Wood Cutting Board Care & Maintenance
Quick answer: Wash your wooden cutting board by hand with hot soapy water after each use and dry it right away. Never soak it, never put it in the dishwasher or microwave. Sanitize after raw meat with 3% hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach (1 tablespoon per gallon of water). Oil it with food-grade mineral oil about once a month. Stored dry and on its edge, a hardwood board lasts for decades.
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The 4 rules
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Wash by hand with hot water and a little dish soap, both sides | Submerge or soak the board in the sink |
| Towel-dry immediately and stand it on its edge | Put it in the dishwasher |
| Oil with food-grade mineral oil (or mineral oil + beeswax cream) | Put it in the microwave or oven |
| Sanitize after raw meat with 3% hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach | Use olive, vegetable or nut oils: they turn rancid |
Daily care
- Scrape off food, then wash with hot water and mild dish soap using a soft sponge or brush.
- Rinse quickly. Do not let the board sit in water.
- Dry with a towel and stand the board on edge so both faces get air.
Oiling
Apply food-grade mineral oil to a clean, dry board with a cloth, covering all sides. Let it soak for a few hours or overnight, then wipe off the excess. New board: once a week for the first month. After that: about once a month, or whenever the wood looks pale or dry. Finish with a mineral-oil-and-beeswax cream for extra water resistance.
Knife marks and stains
Sprinkle coarse salt and scrub with half a lemon to lift odors and light stains. For deeper knife marks, sand with the grain using fine sandpaper (120 then 220 grit), wipe the dust and oil generously. A hardwood board can be refreshed this way for years.
Cleaning & care guides
Step-by-step articles from our Cleaning blog:
How to Clean a Wooden Cutting Board at Home
Daily washing, sanitizing, stains and oiling.
Wooden Cutting Board Care: Clean, Oil and Store
The complete maintenance routine and schedule.
6 Natural Ways to Clean a Wood Cutting Board
Salt, lemon, baking soda, vinegar, peroxide, oil.
9 Kitchen Cleaning Hacks
Boards, sinks, microwave and more.
See all articles in the Cleaning blog →
Frequently asked questions
Can a wooden cutting board go in the dishwasher?
No. Heat and prolonged water make the wood swell and then crack or warp as it dries. Always wash by hand.
How often should I oil my board?
Weekly for the first month, then about monthly, or whenever it looks dry. Drip water on it: if it soaks in instead of beading, oil it.
Is diluted bleach safe on wood?
Yes, at the USDA ratio of 1 tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water. Rinse and dry right after. Never use it undiluted and never soak the board.
Which boards does this apply to?
All solid hardwood boards, including our maple and walnut cutting boards and the state-shaped butter boards. See the warranty page for coverage details.