 | Walt and Carol Anderson started their craft business in May of 1994. "We wanted to work together in a business that we owned and operated. With retirement around the corner for Walt, from his present job, we felt the need to start now so the business would be up and running. So with the love of wood working and sewing "Andy's Woods & Crafts" was born." Walt and Carol can be contacted via e-mail at Andyswc1@aol.com. |
Consumer Products, Services & Information
2001-09-01 11:30:00
Varnishes on salad bowls
Question: What kind of finish would you recommend for salad bowls so they look good and are still safe and nontoxic?
Answer: If your first thought was to use vegetable oils, we'd like for you to reconsider. Vegetable oils contain ingredients that may create a culture for bacteria to build up, they also tend to become gummy.Mineral oil is nontoxic inert oil that is light textured and will not build up an excessive coating over time. It will not stain the wood, however spices and food may discolor the surface over time, especially if the wood becomes dry. Remember; do not soak the bowls in water. To clean, use a wet cloth or non-abrasive pad in warm sudsy water and scrub the entire surface until free of food. After allowing the surface to air dry completely, apply another coat of mineral oil. Wood items should not be put into the microwave, conventional oven or direct sunlight. There are a number of products on the market for finishing salad bowls and other wood products for the purpose of food preparation. The finish contains Food and Drug Administration regulated ingredients for use in contact with food. If you have an older bowl that needs to be refinished, use a non-abrasive scrub pad, lemon juice, and pumice dust to scrub off the oil that has built up. When you are satisfied that you have taken the bowl down to the wood, rinse off the cleaning agents. Apply a coat of mineral oil to the bowl and allow it to soak into the wood. Whatever product you decide to use be sure and read the label completely before using.
