How to Care for a Wooden Cutting Board

How to Care for a Wooden Cutting Board

We get asked all the time... How should I care for my wooden kitchen board (cutting, serving, bread, charcuterie)?

  • Washing
    • Hand wash the board after each use with warm water and mild dish soap
      • If the board is not too dirty a wipe with a damp cloth should be fine
    • Don’t submerge it or place it in dishwasher
    • NEVER use bleach!
  • Drying
    • use a cloth towel to dry it
    • air dry by propping it up or placing it in a drying rack.
  • Conditioning
    • use food grade mineral oil or a board butter to keep it looking great
      • Monthly for occasional usage
      • weekly for daily use
      • starts to look dry
  • Preventing cracks and warping
    • Do NOT store flat between uses
    • Consistent temperatures help maintain stability.
      • Don't leave near oven, or in direct sunlight
    • Do NOT use as a trivet or hot pad
  • Common mistakes
    • Using as a surface for cleavers, tenderizers
    • Leaving too long in water
    • Not drying both sides
    • Not conditioning enough
      • Dull appearance
      • Dry or chalky spots
      • Rough texture
      • Light-colored areas
      • Water absorbing quickly into wood