A good wooden cutting board can outlast every other tool in your kitchen. It just needs a few minutes of attention now and then. Here's how we care for the boards we make, and how we'd recommend you care for yours.
Wash by hand, and do it soon
After each use, wash your board with warm water and a little mild dish soap. A soft sponge or brush is all you need. Rinse it well, then dry it right away with a towel.
The sooner you clean it, the easier it is.
Two things to never do
Never put a wooden board in the dishwasher. The heat, water, and harsh detergent can warp, crack, or split even a well-built board.
Never leave it soaking in the sink. Wood absorbs water, and a board left sitting in water swells unevenly as it dries. That's how boards twist and joints separate.
These two habits matter so much that damage from them isn't covered by our one-year warranty. It's the one thing we can't build around.
Dry it standing up
After towel-drying, stand your board on its edge or set it somewhere air can reach both sides. A board left flat on a wet counter dries unevenly, which invites warping over time.
If your board has metal feet, they already lift it off the counter so air can circulate underneath. Just wipe the feet and their silicone pads dry along with the board.
Oil it whenever it looks dry
Every Elbereth Woodcraft board leaves our shop with a food-safe, tung oil–based finish that includes a hard wax. That finish protects the wood, but regular use slowly wears it down. When the surface starts to look pale, dull, or thirsty, it's time to oil.
There's no strict schedule. A board you use every day may want oil every few weeks, while one that comes out for special occasions might go months. Let the wood tell you.
To oil your board:
- Start with a clean, completely dry board.
- Apply a thin, even coat of wood serum.
- Let it soak in for several minutes, or overnight if the board is very dry.
- Wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
- Finish by buffing on a coat of the wood conditioner.
Every cutting board and prep board we sell comes with samples of our hydrating wood serum and wood conditioner, so you'll have what you need from day one. Our wine and cheese boards and large charcuterie boards come with wood conditioner.
Freshen it up when needed
If your board picks up a stubborn smell, like garlic or onion, sprinkle it with coarse salt and scrub with half a lemon. Rinse, dry, and oil it once it's fully dry.
Why it's worth the effort
A wooden board rewards a little care. Treated well, it gets better with age: cherry deepens to a rich red-brown, walnut stays dark and lustrous, and maple keeps its clean, bright face. The board you buy today can be the one your kids fight over someday.
If you ever have a question about caring for your board, get in touch. You'll hear back from us.