How to Care for a Wooden Cutting Board

Whether your board is mostly decorative or used for serving and light prep, proper care helps it stay looking clean, rich, and gift-worthy. Most of the important habits are simple and easy to keep up with.

Hand wash only

Wooden cutting boards should never go in the dishwasher. High heat, water exposure, and long wash cycles can dry out the wood, warp it, or shorten its lifespan. Instead, wash by hand with mild soap and warm water.

Dry it right away

Don’t let the board sit wet in the sink or on the counter. After washing, dry it with a towel and let it finish air drying upright if needed. Keeping moisture from sitting on the board is one of the easiest ways to protect it.

Oil it occasionally

If the wood starts to look dry, a food-safe mineral oil helps restore the finish and keep it from looking dull. You don’t need to overdo it — just occasional care when the wood starts to lose its richness.

Avoid soaking or extreme heat

Never soak the board in water and keep it away from long exposure to very hot or very damp environments. These are the main things that tend to wear wooden boards out prematurely.