In this post we present the most important tips regarding maintance of wooden cutting board and other wooden products. It’s worth knowing some basic rules for their care and avoiding mistakes that can contribute to their faster wear and tear.
Here are some major maintaining rules:
Do not put to dishwasher.
High temperatures and humidity can cause wood to crack and warp.
Wash with warm water and dishwashing liquid
After each use, gently wash the product with a damp cloth, avoiding prolonged soaking.
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.
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 about fibers in wood
- Knots – we allow knots up to 2 mm in size, which gives each product a unique look.
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.
Care and maintenance: oiling
To extend the lifetime of wooden products:
- Oil them regularly with paraffin oil, which prevents them from drying out and cracking.