Wooden items can add warmth and beauty to any space, but they also require proper maintenance and care to ensure their longevity. One surprising solution to keep your wooden furniture and accessories looking great is coconut oil! Yes, you read that right. Coconut oil can be used as a natural and effective alternative to chemical-laden wood polish.
Here Are Places You Can Use Coconut Oil On Wood:
From cutting boards to chairs, wooden floors to cutlery, coconut oil can be used on a variety of wooden items around your home. Not only does it provide a natural shine, but it can also help protect the wood from drying out and cracking over time. Plus, it’s affordable, readily available, and environmentally friendly.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of using coconut oil on wood and discuss various wooden items that can benefit from this natural polish. We’ll also share some tips on how to properly use and store coconut oil to ensure it stays fresh and effective. Plus a great recipe so you can use to make your own coconut polish. So, let’s dive in and discover the wonders of coconut oil for wooden items!
Places You Can Use Coconut Oil On
Wooden Chopping Board
Using coconut oil on a wooden chopping board is a great way to keep it looking and feeling like new. Here’s how you can do it:
Clean the board: Before using coconut oil on your chopping board, make sure it’s clean and free of any debris. You can use a mild dish soap and water to clean it thoroughly.
Dry the board: After cleaning, let the board dry completely. You can use a clean towel to wipe it down and remove any excess water.
Apply the coconut oil: Once the board is dry, apply a small bit of coconut oil onto a tea towel. Rub the oil onto the top part of the board in a circular motion, making sure to cover the entire surface area.
Let it sit: After applying the coconut oil, let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the wood to absorb the oil.
Wipe off excess: After 15 minutes, use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess coconut oil from the board. You want to make sure that there’s no excess oil left on the surface of the board that could transfer onto your food.
Repeat as necessary: Depending on the condition of your chopping board, you may need to repeat this process a few times to achieve the desired level of shine and protection.
Using coconut oil on your wooden chopping board not only helps to protect the wood from drying out and cracking, but it also provides a natural barrier against bacteria. Plus, it’s a safe and chemical-free way to maintain your board’s longevity.
Wooden Floorboards
Coconut oil can be used as a natural and effective way to care for both indoor and outdoor wooden floorboards. Here are some of the benefits of using coconut oil on wooden floorboards:
Moisturizes and protects the wood: Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that helps to prevent wooden floorboards from drying out and cracking. By penetrating deep into the wood, it also helps to protect the floorboards from moisture and humidity, which can cause warping and other damage.
Adds shine and luster: Coconut oil provides a natural and attractive shine to wooden floorboards, making them look brighter and more lustrous. Unlike chemical-based floor polishes, coconut oil does not leave a greasy or sticky residue on the surface of the wood.
Non-toxic and environmentally friendly: Coconut oil is a safe and non-toxic option for caring for your wooden floorboards. It’s also an environmentally friendly choice, as it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals that could pollute the environment.
To use coconut oil on your indoor or outdoor wooden floorboards, follow these steps:
Clean the floorboards: Before applying coconut oil, make sure that the floorboards are clean and free of any dirt, dust, or debris. Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any loose particles.
Apply the coconut oil: Using a clean cloth or mop, apply a thin layer of coconut oil onto the surface of the floorboards. Make sure to spread the oil evenly across the floor and avoid using too much oil, as this could cause a slippery surface.
Let it sit: Allow the coconut oil to sit on the surface of the floorboards for at least 30 minutes to an hour, giving the wood time to absorb the oil.
Buff the surface: After the oil has been absorbed, use a clean cloth or mop to buff the surface of the floorboards. This will help to remove any excess oil and bring out the natural shine of the wood.
By using coconut oil on your indoor or outdoor wooden floorboards, you can keep them looking beautiful and protected for years to come.
Wooden Furniture
Here are some examples of different wooden furniture pieces that can benefit from coconut oil treatment:
Wooden benches: Outdoor wooden benches can be exposed to the elements and can become dry and cracked over time. Coconut oil can help to protect the wood from moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Wooden chairs: Wooden dining chairs can benefit from coconut oil treatment to keep them looking shiny and new. It also helps to prevent the wood from becoming brittle and prone to cracking.
