So you’ve purchased a solid wood charcuterie board from WineRacks.com, now what? A beautiful charcuterie board deserves proper care to keep it looking great and performing its best. Caring for your charcuterie board is relatively simple - here are the essential do's and don'ts straight from the experts.
Do These Things to Keep Your Board in Top Shape
-Use dish soap and water: Dish soap is perfectly safe for cleaning off tougher food bits.
-Oil your board regularly: Frequent use can dry out the wood, but regular oiling will keep it looking beautiful and protect it from moisture that causes warping.
-Dry thoroughly after rinsing: Don’t leave your board sitting on a dish rack. Instead, use a towel to remove excess water and prevent damage.
Don't Do These Things—They Can Ruin Your Board
-Avoid the dishwasher: The intense heat and water will warp your board.
- Skip abrasive scrubbers: Steel wool and other abrasive tools can scratch and damage the finish. Instead, opt for gentle dish soap, plastic scrapers, and hot water.
- Never soak your board in water: Prolonged exposure to water will cause warping.
- Keep bleach away: Bleach can stain or excessively dry out the wood, leaving it damaged and brittle.
- Avoid olive or vegetable oils for seasoning: These oils can turn rancid over time, leaving your board with an unpleasant smell that might affect the foods you serve.
- Don’t store in closed spaces: Airflow is key to preventing moisture buildup. Store your board where it can breathe—on display in your kitchen, on a counter, hanging on the wall, or even in a large pantry with proper airflow.
How to Oil Your Charcuterie Board
Oiling your board is a simple yet essential process that keeps it looking its best and prevents warping. Follow these steps:
1. Ensure the board is thoroughly dry: After cleaning, wait until your board is completely free of moisture.
2. Generously apply food-grade oil**: Use mineral oil, hemp oil, or flaxseed oil, and coat the entire surface. If your board is new or dry, be extra generous with the oil.
3. Let the oil soak in: Allow the oil to penetrate the wood for several hours—overnight is even better.
4. Let it dry upright or on a wire rack: This ensures even drying.
Why Oiling Matters
The goal of oiling is to penetrate and saturate the wood fibers, which creates a barrier against moisture, bacteria, and liquids. A properly oiled board retains its shape and resists shrinking and expanding—the leading cause of warped charcuterie and cutting boards.
By following these expert tips, your charcuterie board will stay beautiful, functional, and ready for your next wine and cheese night!
Need a custom charcuterie board? Choose the wood species and specific dimensions in our custom inquiries form.
