How to Clean and Care for Wood Cutting Boards


A Guide to Clean Oil and Refurbishing Wood Cutting Boards

There are many advantages to using wood cutting boards, including the fact that they are more pleasant to chop on and are softer on knife blades. Furthermore, they are significantly more attractive than plastic ones.

We've compiled some helpful hints to ensure that your cutting board will  serve you for many years to come.

Hand Wash Only !!!

Wooden cutting boards can be washed in the sink right after use. however, over-soaking any type of wood can result in cracking or warping. Instead, use a gentle sponge and warm soapy water to gently clean the board. To avoid the board drying unevenly, it's important to wash both sides of.

  • Never soak in water 
  • Not suitable for dishwasher or microwave use

Drying the Wooden Cutting Board

To avoid curves or bends showing up on your cutting board, dry it with a towel/paper towels after every wash. you can also dry it upright so that all sides are exposed to the air as much as possible. the more uniformly it dries, the better your work surface will be.

Disinfecting to Get Rid of Bacteria                                

To get rid of any remaining germs that may develop inside  scratches of your cutting board, use disinfectants such as  white vinegar in a spray bottle. Let sit for a few minutes and wipe it with a damp cloth.

Another disinfecting method is to use 3% hydrogen peroxide. Use a gentle brush to apply it all over the board. Let sit for 5-10 min  and use a clean sponge to wipe it off then wash dry and oil. Both methods will work wonders to disinfect the board.

Important -Do not use both cleaning methods at the same time!!! 

Consider Taking It to The Spa

Every couple of months, give your cutting board a good scrub down with warm  water before this natural cleaning method .

Use a 1/3 cup coarse salt . Begin by distributing the  salt over the whole board, as if you were seasoning a steak  and let sit for 10 min, then rub the entire board with the sliced side of a lemon and squeeze the lemon juice out. After 5 min use a scrub brush to remove any excess. Apart from exfoliating the wood, this method also imparts a fresh, pleasant aroma to the cutting board and gets rid of unpleasant smells.

After it dry's apply cutting board conditioner and wipe off any access.

Maintain a Regular Moisturizing Practice

Wood is an organic, natural substance with a porous surface that can change over time. It might get dry, discolored, and crack because of exposure to the sun and water. The oil is absorbed by the hardwood board, enables it to remain smooth and acts as a light water-resistant agent. It even has the potential of preventing stains from adhering to the cutting board.

What is the Proper Way to Oil your Cutting Board?

First and foremost, make sure that your board is completely clean and dry. Afterward, apply the cutting board conditioner or mineral oil on both side of the wood board; Do not over oil! It is preferable to do a second coat of cutting board conditioner or mineral oil, if necessary.

  • Use  a clean, dry cloth or a paper towel to rub the oil into the board (both sides) in a circular motion let sit for 20 min.
  • Use a dry cloth or paper towel to remove excess oil.

Homemade conditioner with Beeswax and Mineral oil

Deep Oiling the wood cutting board is another effective method that can significantly improve the overall durability of the cutting board. You can use this homemade recipe for deep condition . Follow the instructions below to deep oil your cutting board with beeswax:

  • Use 1-part beeswax to 2-part mineral oil ,melt and stir on a low heat, let cool before applying.
  • Apply an even coat and let it dry 20 minutes. 
  • Now, thoroughly buff in a circular motion with a clean cloth until finish is smooth. It will make the cutting board to shine.
Pro tip - Avoid using vegetable or nut based oils to avoid rancid smells.

 

Refurbishing your Wood Cutting Board

The wonderful thing about wooden cutting boards, is that it can be returned to its original condition, wiping away knife marks and stains.  Use three different grits of sandpaper (150, 240 and 400). Start sanding it down with the coarsest grit, then 240 and finish with the fine 400 grit. When you are finished, wash your board, let it dry and oil according to our previous instructions. Your PAC board will return to its natural splendor.

                                                    Conclusion

Cutting boards are one of those items that you can never have too many of in your kitchen. Cutlery and cutting boards are essential for properly preparing foods such as meat, poultry, vegetables, and other foods. In addition, a quality cutting board is vitally necessary for maintaining food safety.

 

We at PAC furniture assure you that our cutting boards are of superior quality and if cared for properly, will last for many years to come.