Why Wood Needs Looking After
Unlike plastic or composite boards, hardwood is a natural material that responds to its environment. Wood contains moisture, and when that moisture is lost — through heat, washing or simply being left untreated — the fibres dry out, the board can warp, and the surface starts to crack and splinter.
The solution is simple: keep the wood nourished with food-safe oil or board butter, and avoid the things that strip moisture away. Follow those two principles and your board will genuinely improve with every year that passes.
The Golden Rules
Never put your cutting board in the dishwasher. The combination of prolonged heat, water and harsh detergent will destroy even the finest hardwood board in a matter of weeks. This is the single most important rule.
Beyond the dishwasher, there are a few other things to be aware of:
- Never submerge your board in water. Soaking causes the wood to swell unevenly, which leads to warping and splitting as it dries.
- Keep it away from direct heat. Sitting next to the hob, on top of a radiator or in direct sunlight for long periods will cause the board to dry out and crack.
- Don't leave it sitting in pooled water. After washing, dry it immediately and stand it upright to allow air to circulate on both sides.
- Avoid harsh detergents. A gentle wipe with warm soapy water is all you need. Strong cleaning products strip the natural oils from the wood.
How to Clean Your Board Day to Day
Daily cleaning couldn't be simpler. After use, wipe the board down with a damp cloth or give it a quick wash with warm water and a small amount of mild washing up liquid. Rinse it off, then dry it immediately with a tea towel — don't leave it on the draining board to air dry with water pooling underneath.
Stand it upright or prop it at an angle so both sides can dry evenly. This prevents moisture sitting on one side, which is what causes warping over time.
Tip: If your board picks up strong smells — onion and garlic are the usual culprits — cut a lemon in half and rub it across the surface, then rinse. It works beautifully and won't damage the wood.
How to Oil Your Cutting Board
Oiling is the single most important part of cutting board maintenance, and it's something most people don't do nearly enough. A well-oiled board resists water, stays smooth to cut on, and develops a rich, deep colour that only gets better over time.
What to Use
Always use a food-safe oil or board butter. The options that work best are:
- Board butter — a blend of food-safe beeswax and mineral oil, this is our recommendation. It conditions the wood, creates a protective surface layer and smells wonderful. Our own Serendipity Board Butter is made by hand right here at Lower Foker Farm.
- Food-safe mineral oil — a pure, odourless oil that soaks deep into the grain and nourishes from within. Available cheaply online or in most kitchen shops.
- Raw linseed oil — a traditional choice that works well, though it takes longer to cure than mineral oil.
Avoid olive oil, vegetable oil or any cooking oil. These go rancid inside the wood over time and will cause your board to smell unpleasant.
How Often to Oil
A new board should be oiled before first use and again after the first few washes as the wood opens up and absorbs the initial treatment. After that, a good rule of thumb is to oil whenever the board starts to look dry or pale — usually every few months for a regularly used board.
A quick test: splash a few drops of water onto the surface. If they bead up and sit on top, the board is well conditioned. If they soak straight in, it's time for a treatment.
Step by Step
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Start with a clean, dry board. Make sure there's no moisture left in the wood before you apply oil — oiling a damp board traps water inside and can cause issues down the line.
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Apply the oil or board butter generously. Use a clean cloth, paper towel or your fingers to rub it across the entire surface — top, bottom and all four edges. Don't forget the edges and the underside, as these are often overlooked.
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Let it soak in. Leave the board to absorb the oil for at least a few hours — overnight is ideal. You'll see the wood darken and the grain come alive as it drinks the oil in.
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Wipe off any excess. Once the oil has had time to soak in, buff off any remaining residue with a clean dry cloth. The board should feel smooth and slightly satiny, not greasy.
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Repeat if needed. For a new board or one that's been neglected, a second coat applied after the first has dried will make a significant difference.
Serendipity Board Butter
Our own handmade board butter — blended from food-safe beeswax and pure mineral oil. Everything your board needs in one tin, made right here in Staffordshire.
Buy Board Butter — £9.99 View Our BoardsRestoring an Older or Neglected Board
If you've inherited an old cutting board or simply let yours go without treatment for too long, don't write it off. Most hardwood boards can be brought back to excellent condition with a little effort.
Start by giving the surface a light sand with fine-grain sandpaper (220 grit works well) — always sand with the grain, never across it. This removes any roughness, grey discolouration or shallow knife marks and opens up the wood fibres ready to absorb treatment.
Once sanded, wipe away the dust, then apply a generous coat of board butter or mineral oil and leave it overnight. A second coat the following day will complete the restoration. You'll be amazed at the transformation.
End Grain vs Face Grain — Does Care Differ?
Both types of hardwood board require the same basic care routine, but end grain boards are particularly thirsty and benefit from more frequent oiling — especially when new. The cross-section of exposed wood fibres absorbs oil very readily, which is part of what makes end grain so self-healing and durable over time. Give yours a generous first treatment and you'll be setting it up to last for decades.
A Final Word
A handcrafted hardwood cutting board is not a disposable item. Looked after properly, it will outlast every plastic board you've ever owned, improve in appearance with every use, and become one of those kitchen objects that you genuinely couldn't imagine being without. The care routine is simple, takes minutes, and the results are well worth it.
If you have any questions about caring for your Serendipity Woodcraft board, or you'd like to order some of our handmade Board Butter, get in touch — we're always happy to help.