Your wooden cutting board is not just a kitchen utensil; it's a showpiece that, with the right care, can last for years. Wood is beautiful, durable, and natural, but it does need some extra love. Here are our tips to keep your cutting board in top condition. 🪵
The pros and cons of a wooden cutting board
A wooden cutting board is not only a feast for the eyes but also robust and natural. They are gentle on your knives, keeping them sharper for longer. Moreover, wood naturally has antibacterial properties. Wood contains chemical compounds that kill a large proportion of bacteria. In addition, the grooves that form in the wood open themselves up, making it easy to wash away all dirt and bacteria from the cutting board.
The downside of wood is that it expands or contracts due to moisture and temperature differences. This can cause cracks and gaps, or your board might even warp. To prevent this, it's important to properly maintain your wooden cutting board. In this blog, we'll tell you how to do this best.
Oiling a wooden cutting board
It is very important to regularly treat your wooden cutting board with oil. We also recommend treating the board with oil before its first use. When the wood is saturated with oil, it seals itself and creates a protective layer on your board. For treatment, use a special maintenance oil from Butler or Skottsberg. Alternatively, you can also use peanut oil, walnut oil, linseed oil, or grapeseed oil. Olive oil is a poor choice because it will make your cutting board sticky.
Pour a little oil onto your cutting board and rub it in well on all sides with a piece of kitchen paper or a clean dishcloth. Let the oil soak in for several hours. Repeat the process until the wood no longer absorbs oil. Now your board is well saturated and ready for use.
Cleaning a wooden cutting board
A wooden cutting board is easy to clean with warm water. Clean your board with a damp cloth, dish brush, or sponge, and then dry it thoroughly. Don't hold your cutting board under the tap for too long and never place it in water. Your wooden cutting board should certainly not go in the dishwasher. Do not dry or store your cutting board in the sun, near heating, or next to the stove. The heat can cause the wood to work, leading to cracks or warping. It is best to store the cutting board upright, in a place with minimal temperature fluctuations.
Deep cleaning
Is your cutting board in need of a deep clean? Then use lemon, salt, and a clean, damp dishcloth.
- First, squeeze a lemon over the cutting board and sprinkle some salt on it.
- Take a clean, damp cloth and rub the salt and lemon juice over the board.
- Let it sit for about half an hour.
- Then rinse the cutting board with warm water and let it dry thoroughly and slowly.
Your wooden cutting board is now sparkling clean again and ready to be re-oiled!
Intermediate maintenance
To ensure your cutting board stays beautiful, it's important that it is saturated with oil. When you use and clean a cutting board, some oil is continually removed from it. Do you see dry patches or does your board feel dry? Then it's time to apply another layer of oil. By taking good care of your wooden cutting board, you will enjoy it for the longest time.
Cracks or warping anyway?
Have cracks appeared or has your wooden cutting board warped anyway? Don't panic, a wooden board can repair itself! Make sure your board is thoroughly dry and then re-oil it. Repeat this until your board no longer absorbs oil. Now let your board rest for a day. Often, the cracks will close up by themselves and your board will become straight again.
Now you know exactly how to maintain a wooden cutting board. Are you looking for a new wooden cutting board or good oil? Then view our selection here.
