Baking wood

[SamiJami]

If I scrub and boil wood for 30 minutes, do I need to bake it? Can I just sit it in the sun, in my house, and let it air dry? I bake my wood at 170, but the boiling point of water is 212. So I would think that would kill more germs than baking.

 

[Jenn]

One reason to dry the wood out, either in the sun or by baking it, is so that it doesn't mold. I baked some wood one time and didn't bake it long enough - till it gets all wrinkly - it started molding fairly quickly and I had to toss it all.

 

[lauralynne]

I would feel safer baking it also to ensure the moisture is out.

Here is a sticky thread in the FAQs on how to safely prepare wood.

http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41&highlight=preparing+wood

 

[Stackie]

I will only buy wood that has been baked. It prevents mold as Jenn mentioned. I have had problems in the past with people claiming they baked the wood, but didn't or didn't bake it enough, and the box arrived to me moldy.

 

[SamiJami]

Ok thanks guys. I'll make sure I bake then!