Cleaning

End grain cutting boards have naturally occuring antibiotic properties so cleaning is a simple task.  Wipe down the board with a warm, damp, soapy cloth.  Rinse the cloth and wipe the board again to remove the soap.  Dry the board with a dish towel.  It is important to wash and wipe both sides of the board to ensure the board's moisture content remains the same on both sides.  Let board air dry.  All of my boards include feet to allow airflow underneath, but be sure not to cover the top, allowing it to breath also.

Sanitizing

After preparing raw meat in your cutting board you can sanitize it.  Follow the cleaning procedure above, but after the warm soapy wipe, apply a 4:1, water to vinegar solution.  (I use a spray bottle.)  Let sit for a few minutes then proceed with the remaining cleaning procedure above.

Conditioning

Regular conditioning increases the life of your board.  When you recieve your board, condition it every week for the first month.  It must aclimate to the environment of your house.  After that a once a month conditioning should be adequate.  If your board looks dry, feels rough, or water is no longer beading on the surface, it needs conditioning.  You cannot over condition your board.

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Condition your board with Luv of Wood Board Conditioner.  It is made from food grade mineral oil and organic bees wax.  Clean board as above and sanitize if required.  Allow board to dry completely.  With a small soft, disposable cloth apply a thin coat of Luv of Wood Board Conditioner to all surfaces of your board.  Allow it to sit for at least ten minutes, preferably overnight.  With another soft, disposable cloth buff the bees wax to an even matte finish to give your board a moisture resistant coating.  Do not launder the cloths used for applying or buffing the board conditioner but save them for future conditioning. 

 

If Luv of Wood Board Conditioner is not available, food grade mineral oil, available at most pharmacies, can be used on its own until a conditioner is available.  Other board conditioners may be available locally, just ensure they are made with food grade mineral oil and bees wax.  Do not use vegetable or olive oils, etcetera as these will become rancid over time.