A wood cutting board is one of the most used — and most neglected — tools in the kitchen. With a little regular care, it will last decades and only get more beautiful with age. Here's exactly how I recommend caring for the boards I make right here in my Eugene, Oregon workshop.
Clean It Right After Every Use
Rinse your board with warm water and a small amount of dish soap immediately after use. Contrary to popular belief, a little soap won't harm a properly finished wood board. What will harm it: soaking it in water or running it through the dishwasher. Prolonged moisture causes wood to swell, crack, and warp — and no finish survives a dishwasher cycle.
Dry it immediately with a towel, then stand it upright or prop it at an angle so air can circulate on both sides. Never lay it flat to dry.
Oil It Regularly
Wood is a natural material — it needs moisture to stay healthy. Without regular oiling, even the best cutting board will dry out, crack, and eventually split.
I finish my boards with food-safe mineral oil and beeswax, and that's exactly what I recommend for ongoing maintenance. Apply a generous coat of food-grade mineral oil with a clean cloth, let it soak in for a few hours (or overnight), then wipe off the excess. Do this once a month, or whenever the wood starts to look dry or dull.
Avoid olive oil, vegetable oil, or any cooking oil — these go rancid inside the wood and will make your board smell unpleasant over time.
Remove Stains and Odors Naturally
For stubborn stains or odors (garlic, onion, fish), sprinkle coarse salt over the board and scrub with half a lemon. The salt acts as a mild abrasive and the lemon's acidity neutralizes odors. Rinse and dry thoroughly afterward, then re-oil.
Sand Out Deep Scratches
Heavy knife marks are inevitable over time. When your board starts to look rough, a light sanding with 220-grit sandpaper will bring it back to smooth. Sand with the grain, wipe away the dust, and follow up with a fresh coat of mineral oil. Your board will look nearly new.
Store It Properly
Keep your board in a dry spot with good airflow — not leaning against a damp backsplash or stored flat in a drawer where moisture can't escape. A simple board stand or hook works perfectly.
The Payoff
A wood cutting board that's properly cared for doesn't just last — it develops character. The grain deepens, the surface smooths, and it becomes one of those kitchen objects that feels irreplaceable. That's exactly what we had in mind when we made it.
Browse our handcrafted cutting boards made from locally grown Oregon hardwoods →