Woodenware Care Guide

Wayne & Phyllis's Homestead Recipe

Homemade Board Butter Recipe

Board butter seals the porous wood grain, repels moisture, and gives cutting boards a rich satin luster. You can buy 4 oz tins directly from us, or make it at home using Wayne & Phyllis’s exact recipe:

Ingredients:

4 Parts: Pure Food-Grade Mineral Oil (or organic walnut oil)
1 Part: Raw Unrefined Beeswax (grated or yellow pellets)
Optional: 3-4 drops of pure organic lemon essential oil

Preparation Steps:

Melt beeswax pellets in a double boiler over low heat.
Stir in food-grade mineral oil slowly until fully combined into a golden liquid.
Pour into clean tin containers and let cool at room temperature into a smooth paste.

Applying Board Butter

1. Clean & Dry: Ensure board or bowl is thoroughly washed and completely air-dried.

2. Apply Generously: Use a clean microfiber cloth or clean hands to scoop a dollar-sized paste onto the wood surface.

3. Rub in Circular Motion: Rub butter deep into the grain across all sides, top, and bottom.

4. Let Rest & Buff: Allow oil to soak into wood fibers for 20–30 minutes, then buff off excess wax with a soft dry cloth.

Golden Rules

Do's & Don'ts of Handcrafted Wood

✅ ALWAYS DO

Hand wash with warm water and mild soap immediately after use.
Dry immediately with a clean towel.
Stand board vertically on edge to air dry evenly.
Re-apply board butter every 3–4 weeks.
Use lemon juice and coarse salt to remove garlic or onion odors naturally.

❌ NEVER DO

NEVER wash in an automatic dishwasher.
NEVER soak or submerge in a sink full of water.
NEVER use vegetable oil or olive oil (they go rancid).
NEVER dry near direct heat or radiator (causes wood to crack).
NEVER store flat while still damp.