Care Guide Your Serving & End-Grain Cutting Boards
Your Guide to Caring for a Rubenovitch Serving Board or End-Grain Cutting Board
At Rubenovitch Furnishings & Co., we don't just build boards; we craft the furnishings that elevate the character of your space. A fine serving board or end-grain cutting board is an investment in both utility and beauty. To ensure that the fine woods we select remain stunning, sanitary, and lasts a lifetime, proper care is essential.
Think of it as a simple, rewarding ritual. Follow this guide, and your board will continue to serve you beautifully for generations.
A Douglas Fir End-Grain Board With Oil
1. The Daily Ritual: Quick Cleaning After Each Use
The most important step is simple: never let water become your board's enemy.
Wipe Down Immediately: After serving or cutting, immediately wipe the board with a damp cloth or quickly wash it under warm, running water using a little mild dish soap.
Rinse Quickly: A swift rinse is all you need.
Dry Right Away: Use a clean towel to dry the board immediately—do not let it air dry.
The Board Care Commandments (What NOT to Do):
NEVER submerge or soak the board in water (this can cause warping and cracking).
NEVER put your board in the dishwasher (the intense heat and prolonged exposure to water will prompt movement such as twisting or cuppping).
NEVER leave it leaning against a heat source (like a warm stove or direct sunlight).
2. Clean difficult stains, Refresh & Restore: Cleaning, Deodorizing and Disinfecting (As Needed)
If your board has seen a lot of garlic, onion, or fish, it's time for a simple, natural cleanse.
The Lemon & Salt Scrub:
Sprinkle the surface generously with coarse salt or baking soda.
Use half a lemon (cut side down) and rub the salt/soda into the wood in circular motions. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive while the lemon neutralizes odors.
Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes.
Wipe clean with a damp cloth, then towel dry immediately.
3. The Elixir of Life: Conditioning and Oiling
This step prevents the wood from drying out, cracking, and helps the surface resist stains and bacteria. We recommend oiling your board every 3–4 weeks, or whenever the wood looks dry, pale, or feels rough.
What to Use:
Food-Grade Mineral Oil: This is odorless, tasteless, and completely food-safe.
Board Cream or Wax: A blend of mineral oil and a natural wax (like beeswax or carnauba wax) adds an extra layer of protection and a lovely sheen.
How to Apply:
Apply a generous layer of oil with a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel.
Let it soak in overnight (or for at least several hours). The wood is "drinking" the oil.
Wipe off any excess oil that hasn't been absorbed.
If using a wax or cream, buff the surface with a clean, dry cloth until it shines.
IMPORTANT! Do not use common cooking oils like vegetable oil, olive oil, or canola oil. They will inevitably go rancid over time, leaving an unpleasant odor and taste.
A Series of Boards in Production
4. The Heirloom Touch: Deep Maintenance
For boards that see heavy use, a quick spa day a couple times a year you may opt to reset the surface.
Sanding Away History: If your board has deep knife marks, stubborn stains, or if the grain feels rough after washing ("raised grain"), lightly sand the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit).
Re-Oiling: After sanding, wipe away all dust. The wood will be thirsty, so apply a generous layer of mineral oil (as described above) to re-saturate and protect the newly exposed surface.
5. Board Storage: Give Your Board Space
Even the finest wood is affected by its environment.
Always store your board upright or on its edge. This allows for even airflow on all sides, preventing moisture buildup and reducing the risk of warping.
Avoid placing it directly against or next to a hot wall, oven, radiator, or in direct, blasting sunlight. Extreme temperature changes are the enemy of wood stability.
