Clean it first. Hot soapy water, rinse, dry completely. Oiling a damp board traps moisture in the wood. Let it air dry fully — upright, both sides — before any oil goes on it.

The Oil

Food-safe mineral oil. That’s it. Olive oil goes rancid in the wood. Vegetable oil goes rancid. Coconut oil goes rancid. The smell doesn’t come out once it’s in there. Mineral oil is cheap, odourless, tasteless, doesn’t go rancid. Hardware store. Few dollars. That’s the one.

The Process — Step by Step

How to Oil a Cutting Board

1

Clean and dry the board

Hot soapy water, rinse well, dry completely. Stand upright so both sides get air. Don’t oil a damp board.

2

Pour mineral oil directly on the board

Be generous. Wood takes what it needs and you wipe off the rest.

3

Rub it in with the grain

Cloth or paper towel. Cover everything — face, both sides, all four edges, the bottom. Not just the top.

4

Leave it overnight

Four hours minimum. Overnight is better. Flat on a towel to catch drips. Don’t wipe it off too soon — the oil needs time to penetrate.

5

Wipe off the excess

Clean dry cloth. Anything still sitting on the surface feels slightly sticky. Wipe it off. Board is ready.

6

Optional — beeswax on top

The day after, not the same day. Thin coat of beeswax board conditioner adds a protective layer. Water beads off instead of soaking in. After oil, not instead of it.

New Boards Need More

New wood is thirsty. First coat absorbs fast and the board still looks dry. Do it again the next day. And the day after. Keep going daily until the board stops drinking it up. That’s when it’s conditioned. Takes about a week for a new board. Established board oiled monthly — usually one coat is enough.

How Often

New board — before first use, then daily for the first week. Daily home use — monthly. Pale and dry before the month is up? Do it early. Restaurant kitchen — every few weeks. Boards in commercial kitchens dry out faster than anything in a home. Monthly isn’t enough.

More on This

Why oiling matters, what to avoid, how to tell when a board needs it — cutting board oiling page. Full care routine — care guide.

We Sell Wholesale

Canadian maple, cherry, and walnut. Multiple sizes. 24-board minimum per SKU. Browse the catalogue or request a quote.