Board Care
Here at Choppa Block, we offer our customers an Intended Use Warranty on all our products, but there are some things you need to know about caring for your board
Pre-care – where possible, sharpen your knives for minimal scoring of the board. You will be surprised by how little the board will mark from a sharp knife.
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Moisture – never fully submerse your board in water. The best way to clean it is with a damp kitchen cloth/sponge. You can also use kitchen sanitiser/surface wipes. Don’t put your board under a running tap or apply excessive moisture - if this happens dry it with a cloth immediately to minimise the saturation of the wood.
Temperature – keep timber in a constant environment. Occasionally boards need to adapt to their new environment over time. Do not keep your board near a heat source (such as a cook top) for any length of time. Don’t leave piping hot pans/trays/dishes on your board to cool. It is too much of a sudden shock to the timber and will damage your board. Likewise, don’t keep your board on the drainer as it will want to absorb moisture. Generally, the kitchen bench top is the perfect place to house the board.
Choppa Block Care Kit – Each care kit contains Livos Food Safe Oil, Scotch-Brite pad and foam-backed sanding pad. The oil aids in closing any marks that may otherwise harbour bacteria.
Oiling depends on usage and environment.
Don’t be tempted to use your household cooking oils as these can go rancid, promote mould growth or become sticky, attracting dirt and dust.
General Care Instructions
Pre-care:
- When you receive your board, the Livos Food Safe Oil should be applied within the first two weeks of use.
- Ensure the board is clean and has been allowed to dry.
- Place a small amount of Livos Food Safe Oil onto the Scotch-Brite pad and rub along the length of the board, on all surfaces (top and edges). Pay close attention to the centre and the most used areas of the board.
- Apply until the board looks shiny. The Livos Food Safe Oil will penetrate the board. Leave for 20 minutes and then remove excess with paper towelling. (The Scotch-Brite pad can be washed with warm soapy water for future use). The oil will need to cure 8 hours before it can be used.
- The next time your board needs maintenance, apply the Livos Food Safe Oil (as in above steps 2-4).
When to Use the Sanding Pad
If the board becomes rough to touch, it’s due to the protective oil film breaking down, allowing moisture to raise the grain of the timber, resulting in a coarse texture. The sanding pad process will not be required if oiled sufficiently.
- If oil application as per above Care Instructions (steps 2-4) has not been effective, it’s time for the sanding pad. Lightly sand the raised grain areas until smooth. You’ll notice a white dust will result from sanding, remove this with a damp sponge and allow the board to completely dry.
- Follow Care Instructions (steps 2-4) once again using the oil.
- If the grit has been worn down, replace the pad with a new one. For new supplies of oil and pads, please contact us.
