John Boos Block® professional cutting boards are FDA-approved and are used in some of the finest restaurants in the country. Cutting boards are manufactured from hard rock maple.
Have questions about how to care for your Boos Cutting Boad?
SanitizingHow do I keep my cutting board sanitized?
Keep your Boos cutting board clean by simply washing it with hot soapy water after each use and dry it with a clean paper towel or let it air dry. If you want to sanitize the board more thoroughly, a diluted mixture of chlorine bleach or vinegar solution consisting of one teaspoon of liquid chlorine bleach in one quart of water or a one to five dilution of vinegar. Do not soak or submerge the board in water, for this will disrupt the moisture content and cause the rails to split. Wood cutting boards are NOT dishwasher safe.
Routine CareHow do I maintain and prolong the life of my cutting board?
It is extremely important to give your cutting board a good oiling on all surfaces every 3-4 weeks. Your Boos Board shipped from the factory with a Boos Block Cream Finish with Beeswach which protects and prolongs the life of your board. We recommend keeping the board oiled with John Boos Mystery Oil and/or Boos Block Cream with Beeswax.
When the cutting board becomes dry and lighter in color, you know that the time has come to re-oil your board.
With a minimum amount of care and maintenance, you can lengthen the life of your Boos Board by many years.
Board Cream or Mystery Oil?Q:
We all know that wood cutting board and butcher-block surfaces need protected/moisturized every 3-4 weeks, depending on the frequency of use, and what atmospheric conditions are in your household. But, which is better...Boos Block Board Cream or Boos Block Mystery Oil?
A:
Both products are food safe, effective and do similar jobs - protecting and prolonging the life of our board. You may use them individually or you can use both products if desired: perhaps using the oil first and then putting on a protective layer of cream.
Boos Block Board CreamBoos Block Board Cream contains a natural, unbleached beeswax and food grade mineral oil formula. Board Cream is a denser, thicker product than Mystery Oil, that will give a protective layer to the board against food and moisture. Beeswax does not evaporate as quickly as oil
When using the cream, it is recommended that you apply directly onto the cutting board surface and massage by hand into the grains and let it sit overnight. Then remove the excess with a paper towel.
Boos Block Mystery OilMystery Oil is a food-grade mineral oil. It is a thinner product than the cream, is more easily absorbed, andgoes further into the grain of the wood to help restore it.
When using the oil, it is recommended that you apply a generous amount and let it sit overnight and see how it looks in the morning. Add more oil if necessary if there are dry spots.
Frequency of Application
Frequency of application of Mystery Oil or Board Cream will depend upon how often you use your board and how you clean it - wiping with a damp cloth vs. using warm water. Other factors to consider are weather conditions such as humidity and heat during the different seasons of the year.
StorageHow do I store my cutting board?
Store your wood cutting board on end to dry if it is damp. Or if it is already dry, store flat in a dry area away from extreme hot or cold temperatures.
Odors How do I rid my cutting board of onion and garlic odors?
Lemon or lime juice with a little salt will go a long way to reducing odor. Sprinkle your Boos cutting boad with kosher or table salt. Cut a lemon or lime into quarters and use these quarters to rub the salt into the board, squeezing juice onto the board as you go. Let sit for 2-3 minutes and then wipe the cutting board clean with a damp cloth. Use a clean paper towel to remove excess water or let the board air dry by standing it on end.
StainsWhat if my cutting board is stained or discolored?
Sprinkle kosher or table salt on your cutting board and then use a damp sponge or paper towel to rub the stained or discolored area. The salt will absorb stains, flavors, and odors.
For stubborn stains, try sanding down the area with a fine grit sand paper. It is very important to sand with the grain of the wood, never against the grain. This sanding process exposes a brand new wood work surface. Once sanding is complete, it is recommended to oil your cutting board with John Boos Mystery Oil, or Boos Block Board Cream with Beeswax.
This product protects the board and controls its moisture content, keeping it from drying out, cracking or splitting.
Plastic Vs Wood Plastic or Wood Cutting Boards?
Be sure to read up on the Wood vs Plastic board science report
(click here to download the pdf).Now that you are aware that Maple cutting boards inhibit bacteria growth, and that plastic boards most likely harbor bacteria in the grooves cut into the surface of the board, also know that wood cutting boards are easier on knives. Plastic boards dull knives very quickly. Plus, wood boards are more appealing, attractive, and traditional than plastic. Our Boos Boards are used by many celebrity chefs on the Food Network Channel including, Paula Deen, Alton Brown, Bobby Flay, and Emeril Lagassi to name a few.
Prevent Cross ContaminationDo I use the same cutting board for fish or poultry that I use for vegetables?
Although Boos Hard Rock Natural Maple cutting boards DO NOT harbor bacteria, it is a good habit to use separate cutting boards for different types of food prep. For example, use one for raw meat, poultry, or fish, and another for cooked or ready-to-eat foods such as salad, vegetables, and breads. This will ensure protection against cross contamination and will prevent the spreading of certain food borne bacteria such as E-Coli.