Leslie over at The Oko Box Blog invented a great recipe for a natural nontoxic wood oil. “I really believe there is a way to make what we need in a less toxic, chemical free way,” she says. “We just need some imagination and to stop buying into the marketing BS of big corporations.”
Leslie’s recipe:
Here is what you will need:
*Soy Oil
*Sunflower or Olive Oil
*Kosher Salt
*Vinegar (I use ume vinegar, but I think apple cider would work good too)Doesn’t it sound too simple? I came up with this theory/formula knowing about treated wood being mainly salt and oil being a time tested preservative for centuries.
- Take all the ingredients and put them in a pot big enough to hold the amount you need (depending on whether you are doing wood floors or a chair…).
- You will use more soy oil then the others at approximately 50 -70% more in your recipe.
- Then add a ton kosher salt… meaning if you poured 1.5 Liters of oil in your pot, then you will want to ad at least 1.5 cups of salt.
- Then add a cup of the vinegar and bring to a boil.
The easiest way to apply the wood oil is with a sponge which will be able to be squeezed out and creates less waste. The cool thing is it won’t harm your skin, your brain, or your lungs & it won’t be outgassing any smell except one you might want to eat! If you would like to add a scent to your wood oil try throwing in a branch of lavender or rosemary.
Photo of stacked chair sculpture by jasoneppink.
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