wooden boards

Caring for Your Personalized Wooden Board: A Quick Guide

Your beautiful new wooden board, enhanced with a unique engraving, is a piece of art and a functional item. Follow these simple guidelines to keep your board looking its best for years to come.

Initial State:

Your board has been pre-oiled with a food-grade finish as part of our process. This provides an initial layer of protection against moisture and helps to enhance the wood's natural beauty and the appearance of the engraving.

Daily Cleaning:

• After each use, promptly wash your board by hand with warm, soapy water. Use a mild dish soap.

• Avoid soaking the board in water, as this can lead to warping and cracking.

• Gently scrub the surface, including the engraving, with a soft brush or sponge to remove any food particles or debris.

• Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Drying:

• Drying is crucial to prevent warping and cracking. Immediately after washing, dry the board completely with a clean towel.

• Stand the board on its edge or use a drying rack that allows air circulation on all sides. Avoid laying it flat to dry, which can trap moisture.

• Allow the board to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Oiling and Maintenance:

• Regular oiling is key to keeping your wooden board hydrated and preventing it from drying out and potentially cracking or warping over time. Even though your board was pre-oiled, maintenance oiling is necessary.

• Apply a food-grade mineral oil or wood conditioner (a blend of mineral oil and beeswax) whenever the wood looks dry or faded, typically once a month or more frequently with heavy use.

• Apply the oil generously, let it soak in for a few hours or overnight if possible, and wipe off any excess.

• This process also helps to keep the engraving looking rich and defined.

Important Considerations:

• Never put your wooden board in the dishwasher. The high heat and prolonged exposure to water will damage the wood and the engraving.

• Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can strip the wood's natural oils and damage the engraving.

• Knives can scratch and wear down the engraving over time. You may choose to use the reverse side for cutting and reserve the engraved side for serving or display to prolong its appearance.

• Store your board properly in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures and humidity fluctuations. Standing it upright or laying it flat with good air circulation is ideal.

• Address stains promptly. For stubborn stains, you can try a paste of baking soda and water, gently rubbing the area. Rinse and dry thoroughly afterward.

• Sanding: If your board develops minor knife marks or roughness over time (on the non-engraved side used for cutting), a light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper can help. Be very careful around the engraved area or avoid sanding the engraved side altogether. After sanding, re-oil the board.

By following these simple care instructions, your personalized wooden board will remain a beautiful and functional piece for many years to come, a testament to the natural beauty of wood and the artistry of engraving.