How to Care for Your Handcrafted Cutting Board

A high-quality wood board is more than just a kitchen tool; it is an heirloom piece. Wood is a living, natural material that responds to its environment. With simple, regular maintenance, your board will resist cracking, warping, and staining, serving your kitchen for generations.

The Golden Rules (Read This First)

• NEVER put your wood board in the dishwasher. The high heat and harsh chemicals will cause it to warp and crack immediately.
• NEVER soak your board in a sink of water. Wood absorbs water like a sponge; swelling and drying causes splitting.
• NEVER use vegetable, corn, or olive oils to maintain your board. These oils can go rancid over time and make your board smell.

Routine Cleaning

1. Hand Wash: After use, wash all surfaces with warm water and mild dish soap.
2. Towel Dry: Wipe the board dry immediately with a clean dish towel.
3. Air Dry on Edge: This is the most important step. Stand the board upright on its edge to let it air dry. This allows air to circulate around both sides evenly, preventing the wood from warping or cupping.

Maintenance: Oiling & Conditioning

Washing your board eventually strips away the natural moisture. To keep the wood hydrated and water-resistant, you must re-apply a finish.

When to oil:
When the board looks dry, light in color, or feels "fuzzy" to the touch.

What to use:
We recommend using Bailey's Board Butter or a food-safe mineral oil.

The Process:

1. Ensure the board is clean and completely dry.
2. Apply a generous layer of board conditioner or mineral oil to all surfaces (top, bottom, and sides).
3. Let it soak in for at least 2–3 hours (or overnight).
4. Wipe away any excess oil with a clean, dry cloth.
5. Buff in a circular motion for a satin sheen.

Deep Cleaning & Deodorizing

If your board has picked up strong odors (like garlic or onion) or stains:

1. Sprinkle coarse salt (Kosher or Sea Salt) generously over the surface.
2. Cut a lemon in half and use the cut side to scrub the salt into the board.
3. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes to neutralize odors and lift stains.
4. Scrape off the mixture, rinse with warm water, and dry immediately.
5. Always re-oil the board after this process, as the lemon acidity can dry out the wood.

Can I use my board for raw meat?

Yes. Wood has natural antimicrobial properties. However, for safety:

• Wash the board thoroughly with hot, soapy water immediately after prepping raw meat.
• For an extra layer of sanitation, you can spray the board with a mixture of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio), let it sit for a minute, then rinse and dry.

Care & Maintenance: Hand-Turned Wood Bowls

Your wooden bowl is a unique piece of nature, crafted to last a lifetime. Unlike ceramic or glass, wood is a living material that breathes and moves. With the right care, your bowl will develop a rich patina and grow more beautiful with every meal.

The 4 Commandments of Wood Bowls

To avoid cracking or warping, please avoid the following:

1. NO Microwaves: This is the fastest way to destroy a wood bowl. The heat boils the moisture inside the wood cells, causing the bowl to crack or split instantly.
2. NO Dishwashers: High heat and harsh detergents will strip the natural oils and ruin the finish.
3. NO Soaking: Never leave liquid in the bowl for extended periods (like overnight) or let it sit in a sink of water.
4. NO Fridge/Freezer: Extreme cold lowers humidity, which can dry out the wood and cause it to crack.

Daily Cleaning

1. Hand Wash: Use warm water and mild soap with a soft sponge or cloth.
2. Rinse & Dry: Rinse thoroughly and towel dry immediately.
3. Air Dry: Let the bowl sit on a drying rack or counter to air dry completely before putting it away in a cabinet.

Maintenance & Oiling

Over time, your bowl may look dry or "thirsty." This is normal. To refresh the finish and protect the wood:

1. Ensure the bowl is clean and dry.
2. Apply a food-safe wood balm (like our Bailey's Board Butter) or walnut oil/mineral oil.
3. Rub it in with a soft cloth or paper towel.
4. Let it cure for a few hours (or overnight) and buff off the excess.

Tip: If you use your bowl daily for salads, the olive oil in your dressing will actually help keep the wood nourished naturally!

Dealing with "The Fuzz" (Grain Raising)

When a wood bowl is new, the first few times it gets wet, you might notice the surface feels slightly "fuzzy" or rough. This is called "grain raising" and is a natural reaction to moisture. I take extra measures to prevent this but it may still occur.

The Fix:
You don't need sandpaper! Simply take a piece of a brown paper grocery bag (or a rough craft paper) and rub the inside of the bowl vigorously. The paper acts like a very fine polish, knocking down the raised grain and leaving the surface silky smooth again without removing the finish.

A Note on Temperature

Wood does not like "Thermal Shock."

• Warm Foods: Your bowl is perfect for warm popcorn, roasted veggies, or pasta.
• Hot Liquids: Avoid pouring boiling hot soup directly into a cold wood bowl. Let the soup cool slightly in the pot before serving, or warm the bowl with tap water first.