In addition to being an essential everyday tool, wooden cutting boards can also be a designer accessory for the kitchen and table. Particularly prized for their ability to blend into any decor, their wood has a natural antibacterial power thanks to the tannin it contains. Wooden cutting boards require a little maintenance, but adopting a few simple habits is enough to take good care of them. We explain!

Why is it important to maintain your wooden cutting board?

In addition to maintaining its aesthetic appearance, regular maintenance of your wooden cutting board helps extend its lifespan. Wood is a natural material that can crack or warp if not cared for, which would eventually make the board unusable.

It is also essential to take the time to clean your cutting board properly and not limit yourself to cleaning the surface for hygiene reasons. In fact, your board can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria if it is not properly maintained. Unlike plastic boards, wood is porous and can allow bacteria to pass through. These bacteria sneak into the cracks and notches in the wood and develop quickly if you do not dislodge them with a good cleaning. Not worrying about it could cause you digestive problems or even food poisoning!

Finally, a poorly cleaned wooden cutting board can alter the taste of food and give off a very unpleasant odor in the kitchen.

Clean after use

After each use, rinse, but do not submerge, and clean your cutting board with a small, soft-bristled brush or cloth. You can use a few drops of dishwashing detergent if necessary, especially if you have just cut meat. Health Canada also recommends that you systematically disinfect your board and utensils after preparing meat, and never reuse them for anything else before washing them thoroughly.

Regardless, never use a cleaning product that could be toxic if ingested since there may always be some residue on the board. And, while tempting, do not put your wooden cutting board in the dishwasher. Soaking it in water can damage it, cause it to swell, and cause the wood to crack. If you do get it wet to clean it, be sure to wipe it as dry as possible with a soft cloth and dry it vertically.

It can also be useful to have several cutting boards in the kitchen reserved for each use. For example, if you have one that you only use to cut bread, you will not need to clean it thoroughly each time as you would for a board used to prepare meat. You also reduce the risk of cross-contamination and preserve the aromas and flavors of your food. Browse our range of wooden accessories to discover our different models of cutting boards to shop online.

Small butcher block available in the online store.

Maintain over time

In addition to systematic cleaning, it is necessary to regularly maintain your wooden cutting board and protect it with mineral oil or specific oil for butcher's block. Be careful not to use an oil that is too strong in taste so as not to risk transferring it to the food you will cut with it.

We recommend that you opt for a natural method, very simple, to reproduce at home. The first step is to let a mixture of white vinegar and lemon juice sit on your board for a few minutes. White vinegar and lemon are indeed known for their antibacterial, deodorizing and degreasing properties. Using a soft, clean cloth, then rub coarse salt on your board to gently remove the last residues and stubborn stains.

After drying your board thoroughly, apply a thick layer of the chosen oil to nourish the wood and let it penetrate for as long as necessary. The wood will naturally close with an effective protective layer on its surface. You can simply remove the excess oil with a dry cloth. There you have your cutting board clean, protected and ready to use!