The Right Way to Care for a Wooden Cutting Board

A wooden cutting board is a kitchen staple, but without proper care, it can absorb odors, warp, crack, and wear out much faster than it should. Fortunately, a few simple habits can keep it clean, hygienic, and in excellent condition for years.

Clean Your Cutting Board the Right Way

A professional guide published on the YouTube channel Clean That Up explains how to properly care for a wooden cutting board, from daily cleaning to long term maintenance, helping keep both your board and your kitchen more hygienic.

The first step begins as soon as you're finished using the board.

Scrape away any leftover food, then wash it with a small amount of dish soap and warm water.

One important rule is often overlooked: always wash both sides of the cutting board, even if you only used one side.

Why? If only one side gets wet, the wood absorbs moisture unevenly, increasing the risk of warping or cracking as it dries.

Don't Let It Dry Flat

After washing, avoid leaving the board flat on the countertop.

Instead, stand it upright or prop it at an angle against a wall so air can circulate around both sides. Allowing the board to dry evenly helps preserve its shape and extends its lifespan.

Two Mistakes to Avoid

According to the guide, there are two things you should never do with a wooden cutting board:

• Put it in the dishwasher
• Leave it soaking in a sink full of water

Excess moisture causes wood to swell, weaken, and eventually crack or split.

How to Remove Stubborn Odors

If your cutting board has absorbed strong food odors, there's a simple natural solution.

Sprinkle coarse salt over the surface, then scrub it using half of a squeezed lemon.

The coarse salt acts as a gentle abrasive to lift away residue, while the lemon's natural acidity helps freshen the board and reduce lingering odors.

Oil Your Board Once a Month

Wood naturally dries out over time, so it's important to oil your cutting board about once a month.

Use only food safe mineral oil, which is specifically designed for wooden kitchen tools.

Avoid using common cooking oils such as olive oil or canola oil. These oils can become rancid over time, leaving behind unpleasant odors.

Add a Protective Finish

For extra protection, the guide recommends applying a thin layer of food safe beeswax after the mineral oil has fully absorbed.

The beeswax creates a protective coating that helps repel moisture, reduces wear, and makes it more difficult for bacteria to penetrate the wood.

With just a few minutes of care each month, your wooden cutting board can stay cleaner, last longer, and remain a reliable part of your kitchen for years to come.