A few thoughts on the care and maintenance of your new board.

• Your board has been treated twice with food grade mineral oil. The first two treatments are with food safe grade mineral oil providing time for the boards to absorb as much of the oil as possible. It is then treated with a Food Safe wax/mineral oil conditioner. Regular use of the mineral oil and or oil-wax mix helps season and protect the wood by keeping the mineral oil in and the moisture out.

• Do not place your board in the dishwasher. The heat, dishwasher detergents and long exposure to water will warp and splinter the wood.

• Do position the board vertically to ensure that drying is more even. Do not place the wet board flat to dry. This can cause warping due to uneven drying. Rubberized/silicon feet will help with even drying on both sides of the board in addition to adding to stability and keeping the board separated from a wet counter top.  

• Do not let the board stand in water. 

• Do not Use bleach. This will discolor and dry the wood.

• Do try to avoid using serrated knives and cutting utensils. When using such knives (like a bread knife), try not to push hard or use sawing motions when contact with the wood is made.

Cleaning your Board (clean after each use with one of the following).

• Cleaning with Soap and water

Using soap and hot water is the most common way to clean your wooden cutting board after each use. Wash the board with soapy water using a brush to get into any grooves. Wash and rinse all sides including the ends and dry with a paper towel or hand towel before air drying thoroughly.

• Cleaning with lemon and salt (or baking soda)

Sprinkle a good amount of salt on your board. Squeeze the juice out of the lemon onto the salt and use the remaining lemon to scrub the salt over the board. Let stand for a few minutes. then Wipe it clean with a soft sponge, rinse clean with warm water and dry thoroughly. (Recommended once a month to eliminate odors.)

• Vinegar

Combine vinegar and water in a mix (4 water, 1 Vinegar). Spray it onto the wooden surface directly and let stand for several minutes. Rinse the board and dry thoroughly.

• Ensure it is dry.

Sitting water will cause warping and eventually cracking. Cracks lead to germs and bacteria in the wood.

• Condition monthly with a food safe mineral oil or a mineral oil /wax mixture.

Applying a food safe/grade mineral-based oil periodically will help keep your board in excellent condition avoiding cracking and warping. Mineral oil fits the bill nicely. Similar oils and conditioners are available on-line and in the big box home improvement stores. Apply the conditioner, let it stand for about 20 minutes then wipe dry in a polishing motion.