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Cutting Board Maintenance

Matthew_Snyder_68770

I've had a Boos 24x18 maple board for about six years now. I've noticed that the bottom is exhibiting a pronounced bowing, such that it doesn't sit still on the counter even when on top of a damp paper towel. It has also developed a bit of a crack coming up from that underside; it's perhaps 1/8" at its widest (on the side). Is this something that can be mended? Or once that happens do I need a new board? I would think that I could address the bowing by sanding the board.

Never kept a board as long as I have this one, so long-term upkeep issues are sort of a new thing for me.

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Comments

nasv

I'm not an expert, but I believe this can be attributed to uneven drying and moisture in the board. This can be prevented with regular maintenance that includes mineral oil/beeswax treatment on all sides of the wood (edges, bottom, top). Uneven treatment could lead to the bowing as well.

Just my conjecture based on some earlier research before I bought my first big wood block.

Matthew_Snyder_68770

I've been oiling it on all sides regularly, but I only ever use one side of the board. And I stabilize it with a damp paper towel, so that would be the uneven water absorption.

ttpoker

Considering the recent wood/cheese FDA scandal, this is a worthwhile topic to revisit since the science did not agree with recent(ly overturned) FDA regulations.

On a related note, in a typical home a cutting board has around 200x more fecal matter on it than an average toilet seat. An average sponge has around 200,000 x more than a toilet seat. So next time you need a cutting board, use the toilet seat?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFrbmYpvC4I#t=19

Tim_Sutherland_52834

Don't use damp paper towel to hold the board, but use plastic shelve liner you buy in a roll. It cost a few dollars for a roll and you can cut it to size. When dirty you throw it in the washing machine.

Brendan_Lee_56950

I agree, I found some ones that are made for the base of lamps and flower pots so they are cut into circles, I use one for my small boards and 2 or 3 for my big boards, works way better than a cloth.

Matthew_Snyder_68770

Would a felt drawer liner be appropriate? I'm about to buy some of those for the tool/silverware drawers.

Tim_Sutherland_52834

This what I use. It is a plasticy rubbery non skid shelve liner and the roll cost less than a six pack. You can find them at home good stores. Cut it to the size you need.

Matthew_Snyder_68770

Oh, yes - I know that stuff. Off to Home Depot for me.

Now just to cut the underside of the board so it's level again.

com-chefsteps

My school used that shelf-liner stuff, but take note - it does lose its "stickiness" and will become rather teflon-esque over time. Still, it's probably more sustainable than paper towels? And there's probably a way to revive the friction - I tried moisture, and oiling it overnight; neither of those worked.

My solution has been to use a damp cloth side towel (reusable) and a cheaper butcher block made of glued-together pieces, so I could either sand it flat or replace it when necessary. But that's in my home, not a commercial environment.