When it comes to cutting boards, you should always go for one made of wood rather than plastic or bamboo. Plastic cutting boards don't last as long as you might think - and they can tend to dull your kitchen knives.
Wood cutting boards won't dull your kitchen knives, and they actually last for many years if you take care of them. Especially if you choose a high-quality one such as solid oak wood, which also has fantastic natural antibacterial properties.
Also read: 5 reasons to choose an oak wood cutting board
Before you use your wood cutting board
When you receive your cutting board, you should wipe it down with a damp cloth or wash it with water on both sides. Although we oil our boards twice and sand twice, the fibers can rise up a bit and create a rough surface the first couple of times you wash the cutting board.
This is completely normal and natural for all wooden boards.
At the workshop in France, our cutting boards are first sanded once, after which the boards are dipped in water to make the wood fibers rise. Then the boards are sanded again. This ensures that the fibers don't rise as much when you start using your cutting board. You can read about the entire production process here →
However, since wood is a natural material, it cannot be completely avoided, and at the same time it's a good opportunity to become skilled at caring for your new cutting board.
Once you have washed / wiped your cutting board, it should air dry. After that, you can remove any wood fibers that have risen with the included sanding sponge - and finally give the board a little wood oil or perhaps just some food oil (e.g. sunflower or rapeseed).
Daily cleaning of oak wood cutting boards
The key to giving your cutting boards a long and good life is to control moisture. Wood consists of natural fibers that will absorb water and potentially can become warped when the wood dries again. Therefore, it is extremely important that you never let the cutting board soak in water for a long time - and certainly not in the dishwasher!
In daily use, you can advantageously use a sponge or brush and clean your cutting board in warm water and soap. You simply scrub until any stains or food residue are gone - but ALWAYS remember to wash both sides of the board, so it doesn't warp and become crooked.
Dry the cutting board with a cloth and stand it upright against the wall so it can air dry completely. You should never place a damp cutting board flat on the table or in a drawer, as it will prevent the board from drying properly.
How to remove stains from your cutting board
If your cutting board has gotten stains or your wooden cutting board has stains, there is a solution - even if you have cut beets or turmeric...
You only need two things - baking soda and water. Put a couple of tablespoons of baking soda directly on the surface of the cutting board, and then add just enough water to achieve a smooth "paste"-like consistency.
Scrub the mixture into the cutting board with a sponge and then clean it with water and soap. Dry the board and then let it air dry completely against a wall.
Read more about how you should care for your oak wood cutting board here→
