How to Oil a Cutting Board

A good wooden cutting board can last for years—even decades—with proper care. One of the most important maintenance steps? Oiling your cutting board. It keeps the wood from drying out, cracking, or absorbing moisture and odors. The process is simple, quick, and totally worth it.

Let’s walk through it!

Why Oil a Cutting Board?

Wood is naturally porous. Without oil, it can:

• Dry out and crack
• Warp or split from moisture
• Absorb food smells and bacteria

Oiling helps seal the surface, keeping moisture out and extending the life of your board.

What Kind of Oil Should You Use?

Stick with food-safe oils designed for wood. Here are the best options:

✅ Best Oils:

• Food-grade mineral oil (the most common and affordable)
• Cutting board oil (mineral oil blends with vitamin E or other conditioners)
• Beeswax or board creams (thicker formulas for extra protection)

❌ Oils to Avoid:

• Vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil — these can go rancid and smell bad over time.

How Often Should You Oil?

As a general rule:

• Once a month for regular use
• Or when the board looks dry or lighter in color

A good test? Sprinkle a few drops of water on your board. If the water absorbs instead of beading up, it’s time to oil.

How to Oil a Cutting Board: Step-by-Step

🧰 What You’ll Need:

• Food-grade mineral oil or board oil
• A clean, dry cloth or paper towel
• Optional: beeswax board cream

🪵 The Steps:

1. Clean and Dry the Board
   Wash your board with mild soap and hot water. Rinse well and dry completely. Never oil a wet board—it won’t absorb the oil properly.
2. Apply the Oil
   Pour a generous amount of oil directly onto the board.
3. Rub It In
   Use a clean cloth or paper towel to spread the oil evenly over the entire surface, including the sides and any juice grooves.
4. Let It Soak
   Leave the board to absorb the oil for at least 2–4 hours, or ideally overnight.
5. Wipe Off the Excess
   After it’s fully soaked in, use a dry cloth to wipe off any extra oil left on the surface.
6. Optional: Apply a Wax Finish
   For extra protection, rub in a board cream or beeswax after the oiling process. This helps lock in moisture and adds a smooth, water-resistant layer.

Pro Tips:

• Always store your board standing up or on its side to allow airflow.
• Keep separate boards for meats and veggies to reduce cross-contamination.
• Oil new cutting boards a few times during the first month to help them “season.”

Final Thoughts

Oiling your cutting board isn’t just maintenance—it’s a way to keep your kitchen tools beautiful, functional, and long-lasting. Whether you have a maple, walnut, or acacia board, regular oiling will make a noticeable difference.

Got a favorite board oil or trick? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!