Got a new cutting board but it isn’t shiny enough? Check out what to do to keep it fresh and clean for years to come!
When it comes to essential kitchen tools, the spotlight often falls on a well-crafted chef’s knife. However, a knife’s true potential is only realized with a sturdy and reliable cutting board beneath it. Among the most frequently utilized and cherished kitchen tools, wooden cutting boards hold a special place.
These boards, along with wooden spoons, require occasional care to maintain their longevity. Regular oiling prevents warping and cracking, ensuring their durability and performance. The process for proper maintenance is simple and effective.
Wood or Plastic? A Matter of Preference.
The choice between wood and plastic cutting boards often depends on personal priorities. Wooden cutting boards are favored for tasks involving fruits and vegetables due to their ability to preserve a knife’s edge and their natural aesthetic appeal. Over time, plastic boards tend to develop stains and surface damage, eventually requiring disposal.
In contrast, wooden boards, when properly maintained, can last for decades, often becoming more visually appealing with age. Their rustic charm also makes them a favorite for serving food directly.
Wooden boards do require occasional upkeep, but this care can become a satisfying ritual. A blend of mineral oil and beeswax is commonly used for maintenance, leaving a subtle honey-like scent during application.
Are Plastic Cutting Boards Safer Than Wood?
Extensive testing has been conducted to evaluate the safety of plastic versus wooden cutting boards in terms of contamination. Studies show that wood may offer greater safety, with findings suggesting that plastic boards are more prone to bacterial buildup due to our inability to deep clean the cuts present in a plastic board.
How to Maintain a Wooden Cutting Board (and How Often)
Proper care is essential to extend the life and utility of a wooden cutting board. Cleaning is best done daily with a thorough scrub using hot soapy water. Wooden boards and utensils should never be soaked in water, as prolonged exposure can lead to cracking and warping. For cutting boards used with raw meat, some recommend a diluted bleach solution or hydrogen peroxide as an extra measure against bacterial contamination.
Periodic oiling is also necessary to protect the surface and prevent drying. The frequency of oiling varies—some prefer monthly care, while others find seasonal or even weekly maintenance sufficient, depending on usage patterns.
What’s the Best Cutting Board Oil to Use?
- Mineral Oil
Food-grade mineral oil, sometimes called liquid paraffin, is a non-toxic, non-drying oil derived from petroleum that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Its water-repellent properties make it a popular choice for maintaining wooden kitchen tools, including cutting boards, spoons, bowls, and butcher blocks. The key distinction is ensuring the oil is labeled as food-grade, as non-food-grade variants are used for machinery lubrication and are not safe for kitchen use.
White mineral oil is always considered food safe, as it undergoes extra refining. Checking the label for proper use is essential, but products specifically labeled for cutting boards, such as Food Grade Mineral Oil, offer a reliable option. Regular use prevents dryness, brittleness, and cracks, while also blocking liquid absorption that can introduce bacteria. - Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees and is excellent for hydrating, shining, and waterproofing wooden boards. Products like Boos Board Cream with Beeswax or Clapham’s Beeswax Butcher Block Finish are widely available. A homemade blend can also be made by melting one part beeswax with four parts mineral oil.
For those seeking a plant-based alternative, vegan cutting board wax made from rice and coconut is an option. This is ideal for those allergic to bee products or following a vegan lifestyle. - Coconut Oil
While coconut oil is widely appreciated for its saturated fats and skin-friendly properties, most types are prone to rancidity when exposed to air. However, refined coconut oils using a distillation process (also known as fractionation) remove long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), leaving only medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). This process produces an oil with a longer shelf life, suitable for treating cutting boards, utensils, and other wooden surfaces. - Carnauba Wax:
Derived from the leaves of a Brazilian palm tree, carnauba wax is often called “the queen of waxes” for its glossy finish and water resistance. Found in polishes, cosmetics, and even dental floss, it is often mixed with beeswax and mineral oil in commercial cutting board creams. Natural Wood Wax is a recommended blend.
