Care
Timber responds to its surroundings and benefits from occasional care. Cleaning, drying and oiling your Sands Made product correctly will help keep it in good condition over time.
Why timber needs care
Freshly cut timber contains a large amount of moisture. Before our products are made, the timber is dried to remove most of this moisture.
Even after it has been shaped into a finished product, timber continues to respond to changes in temperature and humidity. Excessive moisture, heat or dryness can cause movement, distortion or cracking. A stable environment and regular care will help the timber retain its shape and strength.
Product finishes
The correct care method depends on the finish applied to your product. Sands Made products are generally finished with either coconut oil or food-safe polyurethane. Check the finish listed on the relevant product page before cleaning or treating your product.
An oil finish allows timber to absorb and release moisture gradually. This makes it suitable for products such as our Cheese Paddle range, which can be used for serving and cutting food.
Polyurethane is used on delicate or decorative pieces that may otherwise stain or mark easily. These products require less ongoing maintenance than oil-finished timber.
Choosing an oil
We primarily use Spiral Foods Organic Coconut Oil.
Oil-finished products need to be re-oiled periodically. Avoid common cooking oils such as olive or vegetable oil, as they can become rancid after soaking into the timber.
Mineral oil is a suitable non-oxidising treatment, although we generally use coconut oil for our oiled products because it is:
- resistant to becoming rancid
- food-safe
- colourless and odourless
- easy to apply
- readily available
We primarily use Spiral Foods Organic Coconut Oil, which is available from many Australian supermarkets and health-food stores. An unbranded coconut oil can also be used.
Other oils we have used include:
- walnut oil
- Gilly Stephenson’s Orange Oil
- tung oil
- linseed oil
Some tung and linseed oil products contain added drying agents. For items used with food, check that the oil is suitable for food-contact surfaces and contains no unsuitable additives.
Cleaning
Unless your product is specifically marked as dishwasher-safe, do not place it in a dishwasher. The combination of heat, moisture and detergent can damage most wooden products.
Clean wooden boards with a gentle detergent, or with lemon and salt. Do not leave the board submerged in water, as the timber can absorb excess moisture and swell.
After cleaning, dry the board on its edge in a well-ventilated area, away from extreme heat or cold.
To treat stains or odours, spread a generous amount of salt and lemon over the affected area and leave it for five minutes. Rub the surface with a clean, damp sponge or paper towel. Remove the mixture with a flat-edged scraper, wipe the board with a clean cloth and allow it to air-dry overnight.
Applying oil
Make sure the product is clean and completely dry before applying oil.
For liquid oils, apply a generous, even coating and rub it into the timber with a clean cloth. Leave the product in a well-ventilated area for 3 to 12 hours, then remove any excess oil with another clean cloth.
Coconut oil melts at approximately 24°C, so its consistency will vary with the temperature. When solid, warm the oil gently until it becomes easy to spread before applying it to the timber.
Use thicker oils, such as tung oil, sparingly. Applying too much can leave the surface feeling tacky.
Our boards are thoroughly oiled before sale but will require further oiling with use.
How often should timber be oiled?
Our oil-finished products are thoroughly oiled before sale. We recommend cleaning and oiling the product before its first use.
The surface may feel slightly rough after its first wash. This is normal and will settle with use and further oiling. Allow the timber to dry completely before applying another coat.
How often a product needs oil depends on the timber, climate and frequency of use. The following schedule is a general guide:
| 1 to 2 months old | Oil every two weeks |
| 2 to 6 months old | Oil once a month |
| 6 to 24 months old | Oil every three months |
| More than 24 months old | Oil every four to six months |