What you need

For cleaning, oiling, and waxing

·        A bench scraper or metal spatula: This is used to gently scrape off stuck-on food or to remove dried salt (if you use a salt-and-lemon paste to get rid of odors).

·        A mild dish soap:  Any brand will work

·        A sponge:  Wash the board without over soaking the wood

·        A clean dish towel or paper towels:  Soak up as much water from the board as possible before letting it air-dry. Use paper towels to apply mineral oil or wax to your board.

·        Food-grade mineral oil, beeswax, or a blend: Apply a generous coat of food safe mineral oil and let dry overnight. The next day apply a coat of bees wax or cutting board butter, both available on Amazon.

·        Kosher salt and a lemon or distilled white vinegar: This is used to deodorize your board if it’s stinky.

·        Baking soda: This will remove tough stains from your board.

How long will it take?

Everyday cleaning usually takes only a minute or two, as do oiling and waxing the board (which you’ll need to do about once a month, depending on the type of wood and the climate you live in). But once the oil is applied, it will take several hours for it to absorb into the wood