The Original Cutting Board

Cutting Board Uses

There are a variety of ways to use your cutting board:

• For cutting fruits, vegetables, cheeses, etc.
• As a serving platter for meats and cheeses.
• As a decorative accent piece in your kitchen.

When using your cutting board:

• Avoid exposing it to excessive moisture for long periods of time, as this could cause it to warp.
• Avoid using it as a hot plate, as this could cause it to dry out and eventually crack.

Cutting Board Cleaning

Wash your cutting board after each use. Start by removing any larger food particles with a nylon bristled brush or sturdy dishcloth. For stubborn food particles, you can try using a flat, steel bench scraper or spatula. Once you’ve removed the larger food particles, quickly and gently wet the surface with warm to hot water and place a little bit of dish soap on it. Then, scrub the board clean with a sponge, dishcloth, or dish brush. Make sure to scrub the entire surface including the edges and bottom. After scrubbing, rinse your board clean, dry it with a dish towel, and place it on its edge to dry for at least an hour.

When cleaning your cutting board, DO NOT:

• Use a steel brush or steel wool, as these items can scratch and damage the surface of your board, creating space for unwanted microbes to hide.
• Put your cutting board in the dishwasher, as this can warp and splinter the wood.
• Submerge your cutting board in water, as this can cause the wood to absorb water and warp.
• Use bleach, as this can stain and excessively dry the wood.
• Lay your cutting board flat to dry on one side, as this can cause the wood to warp.

Cutting Board Maintenance

Apply beeswax oil wood conditioner frequently in order to extend the life of your cutting board. This food-safe conditioner moisturizes wood cutting boards, preventing them from becoming dry and brittle. At the same time, it keeps water and other liquids from absorbing into boards, which can lead to unwanted bacteria and other germs. Beeswax oil also adds a beautiful, lustrous finish.

To apply beeswax oil to your cutting board, place a small amount of the oil onto a lint-free cloth, then rub it into the entire surface of the board. Before returning the cutting board to storage, let it dry out on your counter for approximately one hour, allowing the oil to completely absorb into the board.

Note: Real wood moves as it acclimates to its environment. Slight warping or cracking of your cutting board is a possibility. This is not considered a defect.

Cutting Board Storage

After using and cleaning your cutting board, store it in a well ventilated area, preferably in a vertical position. Storing your cutting board in a vertical position keeps moisture from getting underneath it and possibly warping it. It also prevents dust and debris from accumulating on the surface of the board while in storage.

Some folks like to hang their cutting boards from the kitchen wall, using them as both a culinary tool and a decorative piece. Of course, this also provides an excellent way to store them vertically in a well ventilated area.