A cutting board is essential — even if you only ever cut drink garnishes, slicing limes on a dormroom desk is pretty gross.

You Will Need

A wooden cutting board

Hot water

Dishwashing liquid

Sponge

Coarse salt

A lemon cut in half

A clean, dry towel

A drying rack or clean surface to lean against

Fine-grained sandpaper

Food-safe mineral oil

Steps

STEP 1 Scrub both sides

When you're finished using the board, use a sponge to scrub both sides with hot water and dishwashing liquid.

STEP 2 Rinse well

Rinse well, but do not dunk your board.

Never leave your wooden cutting board in water—the wood can split.

STEP 3 Rub with salt and lemon

If stains persist, dust the board with coarse salt and rub the board vigorously with half of a lemon. Rinse.

STEP 4 Dry with towel

Dry the board with a clean towel.

STEP 5 Allow to dry

Place the board in a drying rack or lean it against a clean surface to allow it to dry completely.

If you are drying more than one board, do not stack them.

STEP 6 Sand down difficult stains

For impossible stains, sand the spot down with a piece of fine-grained sandpaper, making sure to go with the grain of the wood. If your friends mock you for your cleanliness, refuse to garnish their drinks.

Christopher Columbus introduced lemons to the Western world.