Caring for a wooden cutting board.

Most homes have a cutting board, and increasingly, people are returning to wooden cutting boards. Like all wooden utensils they do require some regular care but it is not onerous.

As always, the main instruction is don’t put them in the dishwasher. Doing this regularly will shorten the lifespan of your wooden board.

After use, scrape off any food scraps and then wash in warm soapy water, and when finished washing, rinse off with warm water,  dry the board off with a clean tea towel and then leave in the open air to dry completely.

Make sure when you wash it, you wash both asides of the board, and when you leave in the open air to dry, that you don’t lay it down on its side. Doing either of these things can cause the board to warp as it dries. Let it dry standing upright or on a lean against a wall. Don’t leave in direct hot sunlight to dry either.

Oil your board regularly. I use a food safe mineral oil  I use their oil and find it really good for my wooden boards and utensils. You may have something else you prefer which is fine,  and if you do I would love to hear what you use,

Applying a generous layer of food-safe mineral oil is how to ensure your board stays hydrated and doesn’t split or crack with use. Oiling keeps your wood smooth and prevents splinters. It also creates a finish that isn’t just nice to touch and look at. It prevents liquids (like meat juice) and bacteria from seeping into the board and contaminating the wood. Keeping the moisture levels consistent also helps prevent warping from seasonal changes

I use more oil on cutting boards and bowls than I do on spatulas or other utensils. I will pour a little on the board and rub it in with a clean cloth until the entire board has been coated and the oil is well worked in. I want to make sure the oil has gone into any cracks or marks made when cutting with a knife.

Once it has been rubbed in, I will leave it until the oil has soaked right in and there is no oil to the touch. Usually I oil and then leave overnight and then put away in the morning,

Depending on how often I use my cutting board, I will oil it every 2-4 weeks, and a new board, oil a  more frequently.