Care Instructions for Cutting Boards

Properly caring for your cutting board will ensure that it will last for generations. Our cutting boards arrive pre-treated with a mixture of mineral oil and beeswax. Mineral oil is a tried-and-true cutting board treatment which is flavorless, ordorless, will not go rancid and will not dry out. It will ensure your board will not dry out, warp, or be become brittle and crack. This mixture also helps prevent staining, absorbing odors, and the accumulation of moisture. Beeswax will seal the board, help maintain the finish and repel moisture. Mineral oil and beeswax are not the only materials that can be used for treating cutting boards, but they are the most common.

Cleaning

Never put your cutting board into the dishwasher or submerge it in water! Always hand wash your wooden cutting boards. This will wash out all of the oil from the wood and cause it to warp and/or crack. 

If you need to wash your cutting board, remove any stuck-on foods gently with a scraper. Then gently rub the board with a sponge, hot water, and a mild dish soap. Be sure to wash both sides of the board, if the board dries unevenly it may warp. Rinse the board and dry it thoroughly with a towel then stand it upright on the counter to let it air dry before storing it.

Stains

If your cutting board has become stained, make a mixture of baking soda and water and gently rub it into the stain with a mild scotch-brite pad. Rinse with hot water. 

Treatment 

Your cutting board will naturally dry out with use and require treatment. There are many ways to treat and condition your cutting board. However, be sure to only use treatments that are food safe. A can of board conditioner with a 2:1 mineral oil to beeswax blend has been included with your cutting board and is also available for purchase. We recommend to treat your board at least once every 2-4 weeks or whenever it begins to look dry. If you drop a few beads of water on the board and it does not bead up, it is time to treat it.

Generously apply the conditioner with a paper towel or cloth and allow it to sit a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight, to absorb. Then, use a fresh to towel to remove the residual and gently buff the board to a smooth finish. 

Repair

Refinishing

End grain cutting boards are self-healing, and should not require repair under normal use. However, if your board does get damaged, don't worry. In most cases, it can be repaired. I will refinish/repair a wooden cutting board for a fee if you desire. However, in most cases this can be done by the owner.

Gently and evenly sanding the board with 220 grit sandpaper. If the damage is deep, start with a lower grit such as 120 and gradually move up to 220 grit. Spray the cutting board with water to stand the grains up, allow it to dry, then re-sand to 220 for a smoot finish. You can sand higher than 220, but it is generally not needed.

Remove all sanding dust with a brush or rag, then oil and condition it. 

Please contact me for details if you would like me to refinish your board. 

Repair

If your board becomes warped or cracked, please contact me with pictures for options.