How to care for wooden cutting boards

I’m doing a little spring cleaning around here. Drawers are getting emptied, closets straightened, and some day I’ll make headway in my mess of an office. But, today I’m taking care of my wooden cutting board. Truly the workhorse of the kitchen, it’s due for a little TLC.

I have a Boos maple cutting board. I’ve had it since before we were married and it’s on my Top 5 list of kitchen essentials.

Soapy, hot water two or three times a day eventually will dry the board out. And, while it’s the best way to keep your wooden cutting board clean after each use, to extend the life of the board and keep it functioning in tip top shape, you need to oil the boards every 3-4 weeks. (I know, right!)

I use two products on my wooden cutting boards – Boos Board Cream and Mystery Oil. {FYI – I have no affiliation, other than brand loyalty, to Boos.}

The Mystery Oil is a food-grade mineral oil. It’s light and easy to apply. The oil soaks deep into the wood grain and helps restore the dry wood. The Board Cream contains an unbleached beeswax and is much thicker than the oil. The cream adds an extra layer of protection to the wood surface. I like to think of these products as my restore & protect agents. I may or may not have tried these natural products on my own face and skin. 😉 I will freely admit to slathering the stuff all over my hands and nails!

Here are tips to care properly for your wooden cutting board:

• Wash after each use with warm, soapy water
• Do not allow your wooden cutting board to be submerged or soak in water {this will eventually split the boards}
• Dry your wooden cutting board on it’s narrow side or upright to allow both work surfaces to air dry
• When your board has become dry and light in color, it’s time to condition with oil
• Generously apply Mystery Oil to the surface of the cutting board. Allow the board to sit overnight and then use as normal. The oil will absorb, but if there is a little residue left over, just wipe clean with a paper towel.
• To use the Board Cream, generously rub the beeswax cream over the entire board with your hands. Allow the board to sit overnight. The beeswax will not absorb like the oil, so you’ll want to wipe the board clean with a paper towel.

I alternate between Mystery Oil and Board Cream. And, truthfully I do not oil my wooden cutting board as often as I should. I have an added incentive to getting my wooden board prepped ~ our first produce basket from our CSA Tecolote Farm arrives in just a few short days! The cutting board will be getting plenty of use to slice and dice all our organic, fresh produce. Which reminds me. . .better get my knives sharpened this week.

Happy Spring Cleaning!

Love,