How to properly Maintain your wood cutting board

I would never dream of giving up my natural wood cutting board.

Many believe that a wood cutting board can be a breeding ground for infectious bacteria. For this reason they choose to use glass or plastic over wood.
While this certainly is possible, the same is true of any contaminated surface that isn't properly cleaned.

Knowing how to properly care for, clean, and maintain your wood cutting board will ensure many years of use and keep you from getting sick.

Things You'll Need

• Wood cutting board
• Mineral oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Scouring sponge
• Sanitizing solution
• Food-safe wood filler/epoxy
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Care:

   Never put your wood cutting board in the dishwasher! This can warp it, make it crack, and dry it out. No matter what, it's a recipe for an early death.

   Season the board with mineral oil. this will maintain the looks of your cutting board, keep it from drying out and cracking or warping, and it provides a barrier to help prevent bacteria from "seeping in" to the pores of the natural wood surface.

2. 

   Clean:

   Use salt to scrub the surface of your cutting board to help remove stuck-on food and kill bacteria. The salt rub also helps to keep the surface smooth which is another sanitizing benefit.

3. 

   The juice of a lemon works great as a natural antiseptic. It also helps to remove stains and food odors.

4. Use a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water to sanitize the board. Heck, use it anywhere you want, if you are unsure, try it on a small test area so you don't ruin anything.

5. Maintain:

   Stop cracks in their tracks! The sooner you tend to a crack in your cutting board, the better. Not only will the crack grow larger over time and eventually cause it to split, but a crack is a breeding ground for bacteria to grow. Food particles can easily get stuck in the void.

   Thoroughly clean and dry the board. Pay special attention to the problem area.
   Fill the void with a food-safe epoxy or wood filler. Now, sand the board with increasing grit sandpaper until it is smooth.
   Be sure to oil the board liberally afterwards!

Tips & Warnings

• A scouring sponge can help to remove stubborn stuck-on food

• Don't buy an "end grain" board. I've had two and they both cracked within a week. I even see them on store shelves and they're already cracked. While many times they look great, I don't believe they are a wise purchase. Stick with a tried-and-true long grain board

• Don't use vegetable or olive oil to season your board. They can turn rancid over time.

• Improper sanitization of any cooking surface can be potentially harmful and even fatal.

Resources

• Bed Bath and Beyond