Maintenance
WOODEN BATHROOM SINK MAINTENANCE
We use a very special finishing material on all our wooden bathroom products that makes the wood impervious to water. It is a kind of polyurethane lacquer that soaks right into the wood and forms a bond with it on a molecular level. This means that wood coated in this way is virtually waterproof and resists hot and cold water, and all regular soaps, shampoos, conditioners, toothpastes, and other products normally found in the bathroom. The only products that you have to be careful with are abrasive bathroom cleaners, caustic bathroom cleaners and hair dyes which may cause stains. To clean your basin or bathtub just use soap and water and a cloth or a sponge. If you have any areas that need extra cleaning, just use a plastic bristled scrubbing brush. Our wooden bathroom products will serve in the bathroom for many years, and they will take on a patina of their own as they age, but be assured that the reliability is guaranteed.
DO NOT USE ABRASIVE OR CAUSTIC CLEANING ITEMS
These will all damage the finish on the basins.
NO DYES AND COLORS
Dyes may cause permanent stains and discoloration.
CUTTING BOARD MAINTENANCE
Wooden cutting boards can be damaged if they are exposed to too much moisture or allowed to get very dry. A good oil finish is the best way to protect them from both extremes. Rico & Plato recommends a food-grade mineral oil.
Wooden cutting boards need to be kept clean, and daily maintenance is often a good scrub with hot soapy water after using. Do not soak your boards or any other wooden utensils in water or they'll crack and warp! Some people use vinegar, a very weak bleach solution, or hydrogen peroxide to clean their boards after they've been used for cutting raw meat as a precaution against bacterial contamination.
Depending on how often you use your boards and wooden spoons, you should also give them an oiling to help maintain their surfaces and keep them from drying out. This can happen about once a month, but it is a personal choice and some people do it once or twice a year and others on a weekly basis.
1. Re-oil as needed
Whenever your board starts to look dull in places, apply a thin coat of oil to the entire clean, dry board, applying extra over any dull or worn areas, and wiping off any excess. A well-oiled board is easier to keep clean and is much less likely to soak up odors or liquids, or to dry out and crack, so keep your board oil handy and use it regularly.
2. Applying the oil
Start with a clean board. Be sure your cutting board is as clean as possible and thoroughly dry. Using a clean, soft cloth or paper towel, apply the oil in an even layer over all the surfaces of the wood and let it soak in. Leave the oil to soak in overnight if possible, or for at least a few hours. Remove the excess. If the board is feeling oily or sticky, buff off any remaining oil with a clean dry cloth or paper towel.
3. Keep your knives sharp
You won't have to press down as hard and your cutting board will suffer fewer grooves if your knives are sharp. Try to avoid sawing your knife back and forth when it is in contact with the board. Also, try to vary where you cut on the board - if you always cut in the same spot, you will eventually cut a groove in it.
4. Keep it dry
When cutting wet food, remove the food promptly when you’re finished, and dry the board so the moisture won't have a long time to soak in, which could make the wood swell.
5. Clean your board as soon as you’re done with it
Never, ever, ever run a wooden cutting board through the dishwasher or let it soak in water! Brush crumbs off, or rinse the board under running water using a plastic scrubbing brush to loosen anything stuck to the surface. Immediately dry the board with a towel. Use hot water and a little mild dishwashing soap to remove oily residues.
6. Keep your vinegar handy
Wooden cutting boards have been shown to be naturally resistant to bacteria, but if you want extra protection, keep a spray bottle of vinegar on hand and lightly mist the cleaned board with that, allowing it to sit for 10 minutes then wiping off any remaining moisture with a dry towel.