USE & CARE

The characteristics of wood

Wood is a natural material and has some erratic, natural properties. As you use a wooden cutting board, it expands and shrinks depending on humidity and temperature, hence a chance for cracks and gaps to occur. These unwanted cracks and gaps can be potential shelters for bacteria and mould.

Antibacterial effect

As you cut on a cutting board, small grooves appear, allowing bacteria to accumulate there. Unlike a plastic one, which will close around the dirt inside the groove, a wooden cutting board will open during cleaning, enabling you to wash out all the dirt. In addition, the tannin in wood can kill a large part of bacteria.  

 

How to maintain a wooden cutting board?

Cleaning after use

Wash your cutting board with running water and scrub well. Add some liquid soap if you have cut row meat or fish on it. Using a clean cloth or paper towel, wipe down the cutting board, removing excess water. Let it air dry standing up with the wood grain vertical to the ground to reduce the possibility of warping.

Oil the cutting board

Saturating a wooden cutting board with oil will produce a protective layer on it. Choose a food-grade, odorless and flavorless oil to maintain your wooden cutting board. You can also use cutting board oil. Avoid natural oils that will eventually oxidize and go rancid.

 

Detailed maintenance steps

First cleaning the board. Damp it with lemon juice or white vinegar and sprinkle coarse salt over it. Use a scrub brush to remove the excess. Leave it to soak for about 15 minutes. Rinse the cutting board and dry it with a cloth or paper towel. 

Once the board is well dried, it is ready to be oiled. Apply the oil using a clean cloth and spread evenly over the board. Let the oil set in for enough time to enable it be absorbed well. Repeat the oiling until the board no longer absorbs oil.

Maintenance frequency

The full process of a major maintenance can be done every 2 to 4 months. In between, you can just oil the board after washing and drying it. We recommend you oil your cutting board every other week or every month, or when dry to the touch.  

 

Cutting board for life

Give your wooden cutting board the proper care it requires, to keep it looking great and remain a long lasting accessory in your kitchen.