Welcome to the Family!
Congratulations on your new hardwood cutting board from Murphy's Creations! You now own a piece of functional kitchen art built to last for generations. Since your board has already been expertly finished with our Condition Butter, it's ready for immediate use. This guide outlines simple routines to ensure its beauty and longevity.
1. Use & Storage Guidelines
Hardwood is superior for everyday tasks because it's kinder to your knife edges and inherently safer, as bacteria have a significantly lower survival rate on wood than on plastic.
Usage Protocols
- Raw Meat: Yes, you can cut raw meat. Dedicate one side strictly for raw proteins and the opposite side for cooked foods, vegetables, and bread. Always clean the raw meat side immediately after use (see Cleaning routine).
- Avoid Heat: Keep the board away from direct sunlight, open flames, hot surfaces, and oven heat. Rapid changes in temperature can cause stress on the wood grain.
Storage Best Practices
- Vertical Storage: This is critical! Always store your board **standing up on its edge** in a dry location. Storing it vertically allows air to circulate equally around all sides, preventing moisture buildup and warping.
- Flat Storage Warning: Never leave the board lying flat on a wet counter or allow it to lean flat against a damp surface, as this creates uneven drying conditions that lead to warping.
2. Care & Maintenance
Your cutting board is mostly maintenance free, but it will need occasional reconditioning. We recommend using our brand of Cutting Board conditioner. We provide a tin with the board when purchased.
Conditioning
- Frequency: The best indicator of when the board needs conditioning, is when it looks pale, rough, or water no longer beads up on its surface. This usually happens monthly with heavy use, or less frequently with light use.
- Application: Use a clean, lint-free cloth or your hands. Rub a generous amount of **Murphy's Creation's Cutting Board Condition Butter** evenly into all sides, including the edges, until the wood is saturated.
- Rest: Allow the board to rest for a couple hours, or ideally, overnight, for maximum absorption deep into the grain. Then, use a dry, clean cloth to wipe off any excess residue before storage or use. The surface should feel smooth, not sticky.
Cleaning and Scratch Repair
- Wash & Dry: Rinse the board right after use. Use a small amount of mild dish soap and a sponge. Towel dry immediately after rinsing.
- NEVER Submerge: Do not submerge the board in water or place it in the dishwasher. This will cause irreparable **warping and cracking**.
- Deep Sanitizing: For deep cleaning or odor removal, sprinkle coarse **salt** on the board, rub half a **lemon** over the surface, let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Scratch Repair: Deep knife marks can be easily repaired by hand. Use fine-grit sandpaper (start at 120-grit, then 220-grit, and finish at 400-grit for a buttery smooth texture). Wipe off all dust with a damp cloth, air dry, and follow immediately with a liberal application of **Murphy's Creation's Cutting Board Condition Butter**.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is my new board "sweating" or leaking a bit of the finish?
A: This is perfectly normal and completely safe! It happens when the wood grain releases excess sealant that wasn't fully absorbed. This "sweating" simply indicates the board is fully saturated. Just wipe the excess oil away with a clean, dry cloth. This usually stops after the first few uses.
Q: How do I prevent my board from warping?
A: Warping is almost always caused by uneven drying. This happens if the board is placed in a dishwasher, left soaking in a sink, or stored flat on a wet counter, causing one side to absorb more moisture than the other. Always dry immediately and store vertically.
Q: Can I put my board in the dishwasher?
A: No! That is the worst thing you can do for your wood cutting board. That will cause it to warp and crack. To protect your investment, always handwash, hand dry and store vertically until full dry.