The Care Guide
A Schmidt Woodcraft piece is built for generations. This guide ensures your heirloom retains its soul, beauty, and integrity for decades to come.
The Living Material
Wood is organic; it breathes, expands, and contracts. Our selection of premium hardwoods—Black Walnut, Cherry, and Hard Maple—are chosen for their stability and antimicrobial properties. Proper care isn't just about cleaning; it's about conditioning the fibers to withstand the rigors of the modern kitchen.
The "Golden" Rule
"If you wouldn't put your hands in it for 30 minutes, don't put your wood in it."
Material Integrity
Comparing the density of Schmidt selected hardwoods
Hard Maple: The gold standard for density and neutral palette. Ideal for heavy chopping.
Black Walnut: Prized for its chocolate hues and medium-hard density that is exceptionally kind to knives.
Cherry: A softer hardwood that darkens beautifully with age, perfect for serving boards.
Scientific Safety
Wood vs. SyntheticOur boards leverage the Cliver Effect. While plastic boards trap bacteria in deep knife scars, the porous nature of our hardwoods pulls bacteria into the grain where they naturally dehydrate and perish.
"Wood is safer than plastic for food preparation... bacteria fail to survive on wood but thrive on plastic." — Dr. Dean Cliver, UC Davis
The Maintenance Cycle
Simple steps for lasting beautyCleanse
Scrape off food residue. Wash both sides with warm soapy water using a soft cloth or sponge. Never submerge the board in water.
Respirate
Towel dry immediately. Stand the board on its edge or in a drying rack. Air must circulate on both sides to prevent uneven drying and warping.
Hydrate
Once a month, apply a liberal coat of food-grade mineral oil. Let it soak overnight. Wipe away excess in the morning.
Seal
Apply a beeswax-based board butter to lock in the oil. This creates a moisture barrier that keeps juices from penetrating the wood grain.
Finishing Intelligence
Not all oils are created equal. We exclusively recommend inert, food-safe minerals and waxes that do not spoil or impart flavor.
White Mineral Oil
Pure, USP-Grade. Penetrates deep into the cellular structure.
Culinary Oils
Olive, Canola, or Vegetable oils will go rancid, causing odors and bacteria growth.
Finish Comparison
Restoration & Repair
Odors
Scrub with a mixture of baking soda, lemon juice, and salt. Rinse and dry immediately.
Stains
Apply a paste of vinegar and baking soda. For stubborn stains, a light 220-grit sanding may be required.
Roughness
If the grain feels "fuzzy" after washing, lightly sand with 320-grit sandpaper and re-apply oil.
Questions About Your Piece?
Every Schmidt Woodcraft product is built to last. If you need guidance or have questions about caring for your piece, we're here to help.