Maintenance methods for extending the life of your wooden cutting board.
Benefits of using a wooden cutting board
Wooden cutting boards are essential tools for cooking. They are softer than the steel used for knives and allow the blade to sink in moderately, which reduces damage to the blade and helps maintain its sharpness for a longer time. The pleasant "thump-thump" sound is an appealing feature that makes cooking more enjoyable. Since they absorb moisture appropriately, ingredients are less likely to slip, making wooden cutting boards an excellent match for knives.
On the other hand, if not properly washed, wiped dry, and thoroughly air-dried after use, they can become a source of mold, discoloration, and odors. Neglecting their care will shorten their lifespan. Since wooden cutting boards are used daily for cooking, it's important to maintain them properly to ensure long-term use. Here, we'll demonstrate maintenance methods to keep your wooden cutting board in its original condition, using the "tumugu Cutting Board Kohaku" made by Ikutomotatsuo Woodworks. This popular product is also often used as a "one-plate dish" to enhance the dining table. Please refer to these practical care tips for keeping your natural wood cutting board beautiful and comfortable to use.
Cutting boards used for many years
A wooden cutting board is initially beautiful. After many years of use, it accumulates knife marks and fades with each wash. Many people purchase cutting boards made of laminated wood for the beautiful combination of natural wood colors.
Many "natural wood cutting boards" are "oil-finished" to prevent drying and maintain vibrant colors. However, with repeated daily use and washing, this oil finish gradually wears off, and the color fades. We will introduce a maintenance method to remove knife marks and restore the original beautiful color. Let's restore the appeal of your cutting board from when you first bought it with proper care.
For this task, you will need woodworking sandpaper (coarse and medium grit), cutting board oil or drying oil, and a cloth.
First, surface treatment with sandpaper
When fine knife marks accumulate on the surface, you can restore a fresh surface by sanding with woodworking sandpaper. Starting with a coarse grit sandpaper and gradually moving to finer grits will result in a better finish. Before you start working, make sure the cutting board is completely washed and dry.
To remove knife marks, sand with #80 to #100 (coarse grit) until the marks are gone. Then, use #180 to #240 (medium grit) to smooth out the sanding marks, achieving a silky finish.
It is recommended to sand all surfaces: the top and bottom, especially the areas used by knives, and the sides. Even areas not typically used may have odors or stains, so be sure to sand them thoroughly. Careful sanding greatly influences the final result of the oil finish.
Apply drying oil evenly
After sanding, wipe off all wood dust thoroughly, then apply an "oil finish" using dedicated oil or drying oils (such as linseed oil or walnut oil) or beeswax wax to restore the color and provide moisturizing care. Non-drying oils like olive oil are not recommended as they dry slowly and can oxidize over time, leading to stickiness and odors. Soak a clean cloth or paper towel with oil and apply it evenly over the entire cutting board.
Since the color changes when oil is applied, it will be easy to identify areas that have not yet been oiled. Just like with sanding, it's important to carefully oil the sides as well. The process is complete once the entire board has been oiled.
This process prevents dryness and cracks, improves water repellency, and makes it harder for dirt and odors to adhere. The more often you apply it, the more effective it becomes, so adjust the frequency to your preference. Regular oil finishing will help maintain the beauty and functionality of your cutting board for a long time.
Dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area
After the oil finish, let it dry in a well-ventilated area for about half a day. This time allows the oil to gradually soak into the wood, making it more resistant to removal.
As it dries, it will no longer feel sticky to the touch. Finally, wipe it thoroughly with a paper towel, and the process is complete. Once completely dry, it can be used immediately. When the oil is fully absorbed, the wood's protective performance is maximized.
Vibrant color from oil finish
This is a comparison of the cutting board before and after the oil finish. The oil finish gives it a deeper color. Natural wood typically has a light original color, and many types change color when oil is applied. Walnut, in particular, undergoes a significant color change. The moment it transforms into a rich, deep color is always impressive. The remaining fine scratches also become less visible, and it returns to its original condition when purchased.
Wooden cutting boards are prone to cracking and warping when dry. We recommend applying a thin layer of maintenance oil about once a month to keep them moisturized. This also helps maintain their color. Soak a small amount of oil onto a cloth, apply it evenly over the entire cutting board, and wipe off any excess oil with the cloth.
Post-use care: the secret to long-lasting use.
Immediate care after use significantly impacts the lifespan of your cutting board. After cooking, rinse it under running water immediately to thoroughly remove food residue and moisture. If using a sponge, wash gently and carefully. After washing, thoroughly wipe off moisture with a clean cloth and stand it upright in a well-ventilated area to dry. Please avoid washing wooden cutting boards in a dishwasher.
Key points for storage
It is crucial to store it only after it has completely dried. Storing it while still damp can lead to mold and odors. Store it by standing it upright or laying it flat in a well-ventilated place. Avoid direct sunlight and choose an environment with stable temperature and humidity to prevent the cutting board from deteriorating. Beloved tools can be cherished for a long time with daily care and regular maintenance. As you continue to use it, your wooden cutting board will develop its unique character, truly becoming "one of a kind." Maintenance is easy, so please give it a try.
Recommended cutting boards
・tumugu series (Length 200mm・Width 300mm・Thickness 20mm)
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