Wood board maintenance is a quick and easy treatment that will keep your board looking like new and extend its life. The most common question asked is “How do I maintain my wood board?”, so we’ve put together this short set of instructions to help you out.
PROPER WAY OF CLEANING AND WASHING
Wash your wood board with soap and warm water and dry well. Water volume and mechanical cleaning is more important than soap in washing bacteria and other food particles off the board. After washing the board, dry it immediately with a towel and let it dry standing up or on an open rack that allows air to flow from all sides of the board.
Walrus Soap is also recommended for washing wooden boards, as it is certified for products in contact with food.
DON’T:
- Put the wooden board in the dishwasher. Heat and water will warp and split the wood and will void most manufacturers’ warranties. Only plastic or glass plates can be put in the dishwasher.
- Immerse or leave the board in water. The wood will absorb water and will deform during drying.
- Used bleach. This will stain the wood and/or dry it out too much.
- Place the wet board horizontally on a flat surface. If the board dries on one side, it will cause the wood to warp.
If your board has stains or smells, you can use lemon juice or white vinegar directly on the area. The acid in these fluids will neutralize the organic material or grease that is causing the problem.
HOW TO APPLY OIL, BUTTER OR WAX
After your cutting board is completely dry, apply the oil directly to the surface of the board and spread it with a new brush, or credit card. Make sure the entire surface of the wood is covered with oil. Leave it for 12 to 24 hours so that the oil penetrates into the interior of the wood. After that, wipe the board with a dry cloth to remove excess oil. For a better result, several layers of paint can be applied.
We recommend Walrus Cutting Board Oil, as a formula combined with oil, wax and vitamin E, which in addition to the best protection from water and moisture, Walrus Oil also provides safety, as it is certified by the NFS and FDA for contact with food.
To apply Cutting Board Butter/Wax, wait until the board is dry after washing or oiling, then apply a small amount of the wax on it. Using a soft cloth, rub the butter/wax onto the wood in a circular motion, forming a thin layer. Repeat over the entire surface of the board and especially on the side. It is not necessary to let the cream penetrate the wood.
We recommend you to oil your board at least once every 6 months, but sometimes even once a month, depending on the frequency of use.