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  • Wash your cutting board with soap and warm water and scrub well. The volume of water and scrubbing is more important than soap when it comes to flushing bacteria and other food particles off the board. WASH ALL SIDES OF THE BOARD. After washing the cutting board, dry immediately with a towel and let it air dry standing up or on a raised rack with air flow.
  • Use sharp knives to help avoid gouging the wood by having to push too hard on the knife to get it to cut.
  • DO NOT: Put the board in the dishwasher. The heat and water will warp and splinter the wood AND void any warranty.
  • DO NOT: Submerge or let the board stand in water. The wood will absorb water and potentially warp.
  • DO NOT: Use bleach or other multi-surface cleaners. This will stain the wood and/or excessively dry the wood.
  • DO NOT: Put a wet board flat to dry. If the board dries on one side, it will cause the wood to warp due to the disproportionate drying.
  • DO NOT: Place your cutting board on an open flame.
  • DO NOT: Place your cutting board in the oven.
  • DO NOT: Chew on or eat your cutting board.
  • If your board has stains or smells, you can use lemon juice or white vinegar directly on the area. The acid in these liquids will neutralize the organic material or fats causing the problem. Apply vinegar or lemon juice, let sit for a few minutes then wipe dry.

Applying Cutting Board Oil and Cream

Once your cutting or cheese board is thoroughly dry, apply the oil directly onto the surface of the board. Be generous with the application, especially if the wood is dry or you just purchased the cutting or cheese board. You want the surface to be dripping wet on all sides and we recommend using a small bar towel or new, cheap paint brush to spread the oil (try not to soak up the oil), as using your hands may lead to accidental splinters. Most importantly, let the oil soak into the cutting board for as long as possible; at least a few hours or overnight if possible.

Let your cutting or cheese board sit on a wire rack or upright to dry when done. If you are restoring an old, dry or new cutting board, you may wish to repeat this process two more times, to ensure your cutting or cheese board is completely seasoned.

To apply board cream, wait until the board is dry after washing or oiling, then apply a small amount of cream onto the board. Using a soft cloth, buff the cream/wax into the wood in a circular pattern, forming a thin coat. Repeat over the entire surface of the board and especially the sides. It’s not necessary to let the wax soak into the board.

We recommended you oil your cutting or cheese board every month or when dry to the touch. Board cream should be applied at the same time as oiling.

*Modish FAB will void warranties on boards that are not properly maintained or oiled each month.

Why Use Cutting Board Oils or Cream

The goal of board oil is to penetrate the wood and saturate the wood fibers, in order to stop any other liquids (blood, bacteria) and moisture from soaking into the board. As well, a well-oiled cutting board will keep the same shape when the wood fibers are saturated, so it will not expand and shrink compared to a board that is left to completely dry, then exposed to water. This shrinking and expanding effect is the main cause of warped cutting boards.

While board oil penetrates the wood, board cream/wax acts as a physical barrier on the surface of the wood that protects against stains and liquids. The wax also aids in sanitation, as it fills and seals in knife scars and microscopic cracks where bacteria would otherwise gather.

Used in conjunction, cutting board oil and cream provide an effective combination of protective outer layer and sealed wood that is sanitary, easier to clean and won’t warp.

Please note that we do not recommend natural oils such as vegetable, corn, olive, peanut or walnut oil, as these are rich in fats that will eventually oxidize and go rancid, creating a foul smelling board. Also, never use standard mineral oil from a hardware store that is not rated as food safe, as that is meant for machine lubrication and not for contact with food.