Wooden tables: Indoor or outdoor wooden tables can benefit from coconut oil treatment to protect the surface of the wood and restore its natural shine.
Outdoor wooden furniture settings: Outdoor wooden furniture settings can be exposed to the harsh elements of the weather. Coconut oil can help to protect the wood from moisture, UV rays, and other environmental factors that can cause damage.
To use coconut oil on your wooden furniture, follow these steps:
Clean the furniture: Before applying coconut oil, make sure that the furniture is clean and free of any dirt, dust, or debris. Use a mild cleaner and water to wipe down the furniture and remove any grime.
Apply the coconut oil: Apply using a small amount over the surface of the furniture piece with a cloth or tea towel.
Let it sit: Leave the excess coconut oil for awhile on the surface of the wood.
Buff the surface: Buffing the wood takes the excess off the surface leaving the wood looking shiny and new.
Wooden Spoons/Wooden Cutlery/Wooden Bowls
Coconut oil can be used to maintain and care for wooden spoons, but it’s important to use a food-grade oil that is safe for consumption. Here’s how to apply coconut oil on wooden spoons:
Clean the spoon: Before applying coconut oil, make sure the spoon is clean and dry. You can use a mild dish soap and water to clean it thoroughly. Make sure to rinse it well and dry it completely.
Apply the coconut oil: Dip a clean cloth or paper towel into a small amount of food-grade coconut oil. Rub the oil onto the surface of the spoon, making sure to cover the entire surface area. You can also use a small brush to apply the oil if needed.
Let it sit: After applying the coconut oil, let the spoon sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the wood to absorb the oil.
Wipe off excess: After 30 minutes, use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess oil from the spoon. You want to make sure that there’s no excess oil left on the surface of the spoon that could transfer onto your food.
Repeat as necessary: Depending on the condition of your wooden spoon, you may need to repeat this process a few times to achieve the desired level of protection.
Using coconut oil on your wooden spoons is a great way to keep them looking and feeling like new. Coconut oil helps to moisturize the wood and protect it from drying out and cracking. It also provides a natural barrier against bacteria and other harmful elements.
Just make sure to use a food-grade oil that is safe for consumption, as wooden spoons come into contact with food and can transfer the oil onto the food if it’s not food-grade. By following these simple steps, you can maintain the beauty and functionality of your wooden spoons for years to come.
Wooden Cabinets
Wooden cabinets are pieces of furniture that are commonly used in homes and businesses to store items and organize spaces. They are typically made of wood, which is a natural material that can be susceptible to damage from moisture, temperature changes, and other environmental factors.
Wooden cabinets need a substance like coconut oil to protect and nourish the wood for several reasons. First, coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that helps to prevent wooden cabinets from drying out and cracking. By penetrating deep into the wood, it also helps to protect the cabinet from moisture and humidity, which can cause warping and other damage.
Second, wooden cabinets can become dull and lackluster over time. Coconut oil can help to restore the natural shine of the wood, making the cabinet look brighter and more attractive. It also creates a barrier on the surface of the wooden cabinet that can help to repel dust and dirt, making it easier to clean and maintain the cabinet over time.
Finally, using a natural substance like coconut oil on wooden cabinets is a safe and non-toxic option for caring for your furniture. Unlike chemical-based cabinet polishes, coconut oil does not contain harmful chemicals that could be dangerous to you or the environment. It’s an environmentally friendly choice that can help to protect both your wooden cabinets and the planet.
Coconut Oil Recipe To Make At Home
Coconut oil and beeswax wood polish:
Ingredients:
1 cup of food grade coconut oil
1/2 cup of grated beeswax
Optional: 5 Drops of Essential Oil (Not to be used on Chopping Boards or Cutlery/Bowls/Spoons)
Instructions:
Melt the coconut oil and beeswax in a sauce pan with water
Stir until the mixture is fully melted and well combined.
Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
If using, add 10-20 drops of essential oil and stir well. (USE ONLY FOR FURNITURE OR FLOORBOARDS
Pour the mixture into a container or tin and let it cool completely.
Use a clean cloth to apply the polish onto your wood boards, cutlery, or furniture, and buff with a clean cloth for a natural shine.