Wood conditioner with antiseptic properties

Abstract

Composition and method for simultaneously disinfecting and conditioning a wooden cutting surface, such as a cutting board or counter top. According to a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises a mixture of ethanol and food-grade mineral oil where the ethanol is present in an amount sufficient impart antiseptic properties. To the extent desired, other adjuvants, such as flavor enhancers, coloring agents, and the like may be added. The method comprises contacting the wooden cutting surface with such composition for a time sufficient to enable the ethanol to adequately disinfect the cutting surface. Preferably, such method may be performed by merely spraying or wiping the composition directly onto the wooden cutting surface.

1. A composition for simultaneously disinfecting and conditioning a wooden cutting surface for cutting food consisting essentially of:
 a) a food-grade mineral oil present in an amount ranging from 10% to 40% by volume of said composition;  
 b) ethanol, said ethanol being present in an amount ranging from 60% to 90% by volume of said composition; and  
 c) wherein said composition is edible and suitable for human consumption.  
 
     
     
       2. The composition of  claim 1  wherein:
 a) said mineral oil is present in an amount ranging from 15% to 35% by volume of said composition; and  
 b) said ethanol present in an amount from 65% to 85% by volume by volume of said composition.  
 
     
     
       3. The composition of  claim 1  further including an adjuvant selected from the group consisting of a buffering agent, an anti-oxidant, a sequestering agent, a fragrance, a flavor enhancer, and a coloring agent. 
     
     
       4. The composition of  claim 3  wherein said adjuvant is further selected from the group consisting of an anti-microbial agent. 
     
     
       5. A method for simultaneously disinfecting and conditioning a wooden cutting surface for cutting food, the method comprising of steps:
 a) providing an edible composition suitable for human consumption consisting essentially of mineral oil present in an amount ranging from 10% to 40% by volume of the composition and ethanol present in an amount from 60% to 90% by volume of the composition; and  
 b) contacting said wooden surface with said composition provided for in step a).  
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5  wherein in step a), said composition comprises:
 a) mineral oil present in an amount ranging from 15% to 35% by volume of said composition; and b) said ethanol present in an amount from 65% to 85% by volume of such composition.  
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 5  wherein in step b), said composition is sprayed upon said wooden cutting surface. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 5  wherein in step b), said composition is poured upon said wooden cutting surface. 
     
     
       9. The composition of  claim 1  further consisting essentially of water. 
     
     
       10. The composition of  claim 1  wherein said composition further consists essentially of water present in an amount ranging from  2 %  to  55   %  by volume of said composition.   
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 5  wherein in step a) , said composition further consists essentially of water.   
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 5  wherein in step a) , said composition further consists essentially of water present in an amount ranging from  2   %  to  55   %  by volume of said composition.