Applying paint and varnish is quite simple. We just apply it with a brush and let it dry. But using mineral oil may not be that easy if you haven’t dealt with it before. Here’s how mineral oil can be applied to wooden surfaces.
Before applying any substance to the wood, it is worth cleaning it very well. After washing them with soap, you can scrub them with lemon juice and salt to remove any residue. Then let the wood dry.
How to use mineral oil for wood? – step by step
Step 1: Apply oil
Using a clean, soft cloth, spread the oil evenly over the wood. You can gently rub as if you are washing delicate tableware. However, you don’t want to interrupt the process too much. You should just add mineral oil.
Step 2: Let it absorb
Allow the oil to absorb for at least a few hours. If you have the time, it’s a good idea to let it work all night. This will give the mineral oil enough time to penetrate the pores and coat them, which is half the reason for using mineral oil in the first place.
Step 3: Remove excess and buff
After waking up, you can remove any excess or pooling oil with a dry cloth. Then, using the same cloth, unless it is soaked, polish the wood in small circles. It should start to shine but still be slightly moist.
How often should you use mineral oil for wood?
It depends on what the wood is used for and how often it is used. Regular oiling at least once a month is recommended for cutting boards and wooden utensils. However, it all depends on how often you use them. The easiest way to know how often to oil your wood is to watch it. When the surface begins to fade and becomes dry, you can reapply the oil. Sometimes it’s once a year, other times it’s once a week.
Other uses of mineral oil in the home
- Creaking floors – what better way to get rid of creaking floors than with oil? Mineral oil is great for eliminating creaking floors. Just pour some of it on the affected area and wipe the excess after it is absorbed.
- WD-40 replacement – can be used as WD-40 in many cases. The most common use is to get rid of creaking doors that wake up family members and give them headaches. Just pour oil on the hinges and enjoy the lack of creaking.
- Tool protection – can be used on both metal and wooden tools to prevent them from rotting or rusting. You can even apply a thick layer if you plan to store them for a long time.
- Cleaning kitchen knives – can protect knives from moisture. Why? Because water and oil do not mix. Because mineral oil is safe to use in any case, it is the ideal oil to protect your knives from rust or grinding stones.
- Steel polishing – can be used to polish stainless steel. Yes, that means no more expensive metal cleaners to buy as mineral oil can do the same job for a fraction of the price.
- Linoleum polishing – can be used to polish linoleum floors and countertops. However, be careful and remove excess oil from the floors as it can present a serious slip hazard. This is not recommended for the elderly or children.
Summary
Mineral oil is a harmless substance when used on wood. While it may not be as strong as polish, it’s a good option if you’re looking for something more natural and harmless, even in its raw form. It can be a salvation for cutting boards, which easily accumulate bacteria, and wooden furniture, which needs to be refreshed from time to time. It’s also great for furniture where the paint just won’t stick. If you still have doubts, you can be sure that mineral oil is not permanent. It can be easily rinsed off at any time and will self-disappear over time. Therefore, using it can be a safe experiment or a lasting journey.
