Essential Care Tips for Your Engraved Wooden Chopping Board

Here's your ultimate guide to keeping your wooden chopping board looking its best and functioning flawlessly:

Cleaning a wooden cutting board 101:

• Wash After Every Use: This might seem obvious, but it's crucial to remove any lingering food particles that could harbour bacteria. Wash your board with warm, soapy water and a gentle dishcloth. Try not to scrub it with a scourer as this can also damage the wood grain. 
• No Harsh Chemicals! Avoid using harsh detergents, bleach, or abrasive sponges on your board. These can damage the wood and leave it looking dull.
• NEVER PUT A WOODEN CHOPPING BOARD IN THE DISHWASHER! The heat and soaking usually ends up splitting and warping your board.

Taming the Stains:

• Lemon Power: Once a week, or after chopping strong-smelling ingredients like garlic or onions, give your board a deeper clean. Sprinkle coarse salt on the surface and scrub with half a lemon. This helps neutralize odors and remove any lingering stains. I personally love the way that lemon makes everything smell so clean and fresh. 
• Baking Soda Scrub: If the lemon treatment doesn't do the trick, create a paste with baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stained area, let it sit for 15 minutes, and scrub gently with a brush. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

Drying is Key:

• Never Soak! Wooden chopping boards are not fans of prolonged exposure to water. Never submerge your board in water, and avoid letting it sit in a puddle on your drying rack. Don't be like my husband and soak them, which is a bone of contention in our house! This can cause cracking due to the wood fibers expanding and contracting. 
• Air Dry is the Way to Go: The best way to dry your wooden chopping board is to stand it upright on its side against a wall or prop it up on a drying rack to allow air to circulate freely.
• Towel Pat Down: For an extra drying boost, pat your board dry with a clean dish towel after washing. 

*This post may contain affiliate links. They will be of no extra expense for you, but I receive a small credit. Please see my Disclosure for more details. (I only support things I actually use and love) Thank you for supporting Ingrained Inc!

Nourishing Your Cutting Board:

• Oil is Your Friend: Over time, wood can dry out and crack. To prevent this, regularly oil your chopping board to maintain its moisture and prevent warping. Food-grade mineral oil or a butcher block conditioner are excellent choices. I like to use this oil. Some people say to use vegetable oil or cooking oils but please don't do this as the cooking oils will turn rancid when exposed to air and ruin your cutting board.
• The Oil Treatment Process: Apply a thin coat of oil to a clean and dry board. Let the oil soak in for a few hours, then buff off any excess with a clean cloth. Repeat this process every few months, or more frequently if you use your board daily.

Storing Wisely:

• Find a Cool, Dry Spot: Store your chopping board in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Excessive heat can cause the wood to warp.
• Give it Space to Breathe: Don't store your board directly next to other items, like pots or pans. Allow air to circulate around the board to prevent moisture build-up and the growth of mould.

General Care Tips:

• Sharpness is Key: Using dull knives can damage your board. Make sure to keep your knives sharp to ensure clean cuts and prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the board's surface.
• Designated Duties: Having separate boards for meat and vegetables can help prevent cross-contamination.

Personalised Chopping Board Idea: Chop on the Reverse Side of the Engraving

For personalised chopping boards with beautiful engravings or messages, consider using the reverse side for chopping. This way, you can preserve the pristine condition of the engraving while still enjoying the functionality of the board.

With these simple care tips, your engraved cheese board or personalised charcuterie board will remain a cherished kitchen companion for years to come. We've had some of our boards for as long as 9 years. So grab your knife, prep your ingredients, and chop with confidence!

Bonus Tip: If your chopping board develops deep scratches or nicks, you can use sandpaper to smooth them out. Just be sure to use a very fine grit sandpaper and sand with the grain of the wood. Be sure to re-oil the board after sanding.

By following these simple care tips, you can ensure your wooden chopping board remains a cherished and functional part of your kitchen for years to come. Happy chopping!