Keeping Your Wooden Cutting Boards Alive
A well-maintained wooden board develops a character of its own over years of service. If you treat the wood right, it will stay flat and crack-free long after plastic boards have been thrown away.
Water is the enemy of wood
Never submerge a wooden board in water or leave it to soak. If you treat wood like a sponge, it will eventually warp and lose its structural integrity.
- Soft sponge or cloth
- Lint-free rag
- Food-grade mineral oil
- Optional: Beeswax or wood wax
The Rule of Absorption
Apply oil until the wood stops drinking it. When the board looks dull or feels dry to the touch, it is starving for moisture and needs a fresh coat.
The method.
Clean the board
Wash the board with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap using a sponge. Wipe it down quickly and immediately pat it completely dry with a towel.
Air dry
Stand the board upright on its edge to dry. This allows air to circulate on both sides and prevents moisture from being trapped against the counter, which causes warping.
Oil the surface
Pour a generous amount of food-grade mineral oil onto the surface. Use a clean rag to rub the oil into the grain, working it in until the surface looks dark and saturated.
Buff and set
Let the board sit overnight so the oil penetrates deep into the fibers. In the morning, buff off any excess oil with a clean, dry cloth.
Other turns to take.
Removing odors
If the board holds the smell of onion or garlic, rub it with a cut lemon and coarse salt. The salt acts as an abrasive, and the acidity neutralizes lingering scents.
Heavy-duty conditioning
Use a mixture of mineral oil and beeswax for a longer-lasting finish. The wax creates a more robust barrier against food juices.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Use only food-grade mineral oil; never use vegetable or olive oil, as they will go rancid and make the board sticky.
If your board feels fuzzy or rough, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth it down before oiling.
Rotate your cutting board occasionally so you aren't always chopping in the same center spot.
The ones that keep coming up.
How often should I oil my board?
Once a month is a good rhythm for a board that sees daily use. If the wood looks pale or white, oil it immediately.
What should I do if my board warps?
Prop the board up on its edge in a dry area for a few days. Sometimes the wood will flatten back out on its own as it reaches equilibrium with the room's humidity.
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