Clean and Care Guide

Your Sonder Los Angeles cutting board has finally arrived...Yay! Now what? Check out these simple tips for using and caring for the newest addition to your kitchen.

    Wood Board Care Basics

    • Sponge baths only, please! All wooden cutting boards should be hand washed with a sponge or a rag; do not soak or submerge in water.
    • No steam room either, I beg you. Wooden cutting boards are not dishwasher safe; save that for the cutlery and other approved kitchenware, only.
    • I get thirsty, just like you. Don’t wait until your cutting board is dry to give it a little love.  Regular treatments of food grade mineral oil or beeswax every 3 weeks are vital to the health and longevity of your board. Lack of oiling can cause unwanted issues like warping, cracking, and bacterial growth.
    • No fatty oils, please. I’m watching my figure! Avoid using cooking oils (olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, sesame oil, etc...) to condition your board. These types of oils are high in fat and once oxidized, can become rancid, transferring an unpleasant smell into the wood.
    Hand wash only

    Wood Board Cleaning Guide

    Regular Maintenance: We recommend that you hand wash your board with warm soapy water, then rinse and dry immediately with a clean dish towel. Looking out for Mother Earth? Cold water works, too. Make sure to always wash both sides, even if you only used one, to ensure even water absorption to prevent warping. Stand the board up on its side to allow the board to air dry evenly. 

    Odors / Stains: While it’s rare for wooden cutting boards to absorb odors or stains, it can happen, especially when working with fatty fish such as salmon or highly pigmented veggies like beets. Fortunately, there’s a quick and natural solution most likely living in your kitchen already: lemons and baking soda.  

    For odors, after a gentle cleaning with soap and water, treat your board to a lemon cleanse. Cut the lemon in half and gently rub it over the length of the board on the affected side, squeezing juice as you go until the odors are no longer present. Rinse both sides once more with soap and water and let air dry propped up on its side.

    For stains, treat your board to an effervescent lemon and baking soda spot clean.  Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the affected area and, using a lemon cut in half, gently squeeze the juice on top of the baking soda and scrub in small circular motions. This will create a small fizzle, like a freshly opened can of soda, but don’t worry that’s the stain fighting powers in action. Rinse both sides once more with soap and water and let air dry propped up on its side. 

    Pro Tip: As with any cleanse or spa treatment, it’s important to moisturize afterwards! Be sure to oil your board after treating it to one of the cleanses above.

    Mineral Oil Required

    Wood Board Oiling Guide

    In addition to properly washing and drying your board, there is no better treatment than making sure your board is well oiled. Your board comes oiled and ready to use; however, it will need regular oiling every 3 weeks. Feel free to oil sooner if it starts to feel dry.

    What's Needed: A clean, dry dish towel and food-grade mineral oil (or beeswax)

    Before oiling your board, make sure it’s clean and completely dry.

    Step 1. Start with a few ounces of oil and spread it evenly over the entire board using your dish towel. Wanna live a little? Try using your hands to spread the oil; it’s like finger painting for adults only without the pressure of color theory, plus it’s great for the cuticles. Either way, make sure to rub the oil on the sides and grooves of the board, adding more oil as needed. Flip the board over, and repeat the application on the reverse side.

    Step 2. Leave the oil to absorb into the wood for several hours, or overnight if possible.

    Step 3. Lastly, wipe off any remaining oil using a dry, clean cloth, so the board does not feel greasy.

    Why Oil?

    • To protect the board from unwanted moisture, where bacteria can thrive.
    • To prevent the wood from drying out, which can lead to warping and cracks.
    • To restore the rich natural colors of the wood.

      Additional Help

      We're here to assist you and help with caring for your board. Here's a few ways to reach us.