Charcuterie & Cutting Board Care Instructions

Your Z-Wood charcuterie and cutting boards will last for years with proper care and conditioning. 

Hand wash each side of your board with a mild detergent to avoid stripping the oil which provides a protective layer. Never submerge your board in water or place in a dishwasher because water causes boards to warp and crack. Immediately wipe the board dry with a clean cloth and stand the board on its edge so that both sides are fully exposed to dry. 

Once your board is thoroughly dry (24 hours after washing) completely oil your board with a generous layer of food-grade butcher block or mineral oil, we use Walrus Cutting Board Oil, including any groove, grip, or handle. Be generous with the application, especially if the wood is dry. This important step helps repel food particles and liquids and prevents staining, cracking, and warping. After oiling your board wait 24 hours before using it. 

After oiling your board, you can apply a food-grade wax such as butcher block wax (we use Walrus Wax for Cutting Boards which is made from beeswax). Once you’ve waxed the entire board, you’ve created a barrier to help the wood retain moisture. After waxing your board wait 24 hours before using it. 

Combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 3 tablespoons hot water to create a non-toxic cleaning agent. Mix these ingredients together to form a paste and scrub the entire surface of the board. Wipe with a warm wet cloth and immediately dry with a clean towel. 

For all-natural cleaning; dampen board with a warm cloth and sprinkle coarse salt over it. Cut a fresh lemon in half, then scour and gently squeeze over the entire board. Let is stand for 5 minutes, then remove the excess with. Wash and immediately dry your board. 

Overtime, your board may have knife marks and won’t be a smooth as it was when purchased. What’s great about having a wood board is that you can return your board to its original condition using sandpaper. 100, 180, and 220 grit sandpaper is needed to bring your board back to its original condition. Sand with the lower grit first and work your way up to the 220 grit. Once sanding is complete, clean your board and let it dry for 24 hours. Once the board is dry then apply your oil and wax as directed above. 

Do not use natural oils such as vegetable, corn, olive, peanut, or walnut oils because these are harmful to your board. Do not use household cleaners, bleach, or teak oil because these are harmful to you and your board. 

Store your board flat in a dry area away from extreme hot or cold temperatures. WARPING may happen as wood contracts and expands. The best way to prevent this from happening is to keep your cutting board dry and oil your board often. Unfortunately, even a perfectly maintained board can warp due to several factors such as humidity, how long the timber was seasoned, or the type of wood.