Cutting Board Care
How do you take care of a cutting board?
If you plan on displaying a cutting board, you should not need to treat it with anything.
If your cutting board has been laser engraved, the engraving has been “burnt” in and should last a life time.
If you plan on using your cutting board for food preparation then follow these cutting board care tips:
- NEVER put your cutting board in the dish washer
- NEVER submerge in water for extended periods of time.
- Use Dish Soap to wash your cutting board
- Rinse cutting board off multiple times when switching between foods
- After cutting meat, you will want to clean cutting board with soap and water then sanitize with straight white vinegar or a bleach solution
- Air dry cutting board on its side, not flat
- Stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda on cutting board and lightly scrub with warm soapy water
- You can also freshen up a cutting board by rubbing it with a fresh cut lemon or a lemon juice soaked towel, wash off and air dry.
- Oil your cutting board with food grade mineral oil about once a month to every two months depending on use.
- May also use products like Board Cream, Board Butter or Beeswax to add layers of protection to your board.
- DO NOT USE Vegetable oil on your cutting board as it will turn rancid.
What to expect with your Cutting Board
This might go without saying but when cutting on the surface of your engraved cutting board, the knife will leave marks across the engraving. The knife cuts will create crevices for food to hide in, as well as dull the overall appearance of the engraving. Cutting board care changes depending on what you plan on cutting. Raw meat and fish will require more care than only cutting veggies. Taking care of a cutting board is super important to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Cutting Board Care for heavily used cutting boards
For a heavily used cutting boards with lots of knife marks, you can usually sand down the surface for an almost brand new look. For most cutting boards, especially ones without a drip edge, you can sand the surface starting with a 100 grit sand paper. You will want to start at 100 and then go up to a 200/220 grit sand paper to really smooth out the wood and “close up” those pores. Once you complete the sanding process, you will want to do a coat or two of mineral oil to restore the seal for your cutting board. Top it off with a nice board butter and you are back to almost new. Save these cutting board care steps for the occasional once a year maintenance category.
Cutting Board Care for New Cutting Boards
Whenever you receive a new cutting board, it is best to wash the cutting board with soap and water then add a nice layer of mineral oil so it has a chance to soak into the wood. The mineral oil will often change the coloring in the wood grain especially with something like an Acacia or Mango wood cutting boards. Let the cutting board absorb as much mineral oil as possible, wipe off the excess and you are ready to go. With proper cutting board care, your cutting board can last generations.