Odie’s Oil is a popular, natural, food-safe finish that protects wood while enhancing its natural beauty. It penetrates deeply into the wood fibers, providing a durable and non-toxic surface for your charcuterie board. Here’s how to care for a charcuterie board finished with Odie’s Oil:
Initial Care
Curing Time: Odie’s Oil takes around 2-3 days to dry and can take up to 2 weeks to fully cure. During the curing time, it’s best to avoid prolonged exposure to water or heavy use. Light use is okay after a couple of days, but avoid washing the board until fully cured.
First Use: Once cured, your charcuterie board is ready for regular use. Odie’s Oil creates a water-resistant barrier, making the board easier to clean and maintain.
Daily Use & Cleaning
Hand Wash Only: Never submerge the board in water or put it in the dishwasher. Instead, hand wash the board with warm water and a mild dish soap. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently clean the surface.
Dry Immediately: After washing, dry the board immediately with a towel. Ensure it is completely dry before storing it to avoid any water damage.
Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Harsh scrubbing pads, steel wool, or chemical cleaners should be avoided as they can damage the wood and the Odie’s Oil finish.
Maintenance and Re-oiling
Regular Oiling: Although Odie’s Oil provides long-lasting protection, you may want to refresh the finish occasionally to maintain the board’s beauty. You can apply more Odie’s Oil as needed when the board begins to look dry or dull.
Re-oiling Process:
Clean and dry the board thoroughly.
Apply a small amount of Odie’s Oil with a clean cloth, spreading it evenly in a thin layer across the board.
Allow the oil to penetrate for about 30 minutes to an hour.
Buff off any excess oil with a soft, dry cloth. The surface should feel dry to the touch.
Handling Stains and Odors
Removing Stains: For light stains, sprinkle some baking soda or coarse salt on the stain and rub it with a cut lemon. Rinse with warm water and dry immediately. If needed, lightly sand the affected area with fine-grit sandpaper and reapply Odie’s Oil to restore the finish.
Dealing with Odors: To eliminate food odors, sprinkle baking soda on the surface and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before wiping it off and rinsing with warm water. Dry the board thoroughly afterward.
Avoiding Damage
Cutting Surface: Odie’s Oil provides a durable finish, but to preserve the board's appearance, it’s best to use it mainly for serving rather than cutting. If you do cut on it, expect some knife marks over time, and consider using one side for cutting and the other side for serving.
Heat Sensitivity: Avoid placing hot items like pots or pans directly on the charcuterie board, as heat can damage the finish and warp the wood.
Acidic Substances: Keep highly acidic foods or chemicals (such as vinegar or lemon juice) away from the board as they can degrade the oil finish over time.
Long-Term Care
Inspection: Periodically check your board for signs of wear, dryness, or fading. Apply Odie’s Oil as needed to maintain its protective barrier and beautiful finish.
Storage: Store the board in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes. Sunlight can cause the finish to fade, and excessive heat or moisture can cause the wood to warp.
Conclusion
By following these care instructions, your charcuterie board finished with Odie’s Oil will maintain its rich appearance and functionality for years to come. Proper cleaning, regular oiling, and gentle use will help preserve both the beauty of the wood and the effectiveness of the finish.