Use With Caution: Oils for Cutting Board Care
- Tung Oil
Tung oil, derived from the tung tree in southern China, is widely used in woodworking for its satin finish and slight golden hue. However, caution is necessary for two reasons. First, tung oil is made from a nut tree, and severe allergies can occur in some individuals. Second, many products labeled as “tung oil” may contain only trace amounts of oil, with the rest being toxic chemicals not intended for food contact. Pure tung oil is the safest choice for use on cutting boards, and labels should always be carefully reviewed. - Linseed Oil
Pressed from the flax plant, raw linseed oil is safe for consumption and is valued for its water-repelling properties and ability to enhance wood’s natural luster. However, boiled linseed oil is chemically treated and toxic. As an organic oil, linseed oil is prone to rancidity, though it deteriorates more slowly than many other organic oils. Selecting high-quality linseed oil from a trusted source can minimize risks. - Walnut Oil
Extracted from English walnuts, this oil shares similarities with linseed oil, including susceptibility to rancidity. While it has a pleasant aroma, its nut origin poses allergy risks, and it is costly. Walnut oil is best reserved for occasional use and only in environments where nut allergies are not a concern. - Olive pomace oil
While using any other type of olive oil (such as virgin or extra virgin) for cutting boards is highly discouraged, olive pomace oil is a refined oil that can be used for deep frying and works on cutting boards without going rancid. Depending on the brand, some of these may still have slight detectable flavor that could bother some people especially when still freshly applied and cutting fruits on the board. It wears off eventually though. - Bleach
Bleach effectively neutralizes microbial pathogens by denaturing them, making it a strong disinfectant. A safe, diluted solution—one teaspoon of bleach per quart of water—can be used to flood the board’s surface, followed by rinsing with hot water and towel drying. Undiluted bleach or prolonged soaking in a bleach solution should be avoided, as it may damage or discolor the wood.
Not Recommended for Cutting Boards
- Vegetable Oils
Oils such as olive, corn, and sunflower should never be used on cutting boards. These oils are highly prone to rancidification, leading to unpleasant smells and tastes that compromise food quality. - Varnish
Though varnishes like shellac or lacquer provide a durable finish for furniture, they are unsuitable for cutting boards. Knife use can cause varnish to chip, introducing potentially toxic particles into food. - Rubbing Alcohol
While rubbing alcohol disinfects effectively, it is extremely drying and counterproductive to wood maintenance. Alternatives like diluted bleach solutions or soap are gentler on wood and provide adequate disinfection.
How to Oil and Maintain Wooden Cutting Boards and Utensils
What Is Needed for Wooden Cutting Board Oiling?
- Wooden cutting boards, spoons, or other utensils
- Clean, soft cloth or paper towels
- Mineral oil, food-grade oil, or a preferred oil mixture
Wooden Cutting Board Oiling Steps
- Clean the wood
The cutting board or utensils should be as clean and dry as possible before oiling. A common method involves scrubbing with coarse salt and half a lemon, followed by wiping and allowing thorough drying. - Apply the oil
Using a soft cloth or paper towel, a thin and even layer of oil should be applied across the surface of the wood.
- Allow the oil to soak in
The oil should be left to absorb for several hours, preferably overnight, to ensure deep penetration. - Buff away excess oil
Any remaining oil can be gently wiped off with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to ensure the surface is smooth and free from stickiness.
Proper Cleaning and Washing for Wooden Cutting Boards
Washing the Board
Cleaning involves using soap and warm water, with thorough scrubbing to remove bacteria and food particles. The mechanical action of scrubbing and rinsing is more effective than relying solely on soap. After washing, the board should be dried immediately with a towel and placed upright or on a raised rack to allow proper airflow for complete drying.
Practices to Avoid
- Placing the board in a dishwasher, as heat and water can warp and splinter the wood, while also voiding most manufacturers’ warranties. Only plastic, composite, or glass boards are suitable for dishwasher use.
- Immersing the board in water or allowing it to stand in water, which can lead to water absorption and warping.
- Using strong bleach solution, as it may stain or excessively dry the wood.
- Drying a wet board flat, which can result in uneven drying and warping.
Other Cleaning and Maintenance Options
- Baking Soda
For stubborn stains, baking soda offers a safe and effective solution. A sprinkling of baking soda can be scrubbed into the affected area with a cloth or brush dipped in hot water to remove discoloration. - Lemon Juice
When unpleasant odors arise, the acidic properties of lemon juice can neutralize bacteria and fats causing the issue. Rubbing a halved lemon across the surface releases natural oils that further lift soluble materials and restore freshness.
Summary
- Wood cutting boards require regular maintenance depending on use.
- Make sure to use food safe oil for maintenance that doesn’t go rancid.
- Clean by scrubbing with soap and warm water. Wipe off water and let it dry in an upright position.