Care Instructions
Cutting Board Care
A minimum of once a month (depending upon the use and household conditions), apply an even coat of Howards Butcher Block Conditioner to all surfaces of your wood cutting board using a soft cloth or disposable towel. Allow the oil to fully penetrate through the wood fibers for 20 minutes, then wipe off any excess conditioner. Apply additional conditioner to any visible dry spots or for any other necessary reasons. For thick wood surfaces like butcher blocks, apply at least 2 coats.
DO NOT allow liquids of any type to stand on the butcher block for long periods of time. DO NOT let fresh, wet meats lay on the butcher block longer than necessary. Brine, water, and blood, contain liquids, whichsoak into the wood, causing the butcher block to expand, the wood to soften, and affects the strengthof the glued joints.
DO NOT cut fish or poultry on the cutting board work surface, unless you have thoroughly followed the instructions in step #1. The moisture barrier must be intact prior to cutting any type of fish,seafood, or poultry on the cutting board work surface. ALWAYS CLEAN THE CUTTING BOARD THOROUGHLY AFTER CUTTING FISH OR POULTRY.
Be sure NEVER to cut continuously in the same surface area. Distribute your cutting over the entire worksurface so that it will wear evenly. DO NOT use a razor-edged cleaver. It will chip or splinter the wood andproduce soft spots. Your cleaver should have a dull sharpened edge for best results.
Sanitize your cutting board by wiping all surfaces down with mild dish soap and water. Dry thoroughly. DO NOT wash your wood cutting board with harsh detergents of any type. DO NOT wash your butcher's tools on your cutting board surface. DO NOT put wood cutting boards into dishwasher.
Maintain the same bevel on the edge of your cutting board as it had when purchased. This helps prevent splitting or chipping on the outside of the cutting board.