While cutting boards can become pricey very quick, they are a necessity in the kitchen! Instead of wasting money on a cheap cutting board, we suggest investing in a good quality butcher block board that is bound to last you a very long time. As with any other kitchen gadget, your cutting board will only last if you take good care of it.
Luckily, caring for your cutting board doesn’t require much time or money. Most of the techniques used to clean, sanitize and maintain a cutting board need no more than a few ingredients, which are most likely in your kitchen already. Here are some simple tips on taking good care of your butcher block board.
To maintain your butcher blocks and wood cutting boards, oiling becomes your best friend. One of the important things to remember is to only use food grade oil for this purpose. You can buy a bottle of mineral oil, which is cheap and readily available in most pharmacies, and make your own mixture of mineral oil and beeswax. The frequency of oiling your boards depends on how often it is used. In most cases, oiling your board once a month is the preferred way.
Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide
Use this mixture to disinfect and clean a butcher block board or any wood surface. Wash with vinegar after using, followed by using a paper towel and hydrogen peroxide to kill any remaining surface bacteria, especially after cutting meat.
Lemons
Did you know that the best way to eliminate the smell of onions, garlic or fish from a butcher block is to rub an open lemon on it? Simple sprinkle the board with coarse salt and rub the lemon over it.
Baking Soda
For deep cleaning, occasionally apply a paste of baking soda, salt and water to the surface of the board, let it sit then rinse it clean.
Bleach
To get rid of germs and food residue, use diluted bleach on your butcher board regularly.
Even with good care, overtime you have to let go of your kitchen gadgets. We recommend changing a cutting board when it gets excessively cracked, grooved or warped. Most wood cutting boards should be replaced if the seams between the boards begin to separate, since bacteria can accumulate within the cracks and become dangerously unhealthy.
Butcher blocks are investments for your kitchen, so don’t be afraid to spend a little more for a higher quality board that will actually last. Here at Butcher Block Boards, you can choose from selected models and wood types and know that the board you get is of good quality.
