Maintance of wooden cutting boards? 5 key tips

How to take care of wooden cutting boards?

In this post we present the most important tips regarding maintance of wooden cutting board and other wooden products. Wooden kitchen accessories, such as cutting boards, trays, dish dryers or magnetic knife blocks, are not only practical tools, but also stylish elements of any kitchen. To enjoy them for years to come, it’s worth knowing some basic rules for their care and avoiding mistakes that can contribute to their faster wear and tear.

Dimensional tolerances

The natural properties of wood, such as swelling and drying, can cause minimal variations in dimensions:

• Width: +/- 2,5%
• Length: +/- 1%
• Thickness: +/- 1 mm

1. Cleaning of wooden cutting boards and other wooden products

Regular cleaning is the key of maintance of wooden cutting boards and keeping it in good condition. Here are some rules:

• Wash with warm water and dishwashing liquid – after each use, gently wash the product with a damp cloth, avoiding prolonged soaking.
• Wipe immediately – after washing, dry the product thoroughly, which will prevent swelling and potential damage.
• Avoid a long contact with water – the wood can change color, swell and even become disintegrated when exposed to water. Therefore, never leave boards or other accessories in a sink full of water.

2. Avoid sources of heat and light

Wood is sensitive to temperature changes and excessive sunlight. Therefore:

• Do not leave your cutting board board or wooden tray near hot stoves, ovens or sunlight.
• Temperature changes can cause the wood to dry out, contributing to warping and cracking.

3. Additional tips for oak products

If you have products made of oak wood, keep in mind some additional issues:

• Roughness after the first contact with water – this is a natural effect. The rough surface should smooth out after a few washes. For more on this problem, see our post on protruding fibers in wood (to be added)

• Knots – we allow knots up to 2 mm in size, which gives each product a unique look.

4. Dealing with deformations – wrapping

Sometimes cutting boards or other flat products can become slightly deformed due to uneven evaporation of water. To restore them to their original shape:

• Turn the board inside out and let it rest for 24 hours to allow it to stabilize.

• If necessary, pinch the board with a heavy object. For more information, see our post on deforming cutting boards.

5. Care and maintenance: oiling

To extend the lifetime of wooden products:

• Oil them regularly with vegetable or paraffin oil, which prevents them from drying out and cracking.

• Avoid washing in the dishwasher – high temperatures and water can damage the wood, crack the product in glued places and contribute to its faster wear.

6. Magnetic knife blocks

If you use magnetic knife blocks, here are some key tips:

• The magnets in the blocks have been sized to hold most knives on the market, but some extremely heavy knives may not be safely stored on such a block.

• Put away carefully – whenever you put away a knife, make sure you do so safely to avoid injuring yourself or damaging the countertop.

• Keep knives clean and dry – never put away wet knives, as moisture can damage the wood and magnets.

Summary

Wooden kitchen products are durable and beautiful, but they require proper care. Regular washing, drying and oiling are the basis of their longevity. Taking care of these accessories not only prolongs their life, but also allows you to enjoy their natural charm every day.