Board Care
All of our boards are soaked in a mineral oil bath before being coated with our own mineral oil and beeswax blend to provide an extra layer of protection.
To ensure you get as much life as possible out of your board, it is imperative to continue a regular, though simple, maintenance routine. We've listed some important tips below that will keep your board seasoned and looking like new for years to come.
DO:
- Hand wash the entire board with a mild antibacterial dish soap, like Dawn or similar. Rinsing under running water is okay, but do not let soak in water.
- Towel dry all over
- To complete the drying process, stand the board on its edge and lean against another surface, such as the backsplash in your kitchen. A plate drying rack may also be used. Allow the board to completely dry in this position before laying flat
- Oil your board when it starts to look or feel "dry". A good indicator can sometimes be the richness of the color fading.
- Apply mineral oil to all sides with a cloth or your bare hands, let it soak in for at least two hours, wipe off any excess with paper towel, then buff with a lint free or microfiber cloth.
- For added (optional) protection, you may also apply a blend like our J. Wilder Board Butter (available here). Simply apply liberally to the entire surface, let sit overnight. The oils will soak in, leaving a thin wax film. Buff the wax film with a lint-free or microfiber cloth.
- After prolonged use, the board's surface may show signs of visible knife marks. These marks will not compromise the integrity of the board, but if they bother you visually you can simply sand the surface starting with 80 grit sandpaper, working your way up to 220 grit, then apply a heavy coat of mineral oil or an oil and wax blend like our J. Wilder Board Butter, following the steps above.
DO NOT:
- Wash in the dishwasher
- Soak in a tub or sink full of water to clean
- Allow to dry while resting flat. The top will dry out faster than the bottom (which will trap moisture) and may cause warping of the board. When completely dry, the board may be stored flat.
- Use vegetable or olive oil to season the board. These are food-based oils that may go rancid over time and trap bacteria.
- Place your board in an oven or microwave, refrigerator or freezer.
HELPFUL TIPS:
- You should clean and/or wipe your board as soon as possible after use. Natural cleaning methods are typically the best medicine for any staining that may occur. Use a blend of baking soda, vinegar, and course sea salt, then scrub with a halved lemon or fine scrubbing pad as soon as possible if you notice staining from:
- water rings/water spots
- red or blue juices from certain berry varieties, beets, red wine, etc.
- We advise applying a board finishing blend, like our J. Wilder Board Butter (available here) after any "heavy" cleaning routines like the one mentioned above.
- Never use harsh chemicals to clean your board.