How to Care for a Hardwood Cutting Board

A handcrafted hardwood cutting board should be both a beautiful and functional accessory for the kitchen, it is if you take care of it. With the right routine, a quality wood cutting board will much longer than usual, and you won't get any microplastics in your food like with plastic cutting boards. Here's everything you need to know.

Why Wood Cutting Boards Need Special Care

Unlike plastic or composite boards, hardwood is a natural, porous material. It absorbs moisture, expands and contracts with humidity changes, and can crack or warp if neglected. The good news: a simple maintenance routine takes less than five minutes and keeps your board looking and performing like new.

Daily Cleaning: What to Do (and What to Avoid)

Do: Wash your board by hand with warm water and a small amount of dish soap immediately after use. Rinse thoroughly and dry upright or on its edge, never flat so air can circulate on both sides.

Avoid: Never submerge a wood cutting board in water or put it in the dishwasher. Prolonged moisture exposure causes warping, cracking, and joint failure. Avoid soaking even briefly.

Monthly Oiling: The Most Important Step

Oiling is what keeps a hardwood cutting board from drying out and cracking. We recommend food-grade mineral oil or a wood wax and mineral oil mixture. It's inexpensive, and won't go rancid like olive or vegetable oil.

1. Make sure the board is completely dry before oiling.
2. Put gloves on so you don't get oil on your hands, this is not necessary unless you want to do this, this is my procedure for finishing cutting boards.
3. Place a cloth underneath where you are applying finish so the finish does not get onto your counter.
4. Get a clean cloth or I like to use a scouring/scotch bright pad cut into squares to apply the finish.
5. Apply a decent amount of finish to one side spreading the finish with the cloth or scotch bright pad going with the grain, make sure to saturate it so the whole surface has a thin layer of finish on top of it, repeat with the other sides of the cutting board.
6. We recommend leaving this overnight to allow the finish to soak into the board.
7. Wipe off any excess oil with a dry cloth or a terry cloth towel.
8. Do this once a month for ongoing maintenance, especially if you are using the wood cutting board a lot.

Removing Odors and Stains

Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle coarse salt on the board, and scrub with the lemon cut-side down. The salt acts as a mild abrasive and the lemon juice neutralizes odors naturally. Leave this for 5-10 minutes before rinsing and drying as usual.

When to Sand Your Board

If your board develops deep knife grooves or rough patches, a light sanding with 220-grit sandpaper will restore a smooth surface. Always sand with the grain, wipe away dust, and re-oil immediately after.

Signs It's Time to Replace Your Board

A well-maintained hardwood cutting board rarely needs replacing. However, if you notice deep cracks that trap food, persistent mold that won't clean out, or structural splitting at the glue joints, it may be time for a new one.

Our handcrafted hardwood cutting boards are made from premium walnut, maple, and cherry — built to last a lifetime with proper care. Each one is finished with food-safe oil before it ships, so it's ready to use from day one.