Thread: clogged sandpaper - help

Originally Posted by bobbyfmax

Not sure if this is the right forum. but i need help.
trying to clean up my kitchen chopping board. (Softwood) used for three years and constantly wiped with cooking oil to keep from drying out (as per instructions) however, in trying to sand it the sandpaper clogs up within a minute. any ideas to dry up the oil? ( I know toss it and make a hardwood one - I will but not just yet)

thanx in anticipation
Bob

It sounds like the oil has impregnated the wood. You could try soaking it in methylated spirits which will dissolve the oil out. Then wash the MS out using water. Using a plane set to a very fine cut or using a woodscraper will also achieve the same effect as sandpaper and you don't need to worry about removing the oil.

BTW chopping boards should NOT be wiped with cooking oil as these oils go rancid over a few days and this is not good for you. Healthwise the best antibacterial surface is raw wood so you should wash and dry the board and leave it raw. If you want it to continue to look reasonable, every now and then you can apply a coat of natural wax (such as that sold by the site sponsor) or paraffin oil which are food safe.

Thanx Bob - good to know about the cooking oil
just goes to show you that the kitchen manufacturers don't always give the correct advice' The plane sounds like the best idea. thanx again

I'd try soaking it in some very hot water with dishwashing detergent for 5 minutes then scrubbibg it with a nail brush. That should remove most of it.

I'll try that as a first option.