How to Properly Clean and Season Your Wood Cutting Board
If your wood cutting board is brand spankin’ new, then you’ll need to start its care right away. Before you cut anything on its wood surface, you should “season” the wood. “Seasoning” your cutting board means that you’ll apply a coating of oil to protect it. The oil will help keep food particles out of the pores of the wood. It will also help the wood resist stains and odors. And, it will help prevent the wood from drying out and shrinking. Don’t use a cooking oil, though, as it will turn rancid over time. Instead, you’ll want to use walnut or mineral oil. Walnut oil is usually the choice pick since it’s 100% natural. However, if you or someone in your family is allergic to nuts, then you’ll need to use mineral oil instead.
To properly clean and season your wood cutting board, warm an eighth of a cup of walnut oil (or mineral oil) in your microwave. Use a clean, soft cloth to liberally apply the oil to the wood board. Rub the oil in the direction of the wood grain. Allow the walnut oil to soak into the wood for a minute or two. Then, apply another coat. You can’t use too much oil to season your wood cutting board. Because, once the wood is saturated, the excess oil will remain on the surface.
Finally, wipe off the excess oil, and your cutting board is seasoned and ready for use!
Now, to keep your wood cutting board in good shape, not to mention clean and sanitary, you’ll need to wash it in hot, sudsy water after each use. Rinse it with plenty of hot tap water, then dry it with a clean, soft towel. To properly clean and season your wood cutting board, allow it to dry completely before you put it away. Set it up on its edge to allow both sides to air dry.
You can easily sanitize and deodorize your cutting board by using pure vinegar. Use a clean, soft cloth to rub the vinegar over the entire board. The vinegar should also neutralize any odors caused by onions, garlic and other strong foods. If any stubborn odors remain, cut a lemon in half and rub the fleshy sides completely over your wood cutting board. It would be a good idea to re-season the wood after you use the vinegar and/or the lemon juice. Thereafter, you’ll need to re-season your wood cutting board to properly care for it.
