Care and maintenance of wooden cutting boards

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It’s no secret that wooden cutting boards are one of the essential kitchen accessories in any home—or at least, not for people like you and us who are passionate about the art of cooking and delicious gastronomy.

If we were to take a quick look inside your kitchen, we’d probably see several of these boards in different sizes. That wouldn’t surprise us, since they are very practical and easy to use when preparing, cutting, and working with each of your ingredients as they truly deserve: with lots of care and attention before you start cooking. The key to their success over the years lies in the incredible resistance and durability of their surface, as well as, of course, the warmth and style they bring to any countertop. However, just like any other kitchen accessory, it’s essential to give them some basic care so they stay in perfect condition, just like the first day.

To clear up any doubts you might have about this—a common concern among our customers—today we’re going to explain how to care for, clean, and maintain your wooden cutting board so it shines. So much so that even your guests will ask you about it.

How to care for a wooden kitchen cutting board

Wooden cutting boards require a bit of care—one could even say pampering—to keep them in perfect condition for as long as you need. Don’t worry, these are very simple habits that you can easily incorporate into your routine. Here are some tips:

Avoid excessive moisture: Wood is a fairly porous material, which means it tends to absorb water more easily than you might think. For this reason, never submerge your board in water or leave it soaking as you might do with other kitchen accessories. It’s also not a good idea to dry it in the sun or on a typical household heat source, such as radiators. Doing so will only damage and ruin it.
Dry it quickly: As soon as you finish cleaning it, use a clean cloth to dry it thoroughly. Leaving it wet will only cause it to warp or crack over time.
Use both sides of the board: This is the best way to prevent it from warping due to uneven use. Get into the habit of flipping it and using both sides alternately. It’s the best approach.
Protect it with oil: You can oil it from time to time. This is quite important, especially if you want to keep it hydrated and prevent it from absorbing food odors or liquids. Keep reading for more details on how to do this.

Step by step: how to clean a wooden cutting board

To clean your cutting board perfectly, you’ll need more than just a simple cloth. You have to remove all residues, odors, and bacteria that can end up damaging the wood. Here are the steps we recommend you follow to ensure your boards are completely clean and ready to cut any of your next foods:

Remove food scraps with the help of a spatula or flat knife. If you find it difficult to remove the residue, gently scrape to get rid of it.
Always clean the board with warm water and a bit of mild soap. You can use a soft sponge to scrub and remove all the dirt. Never use metal scourers, as they can damage the wood.
Disinfect the board naturally with coarse salt, baking soda, or half a lemon. This will help eliminate odors and bacteria. Repeat this about twice a week.
Dry it very well with a clean cloth and let it stand upright so it can air out completely.

Is it possible to clean a wooden cutting board in the dishwasher?

The short answer is a resounding no, and the long explanation is the same. Don’t even think about putting your wooden cutting board in the dishwasher—you’ll end up completely damaging this accessory, causing cracks, warping, or even bad odors. Remember that dishwashers expose utensils to very high temperatures, harsh detergents, and prolonged humidity.

The best thing to do is wash it by hand and always follow the tips you learned just a few minutes ago.

What type of oil can you use to oil a wooden cutting board?

Oiling your board regularly is something your wooden cutting board will thank you for. Not only will you enhance the wood’s natural color and prevent it from drying out, but you’ll also create a protective layer to stop liquids, odors, or bacteria from being absorbed.

The only thing is, not just any oil will do; ideally, you should use a food-grade mineral oil or fractionated coconut oil.

Cleaning, drying thoroughly, and oiling your wooden cutting board regularly is key to making this essential kitchen tool last for many years. Take note of this and follow each of these steps