A MEMO FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board Care 101

Lokki’s rules for a happy board.

Lokki here. Tim handles the woodworking. I supervise. Today’s agenda: keeping your wooden board looking good and ready for its next job.

A few small habits go a long way. Here are the house rules.

Cartoon of Lokki in his blue bandana beside a wooden board and clean towel.

1. Hand wash. No swimming.

Wash your board by hand with lukewarm water and mild dish soap after use. Rinse promptly. Never soak it or leave it sitting in water.

DO NOT PUT IN DISHWASHER.

I enjoy a good splash. Your board does not.

2. Towel off. Stand tall.

Dry it with a clean towel, then stand it securely on edge so air can reach both faces. Let it dry fully before putting it away. KEEP AWAY FROM STEAM. Store it clear of kettles, steaming pots, and dishwasher vents. Keep it away from hot appliances, radiators, and prolonged direct sunlight. Never use it as a trivet for a hot pan.

3. Walrus Oil. Balm. A little love.

Tim uses only Walrus Oil on his boards, and every food-safe board comes with a can of board balm. That little can has a job—please put it to work.

When your board starts looking dry or dull, clean it and let it dry completely. Work a thin, even coat of the supplied balm over both faces and all edges with a clean cloth. Follow the directions on your can for resting time and buffing. Give frequently used boards a regular check; don’t wait for the wood to look parched.

Need more balm or help with a very dry board? Ask Tim. Skip household cooking oils and unapproved finishes.

4. Wood moves. Care matters.

Wood absorbs moisture and swells, then shrinks as it dries. Soaking, steam, and dishwasher cycles force those changes too quickly. Drying one face while the other stays wet can make a board warp; excessive heat and neglected care can lead to cracks, splits, and separated glue joints.

Walrus Oil and board balm help protect the wood, but they do not make it waterproof or dishwasher-safe. Damage can be permanent. A little regular care is much easier than a repair.

See a crack? Call in the human.

Stop using a cracked or split board for food preparation and contact Tim. Check with him before sanding, gluing, or refinishing it. For serving pieces with hardware, ask about care for your particular build.