Butcher-block Maintenance

Tools:

portable workbench
steel cabinet scraper
sharpening jig for scraper
rasp
whiskbroom
towels
work gloves
plastic gloves
dust mask
lemon disinfectant
penetrating oil
mineral oil
block of paraffin

Steps:

1. First clean and disinfect the butcher-block. Next, smooth the surface using a cabinet scraper (figure A). Wear the work gloves and dust mask while you work. Brush away wood shavings with the whiskbroom. Keep working until the entire surface is nice and smooth.

2. If your scraper gets dull, sharpen it using the rasp and sharpening jig. Clamp the jig and a rasp in position on a portable workbench and run the edge of the scraper along the rasp at a 90-degree angle (figure B).

3. Now put on the rubber gloves and rub penetrating oil into the wood. Apply liberal amounts of oil to a clean towel and rub into surface of the butcher-block (figure C).

Seasoning a new cutting board

Steps:

1. Disinfect your cutting board with a lemon disinfectant, then wipe clean with a wet towel. Use clean, dry towels to soak up moisture and leave the board bone dry.

2. You could also disinfect butcher-block using a solution of 10 parts water to one part bleach, but this would lighten the wood over time and might also add a bleach taste to foods.

3. It's important to season a new cutting board. Slice of a few chips of paraffin and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Add some mineral oil, then heat the mixture until the paraffin melts. Pour the mixture on the cutting board and rub into the wood with a clean towel.