Normal Cleaning
We use hot soapy water or a 1:1 mix of water and white vinegar to clean our cutting boards after each use and then dry them thoroughly with a lint free towel. Never soak or submerge your cutting board in water or place it within the dishwasher. It will reduce the lifespan of your board, may cause irreversible damage, and recirculate bacteria back onto the surface of the cutting board.
Removing Stains
Prior to working on a stain, make sure to clean your cutting board. First option is to use 3% hydrogen peroxide with a clean cloth to dab the stain on the cutting board. This will be a slow process. After the stain is removed, rinse the board under water and thoroughly dry. A second method is to sprinkle a few tablespoons of coarse sea salt over the stain then gradually scrub the grains with a halved lemon, juicing the fruit as you go to mix the salt with the citric acid. Let the mixture settle into the board for at least 10 minutes, repeat as necessary, rinse when complete, and thoroughly dry.
Sanitizing
There are several methods to sanitizing a wood cutting board. Prior to sanitizing, make sure to clean your cutting board. First method is using pure white vinegar; apply using a spray bottle, let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse and thoroughly dry. Second method is using 3% hydrogen peroxide; apply using a spray bottle, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse and thoroughly dry. Third method is using 1 teaspoon bleach diluted in 2 quarts (2 liters) of water; apply using a spray bottle, let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse and thoroughly dry. Not only will these methods disinfect, but they will aid in the elimination of odors.
Ongoing Seasoning
Wood is an organic material and needs attention to give you the long service life you expect from it. Keep an eye on how dry your cutting board is becoming over time. As you clean the surface after every use, you will be slowly removing the seasoning layer. We recommend you season the board every 2-4 weeks as with use you will remove the protective coatings. You can do so, using our Seasoning Butter to help maintain liquid repellency (juices, water, etc.), or you can create your own mixture using food-safe mineral oil and beeswax. First clean and sanitize your cutting board, then rub in the seasoning to all surfaces and buff off any access after 1 hour (leaving the butter on longer will not cause an issue). This helps ensure long life and beauty of your cutting board. This process should be completed on a regular basis. If you take care of your board, it will take care of you as you create your wonderful meal.
Oils to Avoid when Seasoning
Avoid organic, vegetable, olive, and nut oils. The natural fats in these oils will turn rancid over time. We also recommend avoiding any seasoning that contains or uses either petroleum-based or heavy metal accelerants to aid drying. Ultimately, you need to be comfortable with the seasoning you use.
