Keep your hardwood cutting board looking and working its best with regular care and maintenance

• Clean after each use: Wash with warm, soapy water and a sponge or dishcloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately with a clean towel. Rinse both sides even if you only used one. For stuck-on food, gently scrape with a bench scraper or spatula; avoid harsh scouring pads.​

• Disinfect and deodorize periodically: Sprinkle kosher salt and gently scrub the surface with half a lemon and let set for a few minutes. Rinse both sides then dry thoroughly.

• Oil regularly: Apply food-safe mineral oil when the surface starts to look and feel dry and rough. Pour a couple tablespoons worth of oil on to the board and work it into the surface with your hand, rub evenly over all surfaces (including the sides), and let it absorb for an hour or two.​ Wipe away any excess oil with a paper towel or cloth.

• Store upright: Let the board air dry on its side or end so both faces get airflow. This helps prevent warping by equalizing moisture.​​

• Remove tough stains: Use white vinegar diluted with 50% water and scrub with non-abrasive sponge or repeat the salt-lemon method.​

Things Not to Do

• Don’t soak in water: Never submerge your board or leave it sitting in water—this causes swelling and can lead to warping or cracking.​

• Don’t put in the dishwasher: The intense heat, water, and detergent strip out oils and may split or warp the wood.​

• Don’t use cooking oils when re-oiling the baord (e.g., olive, vegetable, lard): These can go rancid and make your board smell bad.​

• Don’t leave food or liquids on the board for extended periods: Prompt cleaning prevents stains, odors, and bacterial growth.​

• Don’t treat just one side: Always rinse, dry and oil both sides to maintain balance and prevent warping.​​

Deep Cleaning and Stain Removal

• Salt & Lemon: Sprinkle salt, scrub with lemon, let sit 5–10 minutes, rinse.​

• Vinegar Solution: Soak stains with a mix of white vinegar and water for 30 minutes, rinse.​

• Baking Soda Paste: Apply, scrub, rinse.

• Persistent stains: Repeat treatment or use a gentle abrasive pad.

By following these guidelines, you’ll extend the life and beauty of your mineral oil-finished hardwood cutting board!