Whether you enjoy cooking occasionally or spending half the day in the kitchen, a cutting board is certainly the most-used item in the culinary world. They come in several different shapes and sizes. However, experts recommend using only wood cutting boards, as they are more sanitary and safer for your knives. The good news is that with proper maintenance, a wood cutting board can last a lifetime. Here are a few simple ways to care for your wood cutting board.
The first, and foremost, step before carrying out any care procedure is to properly wash your cutting board. You can do this by washing in soapy water and rinsing with hot water. However, remember to never fully submerge a wood cutting board in water, nor put them through the dishwasher.
Make a paste using baking soda, salt and water, then rub it onto the top of your wood cutting board. This paste serves as a cleaning agent for your wood products. In addition, white vinegar makes a great disinfectant for common household bacteria. If you wish to use only natural products, try sprinkling salt on a damp cutting board, followed by rubbing a half-cut lemon over the salt, leave for five minutes and wash.
By using three different grits of sandpaper, you can remove knife marks from wood cutting boards and make them as good as new. Gently sand away the top layer over the board until the surface is once again smooth.
Wash your wood cutting board on both sides and place it in a standing position to dry overnight. Apply food grade mineral oil, which is easily available at most pharmacies and drug stores. Leave the board for at least three hours to ensure that the oil soaks into the wood properly.
For even better results, you can prepare a mixture of mineral oil and beeswax. Always avoid using vegetable or nut-based oils, as they would do more harm than good.
After the application of oil, you can rub a conditioner cream onto the entire board and leave it overnight to dry. A conditioner cream is easily available on the market at affordable prices and can be applied by hand or with a microfiber cloth. The conditioner helps lock the moisture into the wood. The next morning, rub the board with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion to polish and buff it. Your wood cutting board will have a glossy shine and will be as good as new.
For best results, these procedures can be repeated every few months. It depends entirely on your usage and how well you want your wood cutting boards to look. Make sure to get the best wood cutting boards for your kitchen by visiting our Wood Cutting Board’s website. For a unique and original cutting board, request a quote today for a custom engraving of your choice. Make your kitchen fun again, one cutting board at a time.