Product Care

Board and Branch Designs products are handcrafted with love and care.  Wood cutting boards are easier on your knife than plastic boards, they are durable, and they are beautiful.  Your wood cutting board does require some upkeep, but cared for correctly, it can last a lifetime.

 

Hand Wash:

• Wash your cutting board immediately after use.  Wipe the cutting board with hot soapy water, rinse it with hot water only, and wipe it dry with a clean dish towel.  Never submerge your cutting board in water and do not place it in the dishwasher or microwave. To avoid warping, let your cutting board dry completely overnight on its edge (large sides facing out).  Never put a wet board flat to dry!

 

Frequently Condition the Wood Cutting Board 

• Water Test: with the tip of your finger, sprinkle a few drops of water on your board.  If it beads up, it doesn’t need to be conditioned.  

• To condition, apply Board Butter in circular motions over the entire board.  Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.

• Once covered, continue to buff the board to remove excess conditioner.

• This creates a barrier to help the wood retain moisture.  You know what to do… store it on its side!

 

Disinfect & Deodorize

• Keep a spray bottle with white vinegar nearby to disinfect & deodorize your wood cutting board.  Spray and let sit a few minutes, then wipe it with a damp cloth. To avoid warping, let your cutting board completely dry on its edge.

• Lightly dampen your board then sprinkle with salt. Cut a lemon in half and use it like a scrub brush to clean your board. Let sit for five minutes and then wipe with a warm damp cloth. 

 

Remove Stains:

• Mix two tablespoons baking soda, one tablespoon salt, and three tablespoons hot water together to form a paste.  Scrub the entire surface of your cutting board and wipe it with a warm wet cloth.  Dry with a dish towel and to avoid warping, let your cutting board completely dry on its edge.

 

Seasoning the Wood Cutting Board

• If there are any patches or parts of your wood cutting board that look lighter or drier, it might be worth taking the time to re-season your board.

• It is essential to clean your wood cutting board thoroughly before seasoning. Let it sit out overnight to dry.

• The first time you season your board, thoroughly saturate the board in oil (see recommended oils below).  

• Pour on what looks like far too much and then rub it in with a clean cloth.

• Once the oil is rubbed in, set it aside for 8 hours or overnight if possible, so that it absorbs into the wood fibers completely.  As always, put it on its edge to dry.

• The next morning, try a finger test by running your finger along the surface of the board to make sure it is dry. 

• If the board feels sticky or oily, grab a fresh, soft cloth and buff down the surface to remove any excess oil.

 

 

 

Recommended Oils:

• To season your wood cutting board, use food grade mineral oil.

• To condition your wood cutting board, we recommend you use our Board Butter.

   

Can you cut raw meats on your wood cutting board?

Yes and no.  You can cut raw meats on a wood cutting board if it is properly seasoned.  After cutting the meat, clean thoroughly with a white vinegar solution.  Let it dry completely before using it to cut any other items.  

Cut Lightly:

Serrated or dull knives will create deep gashes or flaking in your wood cutting boards.  It is inevitable that your wood cutting board will get knife marks.