How to Care for a Wooden Cutting Board
A handcrafted hardwood cutting board is built to last for generations — but like any natural material, it needs a little care to stay in top shape. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your board looking beautiful and performing well for years to come.
Daily Cleaning
After each use, wash your board with warm water and a mild dish soap, then dry it immediately with a clean towel. Avoid soaking your board or leaving it wet in the sink — standing water is the fastest way to warp or crack wood over time.
Never put a wooden cutting board in the dishwasher. The combination of prolonged water exposure and high heat will cause the wood to warp, crack, or split.
Storing Your Board
Always store your board standing on its edge, or flat if it has rubber feet, so air can circulate on both sides. Storing a board flat against a counter without feet traps moisture underneath and can cause uneven warping.
Oiling and Conditioning
Wood is porous, and regular oiling keeps it from drying out, cracking, or absorbing odors and stains.
New boards should be oiled several times in the first few weeks to fully saturate the wood.
After that, oil your board once a month for regular use, or whenever the wood starts to look dry or dull.
Use a food-safe mineral oil or a specialized board oil — avoid olive oil, vegetable oil, or other cooking oils, which can go rancid over time.
Apply a generous amount, let it soak in for a few hours (or overnight), then wipe away any excess with a clean cloth.
Handling Stains and Odors
For light stains or lingering smells, sprinkle coarse salt or baking soda on the surface, scrub gently with half a lemon, then rinse and dry as usual. This natural method lifts stains and neutralizes odors without harsh chemicals.
What to Avoid
Soaking in water or running through the dishwasher
Direct sunlight or heat sources (near a stove or in a hot car), which can cause warping
Cutting boards left wet for extended periods
Cooking oils in place of food-safe mineral oil
A Board Built to Last
With a little routine care, a handcrafted hardwood board only gets more beautiful with age — the grain deepens, the patina develops, and it becomes a piece you’ll pass down for years. Every board from Good Shepherd Woodshop comes with a bottle of board oil and a care card to help you get started.
Have a specific care question, or curious which wood species holds up best for your kitchen? Reach out to us — we’re happy to help.