Thank you for choosing a handcrafted cutting board from
H&H Custom Woodworks. Follow these simple guidelines to
keep your board clean, conditioned, and looking its best.
✓ What to Do
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Hand wash only.
Use mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft sponge or cloth
after each use.
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Dry immediately.
Wipe thoroughly with a clean towel, then stand the board
on its edge or on a drying rack so air can circulate on
both faces.
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Oil regularly.
Apply food-grade mineral oil or H&H Board Butter whenever
the wood looks dry or begins to feel rough. For a new board,
oil generously 2–3 times during the first week, then monthly
or as needed.
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Clean promptly after raw meat or fish.
Wash the board promptly. A light wipe with white vinegar or
diluted hydrogen peroxide can also be used, followed by a
thorough rinse and drying.
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Store it properly.
Keep the board in a dry place, preferably on its edge or
somewhere with airflow underneath. Avoid prolonged direct
sunlight and extreme heat or cold.
✗ What Not to Do
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Never put your board in the dishwasher.
High heat and prolonged water exposure can crack, warp,
or delaminate the wood.
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Never soak your board.
Do not leave it sitting in a sink or container of water.
-
Avoid vegetable oils.
Olive, canola, coconut, and similar cooking oils can go
rancid and leave unwanted odors. Use food-grade mineral oil
or a mineral oil and beeswax blend instead.
-
Don't use harsh chemicals.
Bleach, abrasive cleaners, and steel wool can damage the
surface and finish.
-
Avoid extreme temperature changes.
Don't place hot pans directly on the board or leave it in
freezing temperatures for extended periods.
Oiling & Conditioning
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Make sure the board is clean and completely dry.
-
Apply a generous amount of food-grade mineral oil to the
top, bottom, and edges using a clean cloth or paper towel.
-
Allow the oil to soak into the wood for several hours or
overnight, then wipe away any excess remaining on the surface.
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For additional protection, apply a thin coat of
H&H House-Made Board Butter. Rub it into the wood,
allow it to set, then buff the surface with a clean cloth.
Tip:
Your H&H board was originally finished with food-safe
mineral oil and our handmade mineral oil and beeswax Board Butter.
Reapplying the same combination helps keep the wood conditioned
and water-resistant.
Deeper Cleaning & Maintenance
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For odors or stains:
Sprinkle coarse salt or baking soda on the board, rub with
a cut lemon, allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes, then rinse
and dry thoroughly.
-
For deeper knife marks:
Lightly sand the affected surface with 220-grit sandpaper,
wipe it clean, and re-oil thoroughly.
-
If the board feels rough or dry:
Give it a full mineral-oil treatment followed by Board Butter
to restore the surface.
Why End-Grain?
End-grain boards are constructed so the wood fibers stand
vertically. Instead of cutting directly across those fibers,
a knife blade moves between them.
This makes an end-grain surface gentler on your knives and
allows small knife marks to naturally close back together
over time when the board is properly maintained.