Cutting Board Care
Since wood is a material that changes its size as it gains or losses moisture, it's important to take proper care of any wood cutting board, and as end grain exchanges moisture with its surrounding environment about 12 times faster than other wood surfaces, this is especially true with end grain cutting boards.
Our boards are finished with a mixture of mineral oil and beeswax we mix up ourselves. A similar mixture can be purchased. The beeswax adds water resistance. You can re-oil your cutting board with mineral oil, or any edible oil, but use it very sparingly-- just a few drops rubbed in with a rag and some elbow grease. Do this every few weeks, or whenever you notice the board looking dry.
The best way to clean your cutting board is to wipe it off with a damp sponge or rag. Try to resist the temptation to run a faucet over it, especially if it hasn't been oiled recently. If you do wash it under a faucet, dry it with a cloth right afterwards to minimize the saturation of the wood. Be especially careful not to dry it out too quickly by placing near a heat source after getting it wet. Try to avoid both very damp and very dry environments, and especially rapid shifts from damp to dry.
With proper care my boards will last many years with no splits, though as anyone who's ever seen an old butcher block in an antique shop knows, end grain cutting boards remain perfectly functional even with the hairline splits at the edges they sometimes develop over time. Proper care will keep your board looking new. Many of my oldest boards, made before 1985, are still in daily use, and they look all the more beautiful, with a glowing patina from constant use.