Thank you for purchasing this quality cutting board from Elkwood Arts. Elkwood Arts’ cutting boards have a “food safe finish” on them.  They are finished and seasoned with USP-grade mineral oil. It is a simple process to take care of this board.  Proper care should give you years of use. 

All boards should be cleaned and sanitized frequently and kept dry when not in use. Listed are some tips for maintaining your cutting board (choose method that works best for you):

Maintaining and sanitizing cutting boards
* Hot water and soap: scrub board with hot water and soap, rinse and dry thoroughly. Never submerge in water!

* Vinegar—wipe with full strength vinegar. Vinegar is a good disinfectant because of the acid. 
     It is effective against E. Coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus. 
     It is also very good for people with chemical allergies. 
     Keep a spray bottle of undiluted vinegar handy for easy cleaning and sanitizing.
* To eliminate garlic, fish or other smells rub fresh lemon juice or rub a cut lemon over the surface of the cutting board.

Your cutting board should be re-seasoned after cleaning/sanitizing.  Simply wipe on USP-grade mineral oil and let it soak in.  When no more soaks in simply wipe off the excess with a clean, dry cloth.  Do not use vegetable, cooking or olive oils as they can turn rancid.

*Don't worry about using too much oil - more is better!

MORE TIPS:

BEESWAX is often added to mineral oil and walnut oil to give a tougher finish.  The wax of bees has been used for centuries for waterproofing and sealing materials from baskets to cloth and for preserving foods and other perishable materials, including wood.  It will make wood water-resistant (though not waterproof) and will help protect the wood surface from use and wear.  It will also give a wood surface a nice smooth feel to the touch and leave a gentle, sweet fragrance. 
*Simply shave about 1/2 teaspoon beeswax into a microwave-safe dish with a cupful of mineral oil.
*Microwave on high for about 45 seconds
*Smooth onto the cutting board in a circular fashion while still warm
*Save or dispose of the remainder of the oil.

BEESWAX TOP COAT - A beeswax top coat is an optional addition to the refinishing process - but is well worth the time!  The beeswax sits on the surface of the wood in contrast to the oil that soaks into the wood.  As a result, the beeswax fills in pores and gaps that thin oil often doesn't reach.  This helps to keep moisture, bacteria, and other contaminants from getting into the wood surface.  To apply the finish, simply wipe it on with a clean cloth.  The beeswax is a soft paste that has a similar consistency to that of a shoe polish.  Excess finish can easily be buffed off with the cloth.  Once the finish has had some time to dry, it can be buffed to a shine.