Cutting Board Care
Proper care will keep your cutting board looking beautiful and lasting for years. Follow these simple guidelines to maintain your board.
Oiling Your Board
Before first use, apply a generous coat of food-safe mineral oil to all surfaces of the board. Let it soak in for several hours or overnight, then wipe off the excess. Repeat this process 3–4 times before using the board. After that, oil the board once a month or whenever it looks dry.
Washing Your Board
Wash your cutting board by hand with warm soapy water. Do not soak the board in water or put it in the dishwasher — this will cause the wood to swell, crack, and the glue joints to fail. Rinse quickly and dry immediately with a towel, then stand the board on its edge to allow air to circulate on both sides.
Sanitizing Your Board
To sanitize your board, spray or wipe it with a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and dry as above. You can also use white vinegar as a natural sanitizer.
Removing Odors and Stains
To remove odors, rub the board with half a lemon and a sprinkle of coarse salt. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and dry. For stubborn stains, sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper, then re-oil.
Storage
Store your cutting board in a dry location with good air circulation. Do not store it flat against a wall or in a cabinet where air cannot circulate — this can cause warping. Standing the board on its edge is ideal.
All cutting boards I build are finished with food-safe mineral oil and beeswax before delivery. A bottle of mineral oil makes a great gift to include with a cutting board.