How to Oil a Wooden Cutting Board – #1 Best Easy Guide

The Ultimate Guide on How to Oil a Wooden Cutting Board

Wooden cutting boards are a staple in many kitchens. A cutting board is one of the top items in our kitchen essentials list. A high-quality cutting board is essential for keeping a clean and organized cooking space and provides an area for cutting and prepping food. Wooden cutting boards are popular because of their unique appearance and durability. Wooden cutting boards do require a bit of regular care. In this guide, we’ll review how to oil a wooden cutting board to keep it looking fresh.

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

Keeping a wooden cutting board clean and cared for is simple. These are a few steps we recommend you follow.

1. Cleaning: After each use, make sure to clean your cutting board. Check out our full guide on How to Clean a Wooden Cutting Board here. It is important to make sure your cutting board is completely dry.
2. Choose the Right Oil: Make sure to select a food-grade oil for your cutting board. Many brands sell cutting board oil on Amazon.
3. Apply the Oil: After cleaning your cutting board, make sure that it is completely dry. We recommend letting it air dry overnight before oiling to ensure there is no trapped moisture. Apply a small amount of oil using a clean soft cloth or paper towel. Rub it in the direction of the grain, ensuring even coverage.
4. Let the Oil Soak In: Allow the oil to soak in for a few hours or even overnight.
5. Wipe Away Excess: After the oil has soaked in, wipe away any excess with a clean cloth to avoid a greasy surface on your cutting board.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Oiling a Wooden Cutting Board

When it comes to oiling your cutting board, here are a few common mistakes to avoid.

1. Using the Wrong Oil: Not all oils are suitable for cutting boards. Cooking oils like olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil should not be used to oil wooden cutting boards. These oils will not provide the same protective qualities as cutting board oils. Additionally, these oils can introduce unwanted tastes and smells!
2. Applying Too Much Oil: When oiling a wooden cutting board, less is more! Using a soft cloth, wipe on enough oil to evenly coat the surface. Wipe away any excess to avoid oversaturating the board.
3. Not Cleaning the Board: Oiling a dirty cutting board can trap bacteria and debris. Always start with a clean, dry, cutting board.
4. Not Wiping Away Excess: After oiling a wooden cutting board, it is important to wipe away any excess to avoid greasy buildup.

How Often Should You Oil a Wooden Cutting Board?

Knowing how often to oil your cutting board is crucial to its upkeep. The frequency of oiling depends on several factors including the type of wood, the usage, and the environment in which it’s stored. Here’s a guide to help you determine the right oiling schedule for your cutting board:

• Type of Wood: Different woods absorb oil at different rates. Softer woods like pine might need more frequent oiling compared to harder woods like maple or walnut.
• Usage Frequency: If you use your cutting board daily, it will require more frequent oiling. For heavy use, consider oiling your board every 3-4 weeks. If you use it less often, oiling it every 1-2 months might suffice.
• Appearance and Texture: A good indicator that your board needs oiling is its appearance and feel. If the wood looks dull, dry, or feels rough, it’s time to re-oil.
• Climate and Storage: Environmental factors play a role too. If you live in a dry climate or store your board in a dry area, you might need to oil it more frequently.
• After Cleaning and Sanitizing: Always re-oil your board after deep cleaning or sanitizing, as these processes can strip the wood of its natural oils.
• Seasonal Changes: Consider the change of seasons. In winter, when homes are heated and air is dry, your board might need more frequent oiling.

Conclusion: How to Oil a Wooden Cutting Board?

Oiling your wooden cutting board will help extend its life and keep its natural appearance. By following this guide on how to oil a wooden cutting board, you’ll be able to keep your board looking fresh and clean. It Is important to know how to oil a wooden cutting board properly, as improper oiling can lead to grease and buildup.

Now that you know how to oil a wooden cutting board, check out this article from Wirecutter with some recommendations on the best cutting boards!

Make sure to read our full guide on Wooden Cutting Board Care here!