Cutting Board/Charcuterie Board Cleaning and Care

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To help your cutting board or charcuterie board last a lifetime, proper care and cleaning is essential.

Follow these tips to get the most out of your wood boards.

1. Remove large stuck on particles with a proper scraper

2. Gently scrub the cutting board with a mild dish soap and warm water

3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining soap

4. Immediately dry. Use a soft towel to dry the cutting board. Continue the drying process by standing the board on one end or in a dish drying rack. This will help prevent moisture build up that causes warping and cracking. 

Regularly oiling or waxing a cutting board helps preserve the durability and longevity of the cutting board. 

1. Choose the product to apply. Only use a food grade mineral oil or beeswax to treat the board. It is recommended to use a premixed hybrid food grade mineral oil and bees wax board cream. 

2. Apply a small amount of the cream or oil to a clean cloth or paper towel. The amount of product needed will vary depending on the size of the cutting board. 

3. gently rub the cream or oil into the woodgrain of the board. Be sure to apply to all sides of the board. 

4. Let the cutting board to sit to allow the cream or oil to absorb into the grain of the wood. Absorption time will vary depending on the frequency of treatments and the species of the wood. 

5. Wipe the excess cream or oil from the board with a clean cloth or paper towel. 

Storing your cutting board is essential to prevent warping or cracking. Store your cutting board on end in an area that is clean and will prevent moisture absorption.  If your cutting board is equipped with feet you can store the cutting board horizontal standing on the feet. 

Wood cutting boards are naturally antimicrobial and are safer to use than plastic cutting boards.  If regularly maintained they can last a lifetime. 

Things to avoid:

1. Never wash a wood cutting board in the dishwasher. Hand wash only and thoroughly dry.  

2. Never soak a wood cutting board. Soaking is not necessary when cleaning a wood cutting board and will eventually ruin the board. 

3. Never use oils that can go rancid. Oils such as vegetable, olive and canola can soak into the cutting board and will eventually become rancid. Once the oil has become rancid there is no true way to recover the board. 

4.  Avoid putting hot items on a cutting board. If there is any moisture in the cutting board, placing a hot item such as a pot of that was just boiling on the board may cause the board to crack or warp. 

5. We recommend using a separate cutting board for aromatics. The oils from aromatics such as garlic and onions can trap the odor in the boards.  

Have additional questions about the care of your wood cutting boards or products? Contact us today and we will be happy to assist you.