Board Care and Maintenance

How to wash your board

Washing your board is an important part of your board's health and lifecycle. It also prevents bacteria growth and promotes board hygiene. 

To wash your board simply use a sponge or cloth rag, some dish soap and warm or hot water. Hand wash your board as you would any other kitchenware ensuring that you remove any liquids or buildup on the board. You should never submerge or dunk the board in a volume of water or liquid for any period of time. Its ok if this happens once, however over the lifecycle of the board, it may tend to warp, bend or split and crack. Water and other liquids are prone to the elements, if any are caught inside the board they may expand or contract and damage the board as a result. Therefore after washing your board, be sure to towel dry any moisture on the surface of the board. Then let the board air dry further by standing the board upright and allowing airflow all around the board. Refrain from laying the board down when wet as this will buckle the board over time. 

Do...	Don’t...
Hand wash with dish soap and warm water	Submerge the board in water
Use a sponge or rag to clean	Put it in the dishwasher
Immediately towel dry	Use a cleaning agent other than dish soap

Running your board through the dishwasher may seem like a good idea, however it’s possibly the worst thing you can do to a cutting board or any board for that matter. The amount of water and harsh chemicals that the board is exposed to will certainly damage the board both immediately and over the lifecycle of the board. Not to mention the heat exposure while drying will definitely make the board twist, cup or bow. 

How to remove stains or odors

Maintaining your board’s hygiene will most certainly decrease the amount of stains or odors. Yet inevitably a stain or odor is likely to occur during the lifecycle of the board. 

To remove stains, apply distilled white vinegar to a sponge or rag and wipe down the board thoroughly. Be sure to rinse the board so as not to leave any residue on the surface. You may need to complete this process multiple times depending on the odor. If you encounter a stubborn or large stain you consider adding some baking soda to the vinegar and creating a paste that you can then wipe across the board. This mixture will be aggressive towards the surface of your board, so use this option as a last resort or in limited quantities.  

To remove odors, apply a generous amount of coarse salt and lemon juice to the surface of the board and gently scrub the board in the direction of the grain. You can use a sponge, a rag or the lemon itself to achieve a light scrub. Once you’ve completed multiple passes, be sure to rinse off the board and towel dry.

Do...	Don’t...
Use only natural ingredients	Use bleach or other chemicals
Use small amounts and gradually increase	Scrape, gouge or physically remove stains
Rinse immediately with warm water	Let ingredients or mixtures sit for long periods

Once you’re satisfied that the stain or odor has been eliminated, we recommend regular board maintenance afterward as the board may have been exposed to copious amounts of water, elbow grease and natural ingredients. Finishing the board with some well needed cutting board oil and even some board cream will ensure that the board is sealed and better prepared to resist stains and odors. 

How to revitalize your board

Often after consistently using a board, it will begin to dull in appearance. If you use your board for cutting, the likelihood of it developing score marks is certain. 

Using the correct products and techniques can not only revitalize your board and inject some life back into it, but it can also prevent further damage and aid in the lifespan of the board.  Applying a food safe mineral oil specifically designed for cutting boards is the best option. There are several advantages to using a food safe mineral oil, by being absorbed into the wood, it helps seal deep down into the pores of the wood, creating a barrier to potential bacteria. It also enhances the appearance of the wood and brings out its natural color. Some mineral oils are not food safe and should not come into contact directly or indirectly with food. Cutting board mineral oils are not only food safe, they are generally FDA approved and therefore safe for use around your food and your family. 

Do...	Don’t...
Apply oil as often as its needed	Remove applied oils too quickly
Use only oils and creams made for cutting boards	Use any ol’ oil, cream or paste not made for cutting boards
Seal the board with a cutting board cream	Forget to take care of your board

Apply liberal amounts of food safe mineral oil and wipe down the board on every side to ensure good penetration throughout the board. Allow the oil time to soak into the pores of the wood, several applications of oil may be required depending on how much the board can withhold. Be sure to stand the board on end while the oil is absorbed and then wipe off any excess with a towel or rag. Once the board is dry of oil you can apply a cutting board cream or wax to help seal the oil in. Generally the cream or wax is made from beeswax, coconut oil and or a mixture of these ingredients and more. This paste, once applied, will provide a longer lasting seal than just the oil alone. 

How to maintain your board

We recommend oiling your board at least once a month even when not in use. The oil will help the board accommodate the general fluctuation in temperature and humidity throughout the year. If you only use your board every so often, you may consider sealing it with the appropriate cream or wax and leaving it in a climate controlled environment such as a pantry or cupboard. 

Be sure to remove any food, liquid or buildup from the surface of the board that may occur during use, such as after a long party, by washing the board adequately and then apply a food safe mineral oil specifically made for cutting boards. 

It’s not difficult maintaining a board especially if you are using it regularly, and it's no more of a chore than any other servingware or kitchenware that you would normally use. So go ahead, use the board for appetizers, hors d'oeuvres or even cupcake parties, it’s designed to bring you joy and happiness.