Wood cutting boards are a kitchen essential, offering durability, aesthetic appeal, and a knife-friendly surface. To ensure their longevity and performance, proper care and treatment are crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide to maintaining your wood cutting boards, featuring the best practices and recommended products.
Choosing the Right Wood
The most common woods used for cutting boards and charcuterie boards include:
– Maple (both hard and soft)
– Cherry
– Walnut
– Beech
These woods are chosen for their durability, grain structure, and ability to withstand repeated use without damaging knives.
Initial and Occasional Seasoning
Seasoning your cutting board is essential to protect the wood and maintain its quality. Here are some top products available at Wood Werks Supply:
– Howard’s Butcher Block Conditioner
– Walrus Cutting Board Oil
– Walrus Cutting Board Wax
– Odie’s Oil
– Rockler Butcher Block Oil
Start with an initial seasoning when the board is new, and apply treatments occasionally as needed to keep the wood in top condition.
Daily Care and Cleaning
After each use, especially when cutting meat, follow these steps:
- Wash: Use hot water and dish soap to clean the board.
- Sanitize: If meat was processed, treat the board with a mild bleach and water solution after washing to disinfect it.
- Dry: Stand the board on its edge to air dry. This allows air to circulate on all sides, preventing warping. Avoid using towels as they may contain contaminants.
Post-Drying Treatment
Once the board is dry, assess if it needs conditioning. While it’s not necessary to apply treatments after every wash, occasional application of oils or waxes from the suggested products will:
– Seal the wood: Protects against moisture and bacteria.
– Soften the surface: Helps keep the wood relatively soft, which is gentle on knives.
Long-Term Maintenance
Over time, your cutting board will develop grooves from knife cuts. To maintain a smooth surface:
- Sand the board: Use 100 grit sandpaper initially, then finish with 120 grit. This can be done by hand or with an orbital sander.
- Drum sander for larger boards: For extensive damage, a drum sander can level the board, followed by hand finishing.
Important Tips
Never put your wood cutting board in the dishwasher! The excessive water and heat can cause severe damage, including warping and cracking.
Wood Werks Supply Has Everything You Need to Keep Your Cutting Boards in Top Shape
Proper care and treatment will extend the life of your wood cutting board, keeping it beautiful and functional for years to come. Regular seasoning, careful cleaning, and occasional sanding will ensure your board remains a staple in your kitchen. Use the recommended products from Wood Werks Supply to maintain and enhance your cutting board’s longevity and performance.
