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How to Care for a Wooden Chopping Board: Cleaning and Oiling Tips
A well-made wooden chopping board is more than a useful kitchen surface. With the right care, it can become a dependable part of your kitchen for years.
A good wooden chopping board care is surprisingly simple. The most important things are to clean the board promptly, avoid leaving it wet and occasionally replenish the finish with a suitable food-safe oil.
At The Fine Wooden Article Company, we make our wooden pieces with longevity in mind. Here is our practical guide to looking after your chopping board.
1. Clean Your Wooden Chopping Board After Use
After using your board, brush off any food and wash it with warm water and a little mild dish soap.
Use a soft sponge or cloth to clean the board. Then rinse it well with clean water.
Don't leave your wooden board soaking in water. Wood naturally takes in moisture, and too much water can cause the board to swell or change shape over time.
Quick tip: Wash it, rinse it and dry it rather than leaving it sitting in a wet sink.
2. Dry Your Board Properly
Drying is one of the simplest but most important parts of wooden chopping board care.
Once cleaned, wipe the board with a clean towel and allow it to air dry thoroughly. Ideally, stand it so that air can circulate around both sides rather than leaving the wet board lying flat against a worktop.
Don't put your wooden chopping board in the dishwasher. The heat and water can damage the wood and may cause it to change shape over time.
3. Oil Your Wooden Chopping Board When Needed
Over time, regular washing gradually removes some of the protective finish from a wooden board. Oiling helps replenish the surface and keeps the timber looking its best.
Make sure your board is clean and fully dry.
Apply a food-safe oil suitable for wooden chopping boards. Apply a thin, even layer and rub it gently over the surface, edges and ends of the board.
Allow the oil time to absorb before wiping away any excess with a clean cloth.
There's no need to oil your board on a set schedule. Just keep an eye on it. If the wood starts to look dry or dull, it's probably time to oil it again.
4. A Few Habits That Help Your Board Last
A quality wooden board is designed to be used, so there is no need to treat it as something too precious for everyday cooking.
A few simple habits can help your board last longer:
- Don't leave the board soaking in water.
- Don't put it in the dishwasher.
- Dry it thoroughly after cleaning.
- Don't leave your board on a wet or damp surface.
- Re-oil it when the timber begins to look dry.
- Only use a food-safe finish made for wooden chopping boards.
A little care goes a long way. Keep your board clean, dry and well oiled, and it should stay looking good and ready to use for years.
At TFWACo, we make wooden pieces that are useful, well made and built to last.
Our kitchen boards are made with the same care and attention we bring to all of our work in our Gloucestershire workshop.
If your old board is ready to be replaced, or you are looking for a solid wooden board, check out our kitchen board collection.
A Useful Reminder
The exact care required can vary according to the timber and finish used on a particular board. If you own a TFWACo board and are unsure how to maintain it, get in touch with us and we'll be happy to advise.
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