How to Care for Your Wood Cutting Board

If you've invested in a beautiful hardwood cutting board, you're probably wondering how to keep it looking as stunning years from now as it did the day it arrived.

The good news? Caring for a quality wood cutting board is surprisingly simple.

 

With just a few minutes of maintenance each month, your board can last for decades while becoming even more beautiful with age. Whether it's a handcrafted walnut cutting board, a maple butcher block, or a personalized charcuterie board, proper care protects the wood, prevents drying and cracking, and keeps your board safe for everyday food preparation.

Here's everything you need to know.

 

Why Wood Cutting Boards Need Maintenance

Unlike plastic, wood is a natural material.

 

That means it expands and contracts as humidity changes and gradually loses its natural oils over time. Without occasional maintenance, wood can become:

• Dry
• Dull
• Rough to the touch
• More susceptible to cracking
• Less resistant to moisture

 

Fortunately, replacing those oils is quick and easy. Think of it like conditioning a leather bag or moisturizing your skin—it simply helps preserve the material.

 

Why Hardwood Boards Last So Long

Not all cutting boards are created equal. Premium hardwoods such as walnut, maple, cherry, and black limba are prized because they offer an ideal balance of durability and beauty.

 

These hardwoods:

• Resist deep knife marks better than softer woods
• Hold up to years of everyday use
• Develop a rich natural patina over time
• Can often be refinished instead of replaced

 

A handcrafted hardwood board is meant to become part of your kitchen for many years—not just another disposable accessory.

 

Daily Cleaning

Wash Immediately After Use

After preparing food, simply wash your board using:

• Warm water
• Mild dish soap
• A soft sponge or cloth

Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately with a towel.

Avoid letting water sit on the surface.

 

Never Soak Your Board

One of the fastest ways to damage wood is soaking it.

Avoid:

• Leaving it in the sink
• Standing water
• Dishwasher cycles
• Long periods of moisture

Wood naturally absorbs water, which can lead to swelling, warping, or cracks as it dries.

 

Dry It Standing Up

After washing, allow your board to finish air drying vertically whenever possible.

Standing it on its edge allows both sides to dry evenly and helps prevent warping.

 

How Often Should You Oil a Wood Cutting Board?

The answer depends on how often you use it.

A good rule of thumb:

 

Your board will usually tell you when it's time.

Signs include:

• Color becoming lighter
• Dry appearance
• Water soaking into the surface instead of beading
• Rough texture

 

Choosing the Right Oil

This is one of the most common questions people ask. The safest options are:

Food-Grade Mineral Oil

Food-grade mineral oil is odorless, tasteless, affordable, and won't become rancid.

It's the industry standard for maintaining wooden cutting boards.

 

Board Butter

Board butter combines food-grade mineral oil with natural waxes such as beeswax and carnauba wax.

The wax creates an additional moisture barrier while leaving the board with a rich satin finish.

Many woodworkers—including us at Mitchabout + Co.—prefer board butter because it both conditions and protects.

 

Oils to Avoid

Avoid cooking oils including:

• Olive oil
• Vegetable oil
• Coconut oil
• Canola oil
• Corn oil

 

These eventually oxidize and become rancid, leaving unpleasant odors behind.

 

How to Apply Board Oil or Butter

Applying oil only takes a few minutes.

1. Make sure the board is completely clean and dry.
2. Pour a generous amount of mineral oil or apply board butter onto the surface.
3. Rub it in using a clean lint-free cloth.
4. Work with the grain of the wood.
5. Coat every surface—including the sides and bottom. Wood absorbs moisture from all directions, so protecting every side helps maintain stability.
6. Allow the board to absorb the oil overnight.
7. Buff away any excess with a clean cloth the next morning.
8. Your board should feel smooth—not greasy.

 

Removing Stains and Odors Naturally

Over time, garlic, onions, fish, or brightly colored foods can leave lingering odors or stains.

Fortunately, most are easy to remove.

Lemon and Salt

• Sprinkle coarse salt over the board.
• Cut a lemon in half and scrub the surface.
• The salt gently lifts stains while the lemon helps neutralize odors.
• Wipe clean afterward.

 

Baking Soda Paste

For stubborn stains:

• Mix baking soda with a little water
• Gently rub the affected area
• Rinse thoroughly
• Dry immediately

 

Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or bleach unless specifically recommended for food-contact surfaces.

 

What About Raw Meat?

A common misconception is that wooden cutting boards are unsafe.

In reality, quality hardwood cutting boards have been extensively studied and, when properly cleaned, are considered safe for food preparation.

The key is simple:

• Wash promptly with soap and warm water.
• Dry completely.
• Keep the board well maintained.

 

Many professional chefs continue to prefer wood because it's gentler on knives and highly durable.

 

If you like having separate boards for different tasks, designate one for raw meats and another for produce or bread.

 

Preventing Cracks and Warping

Most damage happens because of moisture—not knife cuts.

To help your board last for decades:

• Never place it in the dishwasher.
• Don't leave it soaking in water.
• Oil it regularly.
• Store it standing upright or flat in a dry location.
• Avoid placing it directly beside heat vents or radiators.
• Keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight.

 

These small habits dramatically extend the life of your board.

 

Caring for Personalized and Engraved Boards

Personalized cutting boards deserve the same care as any hardwood board.

In fact, proper maintenance often makes engraved designs stand out even more by enriching the surrounding wood grain.

 

Whether your board commemorates a wedding, anniversary, housewarming, or family recipe, routine conditioning helps preserve both the wood and the engraving for years to come.

 

If your engraved board is primarily decorative, simply dust it regularly and apply board butter a few times each year to maintain its rich finish.

 

Why Handmade Boards Age Beautifully

One of the joys of owning a handcrafted board is watching it develop character. Small knife marks, subtle color changes, and a richer finish tell the story of family meals, celebrations, and everyday cooking. Unlike mass-produced kitchen accessories, a handcrafted hardwood board is designed to improve with age—not be replaced. With proper care, many quality boards become cherished heirlooms passed from one generation to the next.

 

The Mitchabout + Co. Difference

At Mitchabout + Co., every hardwood board is carefully handcrafted using premium lumber selected for its beauty, durability, and unique grain patterns.

 

Each board is hand-finished and conditioned before it ever reaches your kitchen.

 

To keep it looking its best, we recommend regular conditioning with our handcrafted Board Butter, made with food-grade mineral oil, beeswax, and carnauba wax to hydrate, protect, and revive natural wood.

Whether you choose one of our ready-to-ship boards or request a fully custom size, proper care ensures your investment stays beautiful for years to come.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my wood cutting board in the dishwasher?

No. Dishwashers expose wood to excessive heat, water, and prolonged moisture, which can cause warping, cracking, and glue failure.

 

How often should I oil my cutting board?

Most boards benefit from oiling every month, though heavily used boards may need conditioning every two to four weeks.

 

Is mineral oil safe for food?

Yes. Food-grade mineral oil is specifically formulated for food-contact surfaces and is the most commonly recommended finish for cutting boards.

 

Why does my board feel rough?

The wood has likely dried out or the grain has slightly raised from repeated washing. Conditioning with board butter usually restores a smooth feel.

 

Can I use olive oil instead?

No. Cooking oils eventually become rancid and may leave unpleasant odors. Stick with food-grade mineral oil or a quality board butter.

 

How long should a hardwood cutting board last?

With proper care, a premium hardwood cutting board can last for decades. Many are even passed down as family heirlooms.

 

What's the best way to remove garlic or onion odors?

Rub coarse salt and half a lemon across the board, rinse, dry thoroughly, and recondition if needed.