Reply by stefang

I don’t mean to be cynical or smart alecky here, but how can just oil, mineral or otherwise protect wood on a long term basis? I find that stuff in the kitchen gets washed often and the oil just washes right out since it doesn’t penetrate very deeply anyway, at least on side grain.

The only remedy is renewing the oil often. If you are giving something oiled as a gift, a donation or selling it, you should have a little sticker or something attached to it telling the recipient that oiling often is required and what type of oil or oils would be suitable. The same should be done for things with other types of finishes as well.

-- Mike, American in Norway