Caring for Wood Cutting Boards
Wooden cutting boards are surprisingly versatile, attractive, and typically better for keeping your knife edges sharp. Wood left uncared for may be prone to warping or cracking, so it must be hand-washed and oiled regularly. Here is our step-by-step guide to keeping your wooden cutting board in tip-top shape for years to come!
For Simple Cleaning, Oiling, Or Waxing
Before starting, you will need to gather these few items and ingredients.
- Mild Dish Soap
- Sponge or Scraper for getting off stuck-on messes
- 220 grit sandpaper for deep scratches
- Dish Cloth and Paper Towels
- Original Wood Wax™ or Original Wood Oil™
- Kosher Salt, Lemon, or Vinegar (if your board has an odor)
- Baking Soda (to remove tough stains)
The first step to caring for your wood cutting board is consistently washing it. Hand-wash your wood cutting board whenever possible. Wood boards and other wood items (such as salad bowls and spoons) should never be put in the dishwasher or submerged in water since they will distort or crack. If your board needs to be cleaned, start by scraping off any stuck-on food with a scraper or sponge. Scrub the board gently with a sponge and hot, soapy water, rinse, then dry it with a clean dishtowel or paper towels. Allow it to air-dry entirely before storing it upright on your counter to prevent any remaining water from gathering.
After many washings, wood naturally dries up, so you'll need to oil and wax it to keep it from becoming brittle and breaking. Conditioning your board correctly also forms a moisture-resistant coating that helps resist stains and odor absorption. Apply a thin layer of Original Wood Wax™ on the wood and massage it evenly throughout its entire surface and sides. Then wipe off all the excess. The Original Wood Oil™ can be uses as periodic treatments to maintain the wood.
Ready to get chopping on your own wooden cutting board? Check out Soapstone Product’s line of wood and teak cutting boards line, or visit our website for more information on all our natural wood and teak products!
