Handcrafted woodwork and cabinetry by Gerald Lew
Wash your cutting board with soap and warm water and scrub well. The volume of water and mechanical scrubbing is more important than soap in flushing bacteria and other food particles off the board. After washing the cutting board, dry immediately with a towel and let it air dry standing up or on a raised rack with air flow.
If your board has stains or smells, you can use lemon juice or white vinegar directly on the area. The acid in these liquids will neutralize the organic material or fats causing the problem.
Unless stated otherwise, all boards are finished with Howard's Cutting Board Oil, which is a food grade mineral oil enriched with Vitamin E. If your board starts looking dry after repeated use/washing, any food grade mineral oil is recommended to maintain it. Walnut oil, almond oil, coconut oil and pure Tung oil are good alternatives but stay away from olive or vegetable oils, as these oils are rich in fats that will turn rancid after oxidizing.
Use a clean cloth and apply the oil to the board in the direction of the grain. Let the oil soak into the board for 20 minutes and wipe off the excess. Let the board dry for 24 hours before use.
DO NOT:
Put the board in the dishwasher. The heat and water will warp and splinter the wood.
Dunk or let the board stand in water. The wood will absorb water and potentially warp.
Use bleach. This will stain the wood and/or excessively dry the wood.
Put a wet board flat to dry. If the board dries on one side, it will cause the wood to warp.