If left in standing water, wood acts like a wick, sucking in the water. As the wood absorbs the water, it swells and splits. This traumatic expansion and splitting will occur to any wood that has been kiln dried for in-home use. So again, avoid prolonged exposure to water. Small puddles or drops will not be enough to affect your wood. These small amounts of water (appx. 1 tablespoon or less) will either evaporate or be absorbed into the wood without causing harm. OILING YOUR WOOD TOOLS There are many food-safe oils that can be used to provide a protective seal. These products will also restore the wood's natural beauty. We prefer food-safe Bee’s Wax and mineral oil, also known as B’s oil. It is available in 7 oz. tubs at most of our shows or over the Internet. Simply apply a liberal amount when your spoon, bowls,or cutting boards feel or appear dry. Allow oil to soak in for an hour or two. Then buff any excess away with a soft cloth and resume normal use. Some new tools may feel a little rough after the first washing. This is normal. The freshly worked wood has tiny spurs which stand up after getting wet. With regular use these tiny spurs will wear off and your board will feel smooth again. If you wish, you can use a scotch brite pad to remove the fibers and repeat the above oiling process. If you have any further questions, please contact us at: (800) 947-0672