Restoration

1. Scrub the surface of the antique breadboard with a paste made of 1 part baking soda, 1 part coarse salt and 1 part water. Use a clean, lint-free cloth, massaging the board with enough pressure to remove food or other residue that may have accumulated over the years. Rinse the board thoroughly with hot water and repeat the scrub as necessary until it's clean.

2. Saturate a paper towel with distilled white vinegar and wipe the entire surface of the board, then saturate another paper towel with 3-percent household peroxide and wipe it down again. This process disinfects.

3. Wash the breadboard in a sudsy solution of antibacterial dish soap and warm water, then rinse it with hot water and wipe it clean with a dry cloth. Set the board upright and allow it to air dry completely.

Seasoning

1. Sprinkle an even coating of coarse salt over the surface of the breadboard, then rub the board with the fleshy side of a sliced lemon. Rinse the breadboard thoroughly with hot water and allow it to air dry.

2. Work a dab of mineral oil into the breadboard with a clean, lint-free cloth, following the direction of the wood grain. Continue massaging oil into the wood until the board stops absorbing the oil. Wipe away excess oil with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth. Allow the board to dry upright overnight before using it.

3. Repeat the salt-and-lemon process once every couple of weeks and apply oil once per month.