According to experts, there should be at least two different cutting boards in every kitchen. The reason is that you do not want to catch yourself preparing raw meat and raw vegetables on the same board. Although the walnut cutting board is incredibly resistant to bacteria, yet not taking a proper maintenance will cause damage to the board and it will eventually become a bacterial haven. The easiest and most practical way to maintain wood cutting board is by using appropriate oils. There are several types of oil which can serve well for this particular purpose.
Lavender has an antiseptic and antibacterial activity together with a pleasant smell. You can make a spray for disinfecting the walnut cutting board by using a few drops of essential lavender oil and one deciliter of water. Pour the mixture into the sprayer and apply it whenever it is needed.
Wash the cutting board thoroughly after the usage, let it dry for a while and then sprinkle it with the mixture of essential lavender oil and water. After you finish the spraying, there is no need to wash it additionally.
To make your wooden cutting board look like a new one, you can also take advantage of mineral oil. Wash your walnut cutting board with water and brush all the sides of the board including the edges. Then wipe it well and let it dry overnight. Next morning, rub the board with the abundant amount of mineral oil. Make sure the layer is even. Let the oil fill in the board for at least three hours.
When the board absorbs the oil, take a generous amount of wood cream and apply it to the board. If you do not want to do this with your bare hands, then use a cotton wool. By doing so, you are allowing the board to keep the moisture. Now leave it overnight to dry.
Next morning, clean the board with circular movements and a microfiber cloth. You will notice it will become smooth, shiny, and perfectly clean.
Linen oil, walnut oil, and coconut oil are ideal, nontoxic options. It’s the same process to clean like mineral oil.
To improve the water resistance, you can add about 20% of the natural wax to the oil. Use a clean and soft cloth to apply the mixture on the board. The goal is to apply just a thin layer throughout the whole surface.
Wait for 30 to 45 minutes and then skim the rest. Leave the board to dry for a minimum of five to six hours. Now apply the second layer and repeat the procedure once again. Keep doing it until the board stops absorbing the oil. Finally, polish the board with a clean cloth and remove the leftovers.
