What's wrong with my cutting board?

Question

I have a heavy wooden cutting board, and it's become very warped. I used it a few days ago to cut potatoes, and then set it on top of the crock pot to make room on the counter. I forgot to wash it and put it away, and when I went to use the crock pot today, I found it, and it's got a definate curvature, like the middle of the board was trying to sink into the pot.

It's been very hot and humid here lately, so did that cause the cutting board to do that? Is there any way to fix it?

No, the crock pot was not on, and it wasn't hot either, because it's been at least 3 weeks since I've used it.

Someone (likely my husband) placed 3 glasses on top of the board. Could it have been their weight that did it? I didn't mention it before because I didn't think they would have weighed enough to cause this problem.

Since everyone's seems to be concerned about the vegetables and the meat being on the same board, I'd just like to let you all know that the one I have is double sided, and is labeled 'Fruits and Vegetables' on one side, and 'Meats' on the other side. And the meat side even has a little groove all the way around it so fluids won't run onto my counter. So I'm not worried about cross-contamination, and we wash the board, so it wouldn't have been a problem anyway.

My mom has a plastic cutting board, and it's got so many nics and cuts in it from knives, that it's practically garbage, and it's only a few years old.

I'm certainly not wasting my money on one of those.

Answer 1

Wood will warp in a heartbeat. When exposed to moisture and humidity they warp easily. Try one of the bamboo cutting boards they have out now. They are pretty resilient.

Answer 2

First forget that nonsense about plastic being better.
The hard woods used have enzymes that prevent bacterium and molds from harming the wood.
you are in a dilemma now
it near impossible the to really flatten it
most any reweting it will cause the glue - up to separate.
excessive weight on the recuve will do the same
Ask at the hardware store if they know of a handyman with a PLANER.. Know the dimensions of the board much over 12inches forget it
the cost of a new board ..???.. VS min HR rate + no guarantee
PS was the crock pot ON???
the story just seem lacking an excuse for the warp,, unless it was really wet.

Answer 3

Its wet, mine gets warped when it gets wet. I just put it up for a week , and it's seems to get back to normal. Not sure how much you use it. I have 3 I use.

If it still seems warped after you know its completely dry. Some how the integerity of the wood is really damaged. Also a good idea is to treat it with oil.

Answer 4

clean it with bleach. Get a hard plastic cutting board, because with wood germs and bacteria can seep into the cuts of a wooden cutting board! Other than that I don't know what your talking about!
Good Luck!

Answer 5

Dear Quesso,
You can try to flatten it by making it damp then setting the heaviest thing you have on top overnight. You can also ask at a local lumber yard because well, wood is wood.
Good luck.

Answer 6

Don't know how to fix it,
Maybe you should try glass or plastic, you wont have to worry about germs from raw meat getting on your vegetables.

Answer 7

Not much you can do to flatten it out, the heat and / or steam warped it. I would place it on a towel, if you want to use it to keep it from sliding.

Answer 8

The steam or heat from the crockpot probably warped it. It would best to buy a new one.

Answer 9

Soak it in hot water and a little bit of bleach.Then lay on a towel and let it dry.Flat surface....