Keeping Your Wooden Serving Boards Alive
Wood is organic and thirsty. To keep a serving board from warping or cracking, you must clean it gently, dry it completely on its edge, and feed the fibers regularly with food-grade mineral oil to maintain a moisture barrier.
Stop the soak
The single greatest threat to your board is water. Never let it sit in the sink and never put it in a dishwasher, as the heat and moisture will cause the wood to expand and split.
- mild dish soap
- lint-free cloth or paper towel
- food-grade mineral oil or beeswax board cream
- fine-grit sandpaper (optional)
Seasoning the Grain
Oil acts as a shield against liquids and bacteria. When the wood looks pale or feels dry to the touch, it is starving for oil and needs a fresh coat to close its pores.
The method.
Clean the surface
Wash the board with warm water and a tiny drop of mild soap. Wipe it down quickly; do not let the water pool on the surface.
Dry vertically
Prop the board up on its edge. This allows air to circulate on both sides simultaneously, which is essential to prevent bowing.
Remove surface scars
If the board is rough or has deep knife marks, sand it lightly with 220-grit sandpaper in the direction of the grain until smooth.
Apply the oil
Pour a tablespoon of mineral oil onto the board and buff it into the wood with a cloth. Use circular motions until the wood stops drinking and the surface feels saturated.
Cure overnight
Let the board sit upright overnight so the oil can penetrate deep into the fibers. Wipe off any excess with a clean cloth before using it for your next spread.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Use only food-grade mineral oil; never use vegetable or olive oil, as they will turn rancid over time.
If your board has a stubborn onion or garlic smell, rub a halved lemon over the surface and rinse quickly.
Store boards in a dry place away from heat sources like ovens or direct sunlight.
The ones that keep coming up.
How do I know if my board needs oil?
If you splash a drop of water on the surface and it soaks in quickly, the wood is thirsty. If the water beads up, your current oil barrier is still holding.
Can I use beeswax on my board?
Yes. A mixture of mineral oil and beeswax creates a thicker, longer-lasting barrier than oil alone and provides a nice sheen.
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