AzmayaKitchenToolAZ-1

Sticky oil is seeping out on the surface of my hinoki product; do I need to wipe it off?

When using daily living products made of solid hinoki wood, sap-like oil can sometimes form on the surface. People often wonder if it is contamination or deterioration, and how to care for and wipe it off.

hmmm editorial answer

The oil seeping from the solid hinoki wood is a natural component that prevents the growth of various germs, so you may use it with peace of mind; when the stickiness bothers you, you can lightly wipe it off with ethanol.

The sap seeping onto the wood surface is not a problem with the product, but natural oil that remained inside the wood. In products processed to preserve solid wood, such as Azmaya's rice storage container or cutting board, oil naturally seeps out depending on the climate and storage environment^[1]^[2]. This oil possesses inherent properties that inhibit mold and the proliferation of various germs, aiding in hygienic maintenance^[3]^[4].

Because it is a natural component harmless to the human body, it is completely fine to use it as is without necessarily wiping it off^[5]. However, for items that frequently come into contact with clothes and hands, such as hangers or chairs, stickiness may remain due to the distinctive adhesiveness of the oil^[6]^[7]. In such cases, if you apply a little ethanol to a cloth and gently rub the surface, you can cleanly wipe off the stickiness^[8]^[9].