Why Choose a Maple and Cherry Cutting Board?

Maple is tough and durable. Cherry adds beauty with its warm, rich color. Put them together, and you get a cutting board that’s both strong and stylish.

A maple and cherry cutting board isn’t just practical—it’s also nice enough to serve cheese, fruit, or snacks when guests come over. It looks great on any countertop too.

Season It Before First Use

When you get a new board, the first step is to season it. This helps seal the surface and protects the wood from water damage.

Use food-grade mineral oil or a board conditioner. Pour some oil on the board and rub it in with a clean cloth. Make sure to cover all sides and edges. Let it sit overnight. Wipe off any extra oil in the morning.

This step makes a big difference. It helps keep the board from drying out or cracking.

Cleaning After Each Use

Always wash your maple and cherry cutting board by hand. Use warm water and mild soap. Scrub gently with a sponge or soft brush. Rinse well and dry it right away with a towel.

Never put your cutting board in the dishwasher. The heat and water will damage the wood fast. And never leave it soaking in the sink.

After drying, store it standing up or on its side. This helps air circulate and keeps it from warping.

Remove Smells and Stains Naturally

Some foods can leave behind strong smells or marks. Garlic, onions, and beets are common culprits. But there’s an easy fix.

Sprinkle coarse salt on the board. Cut a lemon in half and rub it over the surface. The salt scrubs. The lemon cleans and freshens.

Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and dry. You can also make a paste with baking soda and water for tough stains.

Keep It Oiled

Oiling your maple and cherry cutting board keeps the wood healthy and smooth. If it looks dull or feels dry, it’s time to oil it.

Use a soft cloth to rub in food-safe mineral oil. Let it soak overnight. Wipe off the extra oil with a dry towel the next day.

How often should you oil it? Once a month is a good rule. If you use your board every day, do it every two weeks.

Sanding for a Fresh Start

Over time, your board might get cuts and scratches. That’s normal. But you can fix it with a light sanding.

Use fine sandpaper (around 220 grit). Sand in the direction of the grain. This removes rough spots and smooths out knife marks.

After sanding, clean off any dust. Then oil the board again. It’ll look almost new.

Avoid These Mistakes

To protect your maple and cherry cutting board, avoid:

• Leaving it in water
  
  

• Putting it in the dishwasher
  
  

• Using strong bleach or harsh cleaners
  
  

• Drying it near heat or sunlight
  
  

• Letting liquids sit on it too long
  
  

These habits can ruin the wood, cause warping, or even lead to mold.

Using One Side vs Both

Some people use one side of the board for meat and the other for veggies. This can help avoid cross-contamination.

If you do cut raw meat, clean the board right after. Use soap, warm water, and maybe a splash of vinegar to disinfect it.

Dry it well before putting it away.

Great for More Than Just Chopping

Your maple and cherry cutting board isn’t only for food prep. It also works great as a serving tray.

Use it to serve cheese, crackers, fruit, or dessert at a dinner party. The mix of cherry and maple wood adds a touch of elegance to the table.

Just clean and oil it after use to keep it looking sharp.

Final Tips for Long-Lasting Use

Caring for your board is easy when you stick to a few habits:

• Clean it by hand
  
  

• Oil it regularly
  
  

• Don’t let it stay wet
  
  

• Sand it when needed
  
  

• Store it upright
  
  

A little effort goes a long way. Your maple and cherry cutting board will keep looking good and working hard for many years.

FAQs

Q: How often should I oil my maple and cherry cutting board?

A: Oil it once a month. If you use it every day, do it every two weeks to keep it from drying out.

Q: Can I use olive oil or coconut oil on my board?

A: No. These oils can spoil and go rancid. Stick with food-grade mineral oil or a board conditioner made for wood.

Q: What’s the best way to clean it after cutting raw meat?

A: Wash it right away with warm water and mild soap. You can also wipe it with vinegar or lemon juice to disinfect naturally.

Q: Can I leave my board on the counter all the time?

A: Yes, as long as it’s dry and away from heat. Just make sure it’s not sitting in water or near a stove.

Q: What if the board starts to crack?

A: Small cracks happen when the board gets too dry. Lightly sand the area and apply a generous coat of mineral oil. Let it soak in overnight.