Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Custom Cutting Board

How to Make Your Cutting Board Last for Generations

A quality hardwood cutting board is more than just a kitchen tool, it’s an heirloom in the making. With a little care, your board can last a lifetime or longer! Here’s how to keep it in good shape:

Cleaning Basics

·       Never put your board in the dishwasher or soak it in water.

·       Wipe with a cloth or sponge with mild soap after use- always clean both sides.

·       Pat it dry and stand on its edge to air dry evenly. Uneven drying= warping

Seasoning= Long life

·       Week 1: Apply a generous amount of provided board butter often.

·       Next month: Apply board butter once a week.

·       Ongoing: At least once a month or whenever the board looks dry.

Always store your board standing on its edge and avoid placing it on wet/ damp countertops. Never store in the direct sunlight, for example in a window.

Fixing scratches and Roughness

Wood boards can feel rough after washing or extended use from knife marks. Don’t worry we have taken steps to avoid this – this is called grain raising. The board is sprayed with water and sanding smooth several times before the oil or board butter is applied. In most cases, this will prevent the roughness when the board gets wet, but if it ever doesn’t here are the steps to take:

·       Let the grain raise naturally after a few washes.

·       Sand smooth with 220 grit sandpaper.

·       Reapply board butter.

·       Raised ridges are normal too- they happen when different wood pieces expand at different rates. Treat them the same way.

How to Disinfect Naturally

·       Vinegar: Wipe with full strength white vinegar to kill bacteria.

·       Lemon: Rub with a lemon half to deodorize

·       Salt: sprinkle salt on the board and rub it with a lemon half for a deep clean.

End Grain vs Edge Grain Cutting Boards

·       End Grain Boards show the woods growth rings and are easier on your knives. Similar to a butcher block.

·       Edge/ Face Grain boards show the long grain and are a bit more prone to wear- but still great when taken care of.

·       End grain boards generally last longer and keep your knives sharper.

With consistent care, a wooden cutting board becomes more than just a cooking tool; it becomes a part of your kitchen's history. Take care of it, and it might even last longer than you do.