Cutting Board Care Guide

Keep Your Handmade Cutting Board Looking Beautiful for Years
Thank you for choosing a handcrafted hardwood cutting board from A5H Custom Works. With proper care, your cutting board can provide decades of reliable service while developing a rich, beautiful character over time.
Hardwood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in moisture. Following these care instructions will help prevent warping, cracking, and premature wear while keeping your board looking its best.

Before First Use
Before using your cutting board for the first time:
Wipe the surface with a clean, damp cloth to remove any dust from shipping.
Dry the board completely.
If desired, apply a thin coat of food-safe cutting board oil before first use for added protection.

Daily Cleaning
After each use:
Wash by hand with warm water and mild dish soap.
Use a soft sponge or dishcloth to remove food residue.
Rinse thoroughly.
Dry immediately with a clean towel.
Stand the board upright or on its edge until completely dry to allow airflow around both sides.
Never leave your cutting board sitting in water.

What NOT to Do
To protect your cutting board, avoid the following:
❌ Do not place it in the dishwasher.
❌ Do not soak it in water.
❌ Do not leave it in the sink.
❌ Do not use bleach or harsh chemical cleaners.
❌ Do not place hot pots or pans directly on the board unless it was designed as a trivet.
❌ Do not expose it to prolonged direct sunlight or excessive heat.
Excessive moisture and rapid temperature changes are the leading causes of cracking and warping.

Oiling Your Cutting Board
Wood naturally dries over time. Regular oiling helps:
Prevent cracking
Restore moisture
Protect the wood
Keep the grain vibrant
Recommended Oil
Use only:
Food-safe mineral oil
Cutting board conditioner made with mineral oil and natural beeswax
Avoid using:
Olive oil
Vegetable oil
Coconut oil
Canola oil
Any cooking oils
These oils can become rancid over time.

How Often Should I Oil My Board?
A good maintenance schedule is:
Once a week during the first month
Every 3–4 weeks for normal household use
More often if you live in a dry climate
Water Test
Sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface.
If the water beads up, your board is well protected.
If the water immediately soaks into the wood, it’s time to re-oil.

How to Apply Cutting Board Oil
Make sure the board is clean and completely dry.
Pour a small amount of mineral oil onto the surface.
Spread evenly using a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
Cover the front, back, edges, and handle.
Allow the oil to soak in for several hours or overnight.
Wipe away any excess oil before using the board.

Using Cutting Board Conditioner
A beeswax and mineral oil conditioner helps seal moisture into the wood.
After oiling:
Apply a thin layer of conditioner.
Rub it evenly into the wood.
Let it sit for 20–30 minutes.
Buff with a clean cloth until smooth.
Conditioner is especially helpful during dry winter months.

Sanitizing Your Cutting Board
After preparing raw meat or poultry, sanitize your board using one of these methods.
White Vinegar Method
Spray with white vinegar.
Let sit for several minutes.
Wipe clean.
Dry thoroughly.
Lemon & Salt Method
Sprinkle coarse salt over the surface.
Cut a lemon in half.
Scrub using the cut side.
Allow to sit for five minutes.
Rinse with warm water.
Dry immediately.
Never soak the board during cleaning.

Removing Odors
To remove odors from onions, garlic, fish, or similar foods:
Rub the surface with half a lemon.
Sprinkle coarse salt over the board.
Scrub gently.
Rinse thoroughly.
Dry immediately.
Repeat if necessary.

Removing Stains
Natural hardwood may develop stains over time.
To reduce staining:
Mix baking soda and water into a paste.
Gently scrub the stained area.
Rinse.
Dry completely.
Reapply mineral oil after drying.

Preventing Warping
To help your board remain flat:
Store it upright whenever possible.
Allow airflow around both sides.
Keep it away from ovens, dishwashers, and heating vents.
Never leave one side wet while the other side dries.
Even moisture exposure helps keep the board stable.

Knife Marks
Knife marks are completely normal on hardwood cutting boards.
They do not affect performance and often become less noticeable with regular oiling.
Over time, your cutting board develops a unique character that reflects years of use.

Can I Cut Raw Meat on My Board?
Yes.
Hardwood cutting boards are suitable for preparing:
Beef
Chicken
Pork
Fish
Vegetables
Fruit
Bread
Always wash thoroughly with warm, soapy water after preparing raw meat.

Long-Term Maintenance
After years of use, your cutting board may become rough from normal knife wear.
You can usually restore it by:
Lightly sanding with 220-grit (or finer) sandpaper.
Removing all sanding dust.
Applying several coats of food-safe mineral oil.
Finishing with cutting board conditioner.
This process can make an older board look nearly new again.

Storage Tips
For the best results:
Store in a cool, dry location.
Keep away from excessive humidity.
Avoid prolonged direct sunlight.
Allow airflow around both sides.
Avoid stacking heavy objects on top for extended periods.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my board feel dry?
Wood naturally loses moisture over time. Apply food-safe mineral oil whenever the board appears dull or dry.

Is cracking normal?
Cracking is usually caused by excessive drying, soaking, dishwasher use, or sudden temperature changes. Regular oiling greatly reduces the risk.

Why did my board warp?
Warping generally occurs when one side absorbs or loses moisture faster than the other. Drying both sides evenly and storing the board upright helps prevent this.

Can I use olive oil?
No. Cooking oils can become rancid over time. Always use food-safe mineral oil or a cutting board conditioner specifically made for wooden cutting boards.

How long should a hardwood cutting board last?
With proper care and regular maintenance, a handcrafted hardwood cutting board can last for decades.

Thank You
Every cutting board from A5H Custom Works is handcrafted from carefully selected hardwoods, making each one unique in grain, color, and character.
With proper care, your cutting board will continue to perform beautifully while becoming an heirloom-quality piece that can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Thank you for supporting handmade craftsmanship—we hope you enjoy your cutting board for years to come!