How to Oil a Cutting Board in 6 Simple Steps

What’s the Purpose of Oiling a Cutting Board?

Wooden cutting boards, like all wood kitchen tools, have natural pores. These pores can absorb food waste and become mould breeding grounds. Wood fibres can also dry out and splinter, or they can trap excess moisture, which can cause warping.

All of these issues can be avoided by rubbing your wood board with food-grade mineral oil on a regular basis. Mineral oil, applied quarterly or monthly, will allow your wooden boards or butcher blocks to last for many years of productive use.

How to Oil a Cutting Board

Oiling a cutting board is simple with the right tools and technique.

1. Select your oil. A mineral oil rated for food contact is the best cutting board oil. Linseed oil and beeswax are also suitable. Some companies use the same ingredients to make a wood board cream.

2. Cover your wooden cutting board with oil. Pour a generous amount of oil over the top of your dry, clean cutting board. A few tablespoons should suffice.

3. Rub in the oil. Rub the oil in slow circular motions with a soft cloth or paper towel. Make sure to cover all of the board's surfaces, including the end grains.

4. Wipe away the excess oil. There should be no oil dripping from your cutting board. Wipe it down with clean cloths as best you can.

5. Repeat steps two through four. Do another round of oiling after you've finished the first. This is especially useful on a new board that has never been treated with wood oil.

6. Let the board air-dry overnight. Allow your cutting board to air dry on a dish rack before wiping it down again the next day. More drying time is required if the board feels wet. It is ready to use if it feels dry.

5 Tips for Oiling a Cutting Board

Follow these simple tips for oiling your cutting board.

1. Use the right type of oil. Make sure to use a food-safe oil, such as linseed or mineral oil. A popular choice is liquid paraffin. Cooking oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, and other vegetable oils should be avoided because they will develop a rancid odour.

2. Only oil wood boards. Plastic cutting boards do not require oiling. Simply wash these boards in hot water with dish soap and allow them to dry completely.

3. Wash wooden cutting boards by hand. Dishwashers can dry out the pores of your cutting board, causing it to crack and warp.

4. Avoid bleaching your wood cutting boards. Bleach can cause your wood board to dry out. For routine cleaning, use warm soapy water. Instead of bleach, use white vinegar if you smell food waste or see mildew on the board.

5. Apply the same maintenance techniques to all wooden kitchen tools. You can oil wooden spoons and spatulas in the same way you would a wooden cutting board. This will significantly extend their lives.