How to Clean Wood Cutting Boards

A butcher block cutting board or countertop has a presence in most kitchens. Like a cast iron pan, it acquires seasoning the same way. A wood cutting board is gentle on your knives and can be refinished unlike many other types of cutting boards. Well taken care of, a great butcher block cutting board can become an heirloom piece similar to a cast iron pan. Unlike other wood furniture, wood cutting boards are finished with oils free of harsh substances since it comes into direct contact with food. These food safe finishes are typically less durable. Combine a less durable finish with frequent exposure to moisture and knives, you can end up with a dry, grainy board that absorbs moisture. Here’s some tips to keep your cutting board in tip top shape.

1.      Keep it clean. Wood captures moisture and stains more easily than a stone cutting board. Regularly remove all wood particles and scrub it with a mild soap then towel off to remove any excess moisture.

2.      Sanitize. Using strong chemical cleaners can leave a residue and contaminate your food. Spray the cutting board with undiluted white vinegar which acts as a discenfectant, ridding the board of dangerous bacteria’s.

3.      Stain Removal. Sprinkle table salt over the stain. Slice a lemon and half and using the cut end, thoroughly rub the salt into the stain. Let sit overnight and then clean of with a damp sponge. This is also great for removing odors and flavors from onions or garlic.

4.      Refinish. Thoroughly clean the surface then liberally apply mineral oil or tung oil with a rag, wiping off any excess after an hour. Make sure to give attention to the all sides and edges of the cutting board. Do not use vegetable or cooking oils as they can turn rancid.

What’s your tips for keeping your wood cutting board in good shape? I’d love to hear. Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Granite vs. Quartz but what is Quartzite?

One of the most common questions I am asked is “Which is better, quartz or granite? Pick a favorite. Tell me what I should use. Which one is the best?” These are comments I hear all the time when clients are trying to decide between quartz or granite countertops. Often times my answer is “It depends.” I know, I know. Not very helpful, right? Well, let’s talk through it.

Color: If you are looking for a more solid color, less variation or consistent pattern, quartz may be the product for you. If you like the natural pattern of granite and want something that truly acts as a piece of art in your space, granite may be the one for you.

Maintenance: If you are a set-it-and-forget-about-it type of person, quartz may be the better solution for you. Granite is recommended to be sealed once a year. Don’t be dismayed! This is not a difficult process and can be done by even the most regular Joe.

Durability: Both products are very durable and you would be hard pressed to really hurt them unless you like cooking with a blowtorch or banging cast iron skillets around. Any product can chip if hit with the right thing in the right spot.

For many applications, I lean more towards granite for it’s natural beauty. You just can’t beat the unique character found in a slab of granite. It’s amazing that something that beautiful comes out of the ground! Some pieces I believe could be hung on the wall and called art. But, I also love and utilize quartz for different applications. Like I said, it all comes down to personal preference.

You may have heard of one of the newest players in the countertop world-Quartzite. But what is quartzite and should you pay attention to it? The long and short of it is "Yes!"Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock that originates as sandstone. Through a process of high heating and pressurization sandstone is transformed into Quartzite. When heated, individual quartz pieces recrystallize giving it a beautiful and decorative sparkling pattern. Quartzites offer a range of colors, veining and movement and can look like granite, marble, or a hybrid of both. Most Quartzites come from Brazil.

Quartzite is naturally strong, resists heat, is hard to stain and is harder than quartz. On the Mohs scale of hardness (1-10), with 10 the hardest, granite measures between 6 and 6.5; whereas quartzite measures around 7.There is a chance for etching to occur on its surface but can be minimized with regular sealing. Quartzite is considered an exceptional material for use in countertops. The difference in price for the material in either slabs or tiles will be reflected through the availability of colors and location. Pure quartzite is usually white to gray, though quartzite often occur in various shades of pink and red. Other colors, such as yellow and orange, are due to other mineral impurities.

So do you like quartz over granite? Or is quartzite more your speed? What do you like or dislike? Shoot me an email and share your thoughts at Jessica@webbercoleman.com