Keeping Your Wooden Cutting Boards Alive
To keep a wooden board from cracking or warping, wash it by hand with warm water and a drop of soap, dry it immediately standing upright, and saturate the wood fibers with food-grade mineral oil once a month.
Water is the enemy of wood.
Never let a board soak in the sink or run it through the dishwasher, as the heat and moisture will cause it to split along the grain.
- food-grade mineral oil
- clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel
- mild dish soap
- coarse salt
- half a lemon
Oil until it stops drinking
Apply oil liberally to every side of the board and let it sit overnight. If the wood looks dry the next morning, add another layer until the surface remains visibly moist for several minutes.
The method.
Clean the surface
Scrub the board with a stiff brush and minimal soap. Rinse quickly and wipe dry with a towel immediately.
Refresh and sanitize
If the board holds odors, pour a handful of coarse salt over the surface and scrub it with the cut side of a lemon. This acts as a mild abrasive to remove top-layer buildup.
Oil the wood
Pour a generous amount of food-grade mineral oil onto the surface. Use a cloth to work it deep into the grain, ensuring the edges are fully coated.
Air dry
Stand the board vertically on a dish rack so air flows equally across both sides. Do not lay it flat to dry, or the bottom side will warp.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Avoid using vegetable or olive oils, as these will turn rancid and sticky over time.
If the board becomes fuzzy after washing, lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper before re-oiling.
A warped board can sometimes be straightened by wetting the convex side and letting it dry on a flat surface, though prevention is far easier.
The ones that keep coming up.
How do I know if my board needs oil?
If the wood looks dull, feels rough to the touch, or begins to look pale and thirsty, it is overdue for a coat.
Can I use beeswax?
Yes, a blend of beeswax and mineral oil provides a nice protective barrier that lasts longer than oil alone.
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