How to Preserve a Cutting Board
Although plastic cutting boards are easy to take care of, many cooks prefer wooden cutting boards. If you do not clean your wooden cutting board, it can become gross and even moldy. However, cleaning a wooden cutting board too often can lead it to warp, crack and otherwise deteriorate. Keeping your cutting board clean but also lubricating it properly is the best way to preserve it and extend its lifetime. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial dish soap
- Lint-free soft dishcloth
- Large bowl
- Mineral oil
Instructions
-
-
1
Wash the cutting board with antibacterial dish soap and warm water. Make sure to rinse the board thoroughly and dry it off with a soft cloth.
-
2
Place a bottle of mineral oil in a bowl full of hot water and let it soak for around 10 minutes, until the bottle is warm to the touch.
-
-
3
Wipe the warmed mineral oil over the entire surface of the cutting board using a soft cloth. This will lubricate the board.
-
4
Let the cutting board sit with the mineral oil on it for around six hours, so that the mineral oil can penetrate the board. After six hours, remove excess oil by wiping the board with a cloth.
-
5
Leave the board alone and do not use it for at least eight hours after treating it, to avoid disrupting the mineral oil conditioning. Then you can begin using the cutting board as you normally do.
-
6
Repeat the cleaning and oiling treatment as needed, ideally about once a month.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Never immerse your cutting board in water.
Dry the cutting board thoroughly after every washing.
Store the cutting board vertically, never in a flat position, as that removes airflow from one side.
Keep your cutting board away from high heat.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
