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Buying a hardwood cutting board can become a great investment when the board is accurately maintained. Caring for your engraved wood cutting board can ensure its longevity and durability. Investing in a cutting board is the best way to guarantee you won't have to buy a new one any time soon. Wood cutting boards come in various shapes and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect one for your kitchen. Following is a guide on how you can ideally care for your wooden boards to ensure they last a lifetime. Dos and Don'ts on Washing your Board The two most important things to remember when it comes to washing your hardwood cutting board are the following. Never submerge your board completely into water. This will prevent the board from properly drying and may cause your board to warp and crack. Never put your cutting board through the dishwasher. Similar to why you shouldn't submerge it completely in water, this can cause the board to warp and crack. When your board warps or cracks, this could cause bacteria to enter the board and contaminate any food that touches it. Disinfecting and Sanitizing There are several popular ways you can disinfect your cutting board. From natural solutions to a bit more industrial cleaning, whichever you choose will help remove germs and bacteria from your board. Lemon and Salt One of the best natural solutions to sanitize and deodorize your cutting board, lemon and salt work together to get the job done. Easy to do, simply sprinkle your board with coarse salt and cut a lemon in half. Use half of the lemon to rub the salt around the board in a circular motion. This should be done at least once a month or more based on the frequency of use to ensure the board stays sanitized. White Vinegar Being an excellent disinfectant for E. Coli, Salmonella and other viruses, keeping a spray bottle of white vinegar close by can come in handy. Simply spray the vinegar on the board, let sit for a few minutes and wipe with a warm, damp cloth. Diluted Bleach Although this may seem drastic, diluted bleach is a great way to ensure you rid your board of all bacteria. While this is in not the first recommended method, it is a safe one nonetheless. Mix about a spoonful of bleach with a litre of water and apply with a spray bottle. Let sit for a few minutes and wipe with a warm, damp cloth. Oiling your Board To protect your cutting board, you can condition it to prevent future damage. To do so, we suggest a mixture of beeswax and mineral oil. Simply melt a little into a liquid state and rub over the surface of your board. Wipe of any excess oil and leave in an upright position to dry. Keeping your cutting boards sanitized and disinfected can prevent cross contamination and keep you and your family healthy. With proper care, your cutting board can last a lifetime. |
