Wood cutting boards are not only beautiful but also functional. Wood is a natural product that shrinks and expands with changes in temperature and humidity. It is important to take care of your wood cutting boards as they can develop small cracks that are not only unsightly but can become a health problem if bacteria grow in the cracks. There are a few things you can do to keep your wood cutting boards attractive and operational:
- After each use – It is important to clean wood cutting boards after each use. You can simply use a wet cloth or brush to wipe it down. It is advised to use soap if raw meat was cut on the cutting board. After you wash it, we recommend that you dry it and store it standing upright with the grains of the wood running vertically. We do not recommend washing your wood cutting boards in the dishwasher.
- Oil – After you have washed your wood cutting boards you will want to put a little oil on them that is non flavored and odorless. We recommend grapeseed oil, almond oil or cutting board oil. Olive oil is not recommended, as it will leave your cutting boards feeling tacky.
- Maintenance – Every two to four months you will want to really get your wood cutting boards clean before oiling. This is easy to do with a little lemon juice or white vinegar and sea salt. First, rub the board with the lemon juice or vinegar, and then rub the sea salt over your cutting boards. Rinse and dry your cutting boards and then oil like normal.
Taking a little time to treat your wood cutting boards with some oil and attention will help to make all of your cutting boards last a lifetime. If you have any questions or would like to see what WKS Wood Design can make for you, stop by our woodworking shop or give us a call today.