Why do we love wood cutting boards? Well, where to begin.... They're far more beautiful than plastic, an ease to chop on, and gentler on knife edges. The one downside is that wood is prone to warping and proper maintenance is key to keeping your real wood cutting board beautiful and long-lasting.
What you want to avoid:
A warped board is the last thing you want, but by properly caring for your wood cutting board, you can help it lasts for many years. Never put a wood board or other wood items (like salad bowls and spoons) in the dishwasher or submerge them in a sink full of water because they’ll warp and/or crack.
Using harsh soaps or bleach is another way to make sure your wood cutting board doesn't last - don't do it!! Matter of fact, the less you wash your board, the better. If you’ve only sliced bread, just brush away the crumbs or wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth or paper towel.
How to care for your wood cutting board:
Wood must be hand-washed only and oiled regularly. Gently scrub your board with a sponge and hot, soapy water - we recommend using a mild unscented dish soap. It’s important to wash both sides of the board (even if you chopped on only one side) to prevent it from drying unevenly.
Rinse the board and dry it thoroughly with a clean dish towel or paper towels. Stand it upright on your counter to prevent any residual water from pooling, and let it air-dry completely before you store it.
Wood naturally dries out after frequent washings, so you need to treat your board to prevent it from becoming brittle and cracking. Treat your board 1-3 times per month with board conditioner or a food-grade mineral oil, beeswax, or a blend. Any brand will do—as long as it’s food-safe.
There you have it - not too complicated, right? Don't worry, once you get into the rhythm of caring for your board this way and see the results, it'll be second nature in your kitchen.
Check out my other blog posts on How to Remove Odors From Your Board and How to Restore a Damaged Board.