How to Care for Your Sweet Bee Artisan Board
At Sweet Bee Artisan Boards, we take pride in crafting beautiful, heirloom-quality wooden boards designed to last. To ensure that your custom board remains in top condition for years to come, it’s important to follow proper care instructions. Here’s how to keep your board looking as stunning as the day you received it.
Hand Washing: The Golden Rule
First and foremost, all wood products, including your custom Sweet Bee board, should be hand washed. Never put your board in the dishwasher. The heat and strong detergents can degrade the wood, causing it to swell, crack, and ruin the custom design along with the board itself.
How to Wash:
Rinse with mild soap and hot water: Gently clean the board after each use. Avoid immersing it in water to prevent swelling.
Clean all sides: Don’t forget to rinse the edges and underside. Wood is a porous material that reacts to moisture, and uneven exposure to water can cause warping.
Dry thoroughly: After washing, dry the board completely by wiping off excess water with a dry cloth. Let it air dry on its side so that both sides are exposed to air. This also helps save counter space!
Seasoning Your Board
Over time, your board might start to look a little dull. To restore its natural beauty, it’s important to season it regularly with food-grade mineral oil. This process keeps the wood conditioned and extends the life of your board.
How to Season:
Choose the right oil: Food-grade mineral oil is ideal because it’s colorless, odorless, and won’t go rancid like cooking oils (such as olive or avocado oil).
Apply the oil: Using a clean, lint-free cloth, rub the oil along the grain or in circles. Allow the board to absorb the oil for a few hours or even overnight.
Wipe off excess: Once the board looks fully seasoned, wipe away any oil that hasn’t been absorbed.
How Often to Season:
Monthly maintenance: Even if the board hasn’t been used, it’s a good idea to season it every month or so.
Frequent use: If you’re using and washing your board frequently, consider seasoning it more often to keep it in peak condition.
With the right care, your wooden board can remain a cherished part of your kitchen for years to come. Treat it well, and it will continue to serve you beautifully.
Other Tips and Tricks
Sanitizing: You can sanitize your board with diluted white vinegar or a bleach and water solution. Just be sure to check online for the proper dilution recipe.
Deodorizing: If your board develops an odor, simply rub a halved lemon over the surface to freshen it up.
Wooden utensils: Don’t forget that you can season your wooden spoons and utensils, too!
Special Considerations
Use a Separate Board for Raw Meat:
Your Sweet Bee board is engraved with intricate designs, which can harbor bacteria if not properly cared for. We recommend using a separate cutting board for raw meat to prevent contamination and keep your custom board in pristine condition.
By following these care instructions, your Sweet Bee Artisan Board will remain a beautiful and functional part of your kitchen for years to come. With just a little bit of love and attention, your board will continue to bring warmth and charm to every meal you prepare.
—Phoebe & Shawn
Sweet Bee Artisan Boards 🐝
