How to Properly Care for a Wooden Cutting Board

Beautiful cutting boards like the Oval Maple Edge Grain Board with Stainless Steel Handles designed by John Boos aren’t just your typical run of the mill cutting boards. John Boos wooden cutting boards look amazing hanging in your kitchen – on display to show off the beauty of each design. Whether you use your cutting board to cut up vegetables, meat, serve cheese and crackers, or use it to slice bread, it is vital to ensure that it is cleaned well and waxed to preserve it for years to come.

I am a believer that using natural products is always best. Don’t let your cutting boards become germ and odor ridden or lose their original luster.

Follow these simple steps to keep your boards looking like new:

1. After each use, use a cloth with full strength white vinegar to wash the cutting board. Let the vinegar sit on the board for a few minutes, then wash it with a clean cloth and cold water. Vinegar has acetic acid in it and is a powerful natural disinfectant – effective against E.Coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus. Soap will eventually break down the wood fibers and is also not the best disinfectant for wood.

2. For a deeper clean – Make a paste using salt, baking soda, and warm water (approximately a tablespoon of each). Wipe the board with the paste and then spray with undiluted, white vinegar. Allow the mixture to bubble for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water.

3. If your board has been used to cut foods with strong odors – like fish, garlic, or onions – rub lemon juice (or cut a lemon in half and use the open side of the lemon to rub on the board). Lemon is a natural deodorizer.

4. The board will eventually develop deep grooves from its many times in use and will need to be lightly sand to help restore its original state. I use 80-grit sandpaper and lightly sand the sides that are in need of restoration (make sure to go with the grain!). I wipe the wood off with a damp cloth with warm water on it.

5. Finally, it is essential to make sure that you reseal the wood every month if you are using the cutting board on a regular basis. To do this, make sure that your board has been disinfected and is completely dry. Next, I recommend using Boos Board Cream, Oil, and Applicator Sponge. I apply a liberal amount of oil to the board and let it soak in overnight. Then, I apply the wax using the applicator sponge using a circular motion (I apply an even coating of wax to the cutting board).

It is imperative to disinfect your board and let it dry upright after each use. If you do not allow for a completely dry or lay it flat the board will crack and warp. Taking a few minutes after each use and oiling and waxing your board each month will ensure that you will have many years of use for beautiful boards like John Boos designs.