The Unconventional Guide to Cleaning and Oiling a Cutting Board

Following my comparison of the finishing products you can use on your wood cutting boards to condition them; here is clear and simple advice on how to properly clean, sanitize and condition them. As you already know, all our wood cutting boards are sold with a smooth wood finish that needs to be treated BEFORE THE FIRST USE in order to prevent them from warping, cracking, and so their surface remains smooth, once you’ve decided how you will prep your new kitchen cutting board with one of the concoctions mentioned in my previous post.

Here are additional ideas on what you need to do to clean and maintain your cutting board in order for it to remain in great condition for years to come.

Lather it thick (and often)

In a nutshell, when you get your new wood cutting board, take the time to condition it! No matter what type of finish you decide to use on your wood cutting board, my recommendations for the first time is to overdo it. When I use mineral or melted coconut oil, I like saturating it. I apply lots, making it pool on the surface, and wait for an hour or so. If the wood absorbs all the oil, I put more; until it doesn’t sink in anymore (usually two or three times will do it). Then I wipe off the excess, polish it and am ready to use it.  For the mixtures with beeswax, I smear a dollop of it all over the board and polish it with a cheese cloth and then it is ready to use! The more often you use your board, the more often you’ll need to recondition it. Make sure it is always clean before you do so.

What Ruins A Wood Cutting Board? Dishwasher And Being Submerged In Water.

NEVER, NEVER, EVER PUT A WOOD CUTTING BOARD IN THE DISHWASHER!!! Doing so will significantly weaken the wood and produce cracks and warping. It will also make the surface of the wood all porous and fuzzy, hence not as hygienic.

Instead, after each use, wipe it clean with a soapy warm cloth, rinse the cloth and then wipe the board with the now wet cloth to take off any residue of soap, and let dry. This will preserve the finish of your board, and will help make it last almost forever.

Home Spa for Your Wood Cutting Board

If you need to clean your board thoroughly, my favorite method is the coarse salt/lemon one. First I dampen the wood cutting board before applying the coarse salt.  I then rub the salt with the pulp side of a cut lemon, and wait for a few minutes, and then I scrape off any excess and rinse with a damp cloth. Voilà! If you don’t have those handy, a mist of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide or diluted chlorine bleach will disinfect, while baking soda will help remove stains and deodorize.

We at Wood Cutting Boards are proud to provide you the best quality American made cutting boards. A wood cutting board is a kitchen utility that is used often and we want to make sure that you get the most of it. Our cutting board cleaning and care instructions are now available in a PDF format for your convenience.