Here is a simple guide on how you can take care of your Charcuterie Boards so that they will stay in your kitchen forever, no matter the amount of use.

Special Reminders

To start off, here are a few special reminders on everyday care of your board.

• Rinse your board after every use to begin the process of removing bacteria and to help facilitate the washing process.
• Never submerge your board completely in water. Too much water absorption can cause your board to warp and crack, leading to bacteria growth and cross-contamination.
• Never put a hardwood cutting board in the dishwasher. This can also lead to warping and cracking.
• Warm water and dish soap is suffice enough to clean your cutting board daily, but ensure to sanitize and protect it, as explained below.

Maintaining your Boards

Oiling

You can condition your board with food grade mineral oil by applying all over the board with a clean cloth and letting it sit for a few hours.
The best oil mixture to use, hands down, is a combination of beeswax (1/4 cup) and mineral oil (1 cup). Oiling your boards help condition and protect them, creating a seal to prevent knife marks and keep the boards in top shape. Warm your beeswax and mineral oil in a pot to form a liquid. Using a cloth, dip it in the mixture and spread it across the board. Only a little is needed. Once covered, use a dry cloth to wipe the board off and leave it to dry. Place the remaining mixture in a jar and store it for further uses.

Your board should be conditioned at least once a month, depending on its frequency of use.

Sanitizing and Removing Odors

Using a spray bottle, spritz your board with white vinegar and let it sit for a bit then rinse it off.

Worried about germs deep down? Another great way to sterilize your board is by spreading an even coat of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide across the surface of your board. Watch it fizz as it kills any bacteria.

You should disinfect your board  at least once a month if used on a regular basis and at least once a week if your board is used to cut meat.

Removing Stains

Got nasty stains on your board? No problem! To remove any stain on a hardwood cutting board, simply sprinkle a decent amount of baking soda across the surface of the board, focusing on the location of the stain. Dampen a sponge in hot water and use it to scrub the board, ensuring to put much attention to the spot where the stain lies. Rinse and wash your board immediately after scrubbing to remove any remaining baking soda.

Sanding

Boards can also be lightly sanded using 120 grit sandpaper to remove stains or rough areas. For a smoother surface use a higher grit sandpaper to finish your board.