Cutting Board Care
Your board is clean, oiled, and ready to use. However, after first use please follow these instructions to ensure years of use and enjoyment.
DO NOT:
- Put the board in the dishwasher. The heat and water will warp and splinter the wood .
- Dunk or let the board in stand in water. The wood will absorb water and potentially warp.
- Use bleach. This will stain the wood and/or excessively dry the wood.
- Put a wet board flat to dry. If the board dries on one side, it will cause the wood to warp.
If your board has stains or smells, you can use lemon juice or white vinegar directly on the area. The acid in these liquids will neutralize the organic material or fats causing the problem.
Wash your cutting board with soap and warm water and scrub well. The volume of water and mechanical scrubbing is more important than soap in flushing bacteria and other food particles off the board. After washing the cutting board, dry immediately with a towel and let it air dry standing up or on a raised rack with air flow.
Once your cutting board is thoroughly dry, apply the oil directly onto the surface of the board. Be generous with the application, especially if the wood is dry or you just purchased the cutting board or butcher block. You want the surface to be dripping wet on all sides and we recommend using a small bar towel or new paint brush to spread the oil (try not to soak up the oil), as using your hands may lead to accidental splinters. Most importantly, let the oil soak into the cutting board for as long as possible; at least a few hours or overnight if possible.
Let your cutting board sit on a wire rack or upright to dry when done. If you are restoring or seasoning an old, dry or new cutting board, you may wish to repeat this process two more times, to ensure your cutting board is completely seasoned.
To apply board conditioner, wait until the board is dry after washing or oiling, then apply a small amount of cream onto the board. Using a soft cloth, buff the conditioner into the wood in a circular pattern, forming a thin coat. Repeat over the entire surface of the board and especially the sides. It's not necessary to let the wax soak into the board.
I recommended you oil your cutting board every month or when dry to the touch. Board conditioner should be applied at the same time as oiling.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.
Matt Baxter
918-409-0597
baxtersboards@gmail.com