A charcuterie board is an important visual and structural element for cheeses and other small bites. It can easily be compromised due to improper maintenance.

The most common cleaning mistake is soaking the board in water. The correct way to wash the board is to wash both sides with simple soap and water.

Concentrating on a single side can eventually lead to warping. Hand drying it with a clean towel after rinsing is also a must, as leaving the board to dry can have consequences.

Using the right tools, such as a soft sponge or dishcloth, is also imperative. Another thing that can damage the board is harsh materials like steel wool or rough sponges.

Other maintenance tips like using disinfectants and conditioning the wood are important. Above all, remember to avoid the most common cause of warping — and that is soaking it.