There really isn't a lot to maintaining your board and it doesn't require a lot of effort. If you put board conditioner on it and wipe it off after about 20 minutes you are doing it right. There are some things that come before and after that but it is a simple process. 

• Make sure your board is clean & dry before applying BeeNew ™. 

• Apply BeeNew™ wood conditioner with a soft lint free cloth taking care to work it into the cutting board. Continue until entire board is coated (including bottom). If you notice your board has really sucked up the conditioner, repeat the process of covering it with wax.

• Let it stay coated for around 20 minutes to a half hour. I usually leave mine overnight but 20 minutes is fine. You can't over condition because the board will stop accepting conditioner when it's saturated. 

• Wipe away any excess wax and your board is ready to go to work!

How often your board needs conditioning really depends on how often you use it. Once a month is a great place to start. If you have had to do more sanitizing then usual you may need to condition it a little sooner. 

Dos and Don'ts 

• Always wash your board by hand with a mild dish detergent. If you are just slicing bread, you can wipe it with a damp cloth. For more sticky food, washing and rinsing will be required. If your board doesn't have feet to allow for air flow, it will be necessary to lean it against a wall or backsplash to ensure all sides are properly dried. 

• Never submerge it in water.  A quick dunk is acceptable but never leave it in water. Never put it in a dishwasher. The harsh chemicals, heat and excessive water will cause warping, cracking or worse. 

• Never use vegetable oil on your board. It will eventually go rancid and your board will smell bad. I know some people recommend coconut oil but anything that has an expiration date should never be applied to your board. Beeswax and food safe mineral oil are the only two things that that I know with certainty, will not go rancid (other than stuff you can buy at the store).  We love our own BeeNew™ because it is the perfect blend to make applying conditioner quick, easy, and mess free. 

Helpful hints. 

Wiping your board with a damp cloth before using it for something like meat or tomatoes, juicy stuff, etc. will make cleanup easier. When I first learned of this idea, it made complete sense to me. If your board has absorbed a little moisture, it will be less apt to absorb for whatever you are using it for. I always do it before slicing a roast or tenderloin or something similar. It's the same concept with conditioning. Keeping your board well conditioned keeps it from ever being subject to stains, etc.

Sanitizing

If you have cut raw meat, it is important to sanitize your board. The most recommended way is to use 1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water. This will kill bacteria in order to avoid cross contamination. Using straight distilled vinegar will also do the trick. Cover your board with one of these recommended solutions making sure to  scrub any areas that still have food on them thoroughly, Rinse well  and dry thoroughly making sure all sides are exposed to air as stated above. 

You should sanitize your board once in a while just for a good practice but especially after raw meat. It is recommended by most authorities on the subject that you use a designated board for raw meat. Proper drying will also help avoid harmful bacteria. 

The bottom line.

Your board is not a delicate flower. It is meant to be used! After all, it is a work surface made specifically to use with sharp objects.  So use it as the workhorse it is meant to be. Just remember like any good tool, it needs occasional maintenance and care to keep it working perfectly. Happy Chopping!