as it melts.
3. Add MCT Oil
Once the beeswax has fully melted, add the MCT oil. Stir well until the mixture becomes completely liquid and uniform.
4. Cool and Transfer
Remove the bowl from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly, but do not let it solidify. Pour the oil blend into your clean, dry containers or jars for storage.
5. Let It Set
Allow the mixture to fully solidify at room temperature. This may take a few hours, depending on the ambient temperature.
How to Use Your DIY Cutting Board Oil:
Once your oil blend has set, it’s time to give your cutting board the care it deserves.
1. Scoop a small amount of oil onto a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.
2. Rub it into your cutting board in the direction of the wood grain, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
3. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight to absorb fully into the wood.
4. Wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. Your cutting board should now have a beautifully nourished, water-resistant finish!
Benefits of Using This Natural Cutting Board Oil Blend:
Non-toxic & natural: Free from petroleum-based ingredients and additives.
Moisture-resistant: Protects against swelling, cracking, and warping.
Long-lasting: Prevents oxidation, extending the lifespan of your cutting board.
Easy to make: Only requires two simple ingredients!
Eco-friendly: Made with sustainable, renewable materials.
Maintaining your cutting boards doesn’t need to involve harmful chemicals or petroleum-based oils. By creating your own non-toxic cutting board oil using MCT oil and beeswax, you’re making a healthier choice for your kitchen and the planet. This blend conditions and protects your cutting boards naturally, leaving them looking great and extending their lifespan.
So, say goodbye to petroleum-based sludge and hello to a natural, sustainable solution for your wooden kitchen tools. Give it a try today—your cutting boards (and the environment) will thank you!
