Regular maintenance of butcher blocks and wooden cutting boards means washing after each use with warm soapy water, rinsing and wiping dry immediately.

Less frequently, give the surface a good scrub with coarse salt and half a lemon; rinse well with warm water, wipe dry and rub in some mineral oil. Don’t use vegetable oil – it goes rancid.

If a wooden board is quite greasy try this: Cover cutting surface with salt and let stand overnight. Brush off the next day with a stiff-bristle brush, and then clean as indicated.

If you follow this method, your wooden cutting surface will last for years!!!

These great tips come from Tony Mollica. He is the owner of Nine Fingers Left, a custom woodworking and home renovation contracting company based in Toronto. Tony has lengthy experience in helping his clients transform their homes and yards into the place of their dreams. From bathrooms and kitchens to decks and patios, he can help you achieve the look you want!! You can reach Tony at [email protected] or by phone at (416) 428-5977.