butchers block chopping board

[kia cat]

we've been given one of these. It's bare wood [i.e. untreated] it still feels rough when wiped over with a cloth. Is it worth treating it with oil? sunflower or veggie to try to seal it? or just a gentle sanding with flour or crocus grade glasspaper?

[woofgang]

keep it for an ornament and get some synthetic ones that will go in the dishwasher/hot wash/bleach!!!

[RATTER15]

I agree with woofgang or give it to me so I can cut up my dogs joints of meat on it :-)

[Mamyalynne]

I have one, just a gentle sand and a regular oiling (veg or sunflower is fine) I only use mine for cutting bread and prepping sandwiches , never for raw meat etc.

[Clanad]

Aww... come on... if you take care of it your wooden cutting board willprovide years of trouble free srvice. Simply wash it with soap and water after each use (you do the same thing for your acrylic ones, no?) but don't submerge it in water. After througly dying it, wipe it down with a paper towel soaked in plain white (3%) vinegar followed by a quick wipe with hydrogen peroxide. Season the new board and keep it sealed with plain food quality mineral oil. Don't use vegetable oils since they are unstable and will become rancid in a short time. There are commercially avaialbe butcher block oils but they're expensive and primarily contain the aforementioned mineral oil...
We'v got one that stands in the kitchen and has been handed down for abot 125 ears...

[woofgang]

Clanad i shove mine in the dishwasher...job done :-)

[pastafreak]

I think it was shown a few years ago that those plastic ones can harbour more germs than traditional wood ones.

[woofgang]

yes indeed if you don't hot wash them

[kia cat]

thanks all, so going from Clanad's tips, what is the UK version of "mineral oil" please?