How to maintain a cutting board like a chef

1. Wash your cutting board often. Don’t be afraid to wash it after every use. Your wood cutting board has a porous surface so it should be cleaned right away. Do not let it sit dirty on the sink or submerged in water.

2. Never wash it in the dishwasher. Your dishwasher could be harsh on your board because of extended exposure of heat and water. It's the quickest way to kill a cutting board. It’s best to simply hand wash it with warm water and dishwashing soap.

3.Use lemon and salt to remove lingering smell. If your board has lingering smell of garlic or other strong scents, sprinkle salt on the board then rub with a cut lemon, with the cut side touching the board. Lightly squeeze the lemon as you rub to release its juice. Rinse and air dry.

4. After washing, dry your board vertically. Never lay flat to dry. Leaving wet wood cutting board flat will cause it to warp and change its shape. Warped cutting boards produce an uneven surface and a not-so fun chopping experience.

5. Re-oil wood cutting board every few weeks. Over time, whether you constantly use it or not, your board could dry up and be susceptible to cracking. The easy and simple solution is to rub Cutting Board Finish once a month or so depending on your usage and environment. Start with a dollop of the Finish and rub it all over the board using a paper towel. Add more if needed to cover the entire board on both sides. Dry it overnight, or for a few hours, upright.

Check if the wood has fully absorbed the Finish. If it has, apply more Finish. If the wood no longer soaks it up, remove excess Finish using a paper towel and you’re good to go. There’s no such thing as using too much Cutting Board Finish so don’t be afraid to keep re-applying. Do a final rinse and your board will be good as new. Not to mention, it will have that beautiful sheen. You could buy Cutting Board Finish at any home improvement store, major supermarkets, and online. A little goes a long way so it’s a good investment. Included with each Bear Republic cutting board is a container of Cutting Board Finish. If you need more, just jump over to the Contact page and inquire about getting some more.

Extra tip: Use fine grit sand paper(220) to bring back the smoothness of your cutting board. You could get sand paper at any hardware store.