Custom Cutting Board Care
First off, thank you for purchasing a custom hardwood cutting board from my small veteran owned woodshop. Your cutting board has already been seasoned with food safe mineral oil and beeswax. If you didn’t buy your cutting board from me, well I hope you will in the future.
Cutting boards are meant to be used. Like a fine chef’s knife, a beautiful hardwood cutting board is merely another tool meant to make your job easier. I have heard from quite a few customers, “These are too pretty to be cut on,” when referring to my cutting boards. While I truly appreciate the sentiment, like everything I make, I want it to live life with you and your family in your home. A beautiful cutting board is meant to be used. I build my cutting boards with the intention they bless you and your family for years to come.
While properly taking care of a cutting board isn’t difficult there are definitely some dos and don’ts:
Some definite “don’ts” include, submerging or soaking your cutting board. However, definitely clean your board with soap and water, but dry immediately after. Leaving a cutting board wet can result in swelling and warping.
Keep your knives sharp. A sharp knife requires less pressure and leaves less grooves in your cutting board.
NEVER place your cutting board in a dishwasher or microwave. Yes, I said microwave. The heat will warp the cutting board and most likely create cracks. Cracks are places where food can get trapped and bacteria can form.
When a cutting board begins to look dry or lose a bit of its luster, treat it with food grade mineral oil. Do not use cooking oil as cooking oil can become rancid and again… bacteria. Food grade mineral oil can easily be found. You can also use a cutting board oil or cutting board wax, which is typically a mixture of mineral oil, bees wax, and maybe one or two other food safe ingredients. Cutting board oil or cutting board wax can be purchased from many hardware stores or on my website at https://www.puddlepirateprojects.com/store/p/bosuns-board-balm-cutting-board-wax.
Lastly, always consider a cutting board can be refinished. After years of loyal service in your kitchen, a cutting board can be sanded smooth, oiled, and look as good as new.
While these tips are merely tips, I hope they prove useful.
