Have you ever had a favorite wood cutting board break apart? Is your cutting board dry and worn from use? Learn how to preserve your wood cutting board so it will last a lifetime.
How wood cutting boards are made
Wood cutting boards are typically made by taking several boards, gluing them together along the narrow edges, and clamping the glued boards together while the glue cures and hardens. Then the board is cut to shape, with nice rounded edges and corners, sanded smooth, and coated with a food-safe finish.
The impact of aging on wood
Over time, wood dries, especially if you have forced air heat in your home. The dry air slowly leaches moisture from the wood, causing the fibers to shrink. As the fibers shrink, this puts pressure on the glue seams, and they can begin to separate.
Washing the board with soap and hot water also leaches natural oils from the wood, accelerating the drying. One of the worst things you can do is to leave your wood cutting board to soak in a sink filled with soapy water.
Use food grade mineral oil to restore the wood
Mineral oil is used in food processing plants to lubricate equipment and polish surfaces like stainless steel. Food grade mineral oil is stabilized and will not breed bacteria.
There are many oils for wood, such as tung oil and others, but this is a food surface. So we use food grade mineral oil to treat the wood, which is safe for food preparation surfaces.
How to preserve or restore a wood cutting board:
- Start with a clean, dry board.
- Using food grade mineral oil, pour a small amount on the board.
The oil will soak into the wood, swelling the dried fibers.
- Spread the oil evenly with a clean cloth.
Let the board sit while the oil soaks in.
- For an older, neglected board, place in a clean trash bag, and cover on all sides with a heavy coat of mineral oil.
The board will need to sit in the bag for few days while the wood absorbs the oil.
- After a few days, check the board.
If most of the oil is absorbed, wipe off the excess with a clean cloth and the board is ready to use.
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