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Care and Maintenance of Wood Salad Bowls and Cutting Boards
How to Maintain Your Cutting Board
Products Needed:
Food Grade Mineral Oil:
This petroleum-based oil hydrates wood once absorbed. It’s commonly used on wooden spoons, among other kitchen appliances. It’s colorless and odorless.
Conditioner Cream:
Next, it is best to have a good conditioner made from a mix of beeswax and mineral oil.
Now that you have the oil and cream, it’s time to get started.
Step 1:
Wash your cutting board with soap and water, including all sides and the edges, removing any debris/food that’s stuck to it with a lint-free rag. Remember to wash all sides and edges or it might cause your cutting board to warp.
Next wipe down your cutting board and let it dry overnight, standing it on edge so that it dries completely.
Step 2:
The next day, using your hands apply a decent layer of mineral oil to the sides, top, bottom, and any groove, grips, or handle. You don’t need to over oil your board, just apply enough to cover the wood with an even coat. You want to let the oil soak into the board for at least three to four hours. Leave it on its edge to dry just like before.
Step 3:
After you have given the oil enough time to soak into the wood, it’s time to apply the cream/conditioner. Apply it to the wood and spread the cream over the whole cutting board, making sure to get in complete coverage. Once you have covered the board completely you have given it a moisture barrier. Now again, stand it on its side and leave it sit overnight.
The next day use a lint-free microfiber cloth to rub the board in circular motions. The wood will get a glassy beautiful sheen. After you are done with these 4 steps you are finish. You can test your work by pouring a little red wind on your board. If it does not soak in, you have done a great job. It is now ready to be used again.
And remember, never ever put your wood cutting board in a dishwasher or leave it to soak in a bath of water.
Salad Bowl Care
After months and years of use, oily salad dressings can leave your wooden salad bowl with a tacky, smelly residue. Here is how to clean and restore it to its original condition.
To Remove Residue Buildup:
Set your oven to 250 degrees and put you rack on the middle position. Put a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper on a rimmed baking sheet. Place the bowl upside down on the baking sheet and put it in the oven. Now turn the oven off ( do not forget this step ). Fairly quickly the oil will start to bead on the surface of the wood. After 1-2 hours, the oil will run off the bowl onto the baking sheet. After the bowl looks to be dry, remove it from the oven and wipe down the bowl with a paper towel to remove any residue. If it is still stick, repeat the process
To Re-season:
Whenever your salad bowl becomes dry or dull, it needs to be re-seasoned. Simply use a paper towel to liberally apply mineral oil to all surfaces of bowl. This won’t turn rancid like the oils in your dressings. Now let it sit for about 15 minutes, then wipe away residue with clean paper towel.
To Clean and Maintain:
Use mild soap and warm water to clean your seasoned wood salad bowl. Always dry bowl completely after cleaning. Never ever put your wood salad bowl in dishwasher or let it soak in water, as it will warp and crack.
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