A wooden cutting board is one of the hardest-working tools in a kitchen. With regular chopping, washing, and exposure to moisture, the wood can gradually become dry, dull, and more susceptible to cracking.
Regular oiling is an important part of wooden cutting board care. The right cutting board oil helps condition the wood, reduce moisture absorption, maintain its appearance, and keep the surface in better condition over time.
But how do you oil a wooden cutting board correctly? What oil should you use? How often should you oil it? And how much oil is enough?
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to oil a wood cutting board, from preparation and application to maintenance and common mistakes.
What do we need to oil a wooden cutting board properly?
You need the following things for oiling a cutting board.
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Cutting Board Oil
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Dry Cloth or Paper Towel
What are the steps for oiling a Wood Cutting Board
Follow the exact steps provided below to oil a wood cutting board like a professional.
Step 1: Properly Clean the Cutting Board
Properly cleaning your wooden cutting board is super-important before starting the oiling procedure.
Step 2: Dry the Cutting Board
When you have properly washed the cutting board, you need to dry it using a dry cloth. Make sure that you have properly dried all the water from the cutting board.
Step 3: Pour Oil on the Cutting Board
Now, you need to pour oil on the dry cutting board. Many people make the mistake of pouring the oil on only a single side, and not both sides of the cutting board. It is recommended to put oil on both sides of the cutting board, as well as the edges, to properly oil the whole cutting board.
Step 4: Spread Oil Using a Cloth
With the help of a dry cloth or paper towel, you need to spread the oil on the cutting board. After you are done spreading the oil on the cutting board, you need to let the oil soak into the cutting board.
Step 5: Wipe Excessive Oil Using a Cloth
After the oil has properly soaked into the cutting board, you need to remove the excess oil from the cutting board with the help of a cutting board.
What are the Benefits of Oiling a Cutting Board?
According to our experience, oiling a wooden cutting board can enhance its life, keep it secure from moisture, and has numerous other benefits. Below, we have covered these benefits in great detail.
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Extends the Lifespan
Oiling a cutting board extends its life. If you have a good quality cutting board, and you regularly oil it. It can serve you for many years to come. Thus, it is recommended to keep oiling your cutting board.
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Protects Against Cracking
Oiling the wooden cutting board keeps moisture in it, thus preventing any sort of cracking and splintering. So, if you want to avoid dryness or cracking on the wood cutting board, you need to ensure that you regularly oil your cutting board.
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Prevents Odor
Oiling a wooden cutting board seals the pores on the wooden cutting board, thus preventing odor and bacteria from harboring.
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Protects Against Water & Moisture
When a cutting board is properly oiled, it repels water and moisture instead of absorbing it. That means if your wood cutting board is properly oiled, there is a layer between the cutting board and the meat, making it easier to clean the cutting board.
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Enhances Appearance
Last but not least, when you oil a cutting board, the natural shine of the wood comes back, which enhances its appearance. If you want to keep your cutting board looking fresh, you need to ensure that it is oiled.
What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid While Oiling a Cutting Board
There are some simple mistakes that you need to avoid while oiling a cutting board. We have listed these mistakes below, so you can also avoid them while oiling a cutting board.
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Using the Wrong Oil Type
We recommend using the True Board Walnut Cutting Board Oil for wooden cutting boards. You can use any oil from the oil recommended list of best oils for wood cutting boards; however, there are some oils that you cannot put on your wooden cutting board, which include:
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Vegetable Oils
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Coconut Oil, which is not fractionated
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Olive Oil
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Canola Oil
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Oiling a Dirty Cutting Board
You should always clean a cutting board before oiling it. Not cleaning the cutting board before oiling is a very unhygienic practice, and you should avoid it.
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Oiling a Wet Cutting Board
Another common mistake people make is that they try to oil a wet cutting board. You need to make sure, before oiling a cutting board, that it is fully dry; otherwise, it can be mixed with the water and dilute the oil.
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Not Oiling Both Sides
A lot of people make this mistake, that they do not oil both sides of the cutting board. It is highly recommended to oil both sides of the cutting board if you want to properly oil the cutting board.
How to Know If a Wooden Cutting Board Needs Oiling?
It is pretty easy to know whether your wooden cutting board needs oiling or not. Below are some of the most common signs to know if your wooden cutting needs oiling.
Visible Dullness
One of the most common signs of a wooden cutting board needing oil is that it looks dull. Dullness is a clear sign that your wooden cutting board needs oiling.
Water Soaks Into Cutting Board
Another common sign that your wooden cutting board needs oiling is that it absorbs water, and moisture instead of repelling it. A properly oiled cutting board repels water, which ensures it stays clean.
Bad Odor
If your cutting board has a bad odor, it means it's soaking odor, and you need to oil it to repel the odor. For this, you need to properly clean the cutting board, and then apply oil.
Small Cracks
Lastly, if you see small cracks on your cutting board, it is a sign that your cutting board needs oiling. Oiling will fillup the pores on the cutting board, and make it look fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best oil for a wooden cutting board?
The best choice is a food-safe oil specifically intended for wooden cutting boards. Common options include food-grade mineral oil, heat-treated walnut oil, and fractionated coconut oil. TrueBoard recommends its heat-treated Walnut Wood Cutting Board Oil as its plant-based option.
How often should you oil a wooden cutting board?
It depends on how frequently you use and wash the board. A heavily used board may need conditioning about monthly or whenever it begins to look dry. Less frequently used boards may require oiling less often.
Can I use olive oil on my cutting board?
Olive oil is not recommended as a routine cutting board conditioner. Use an oil specifically designed for wooden cutting boards instead.
Can I use vegetable oil on a wooden cutting board?
Standard vegetable oil is not a good choice for long-term cutting board conditioning because cooking oils can deteriorate and become unpleasant over time.
Should I oil both sides of my cutting board?
Yes. Apply oil to the top, bottom, sides, and edges so the exposed wood is conditioned more evenly.
How long should cutting board oil sit?
The correct time depends on the type and formulation of oil. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Some oils penetrate the wood, while polymerizing oils require time to cure.
Can you over-oil a cutting board?
Yes. Applying excessive oil can leave a greasy surface without providing proportional benefits. Apply a controlled layer and wipe away excess after the recommended treatment period.
Can I oil a cutting board when it is wet?
No. Clean the board first and allow it to dry completely before applying oil.
What should I do if my cutting board has deep cracks?
Oil can help maintain dry wood, but it isn't a structural repair. Deep cracks can trap food and moisture and may make the board difficult to clean safely. Depending on the severity, the board may need professional repair or replacement.
Is walnut oil good for wooden cutting boards?
A food-safe, properly formulated walnut oil can be used as a wooden cutting board conditioner. TrueBoard's Walnut Wood Cutting Board Oil is heat-treated and polymerized for use on wooden cutting boards. Follow the manufacturer's safety and application instructions, especially if anyone using the product has a severe tree-nut allergy.
Conclusion
Learning how to oil a wood cutting board is simple, but consistency matters more than complexity.
Start with a clean and completely dry board. Use a food-safe cutting board oil, apply it evenly to all exposed surfaces, allow it to penetrate or cure as directed, and wipe away excess oil.
Then maintain the board by washing it promptly, avoiding prolonged soaking and dishwashers, drying it properly, and conditioning it whenever the wood begins to look or feel dry.
With the right care, a quality wooden cutting board can remain beautiful, functional, and useful for years.
If you're looking for a plant-based option for conditioning your wooden cutting board, explore TrueBoard Walnut Wood Cutting Board Oil, formulated for wooden cutting boards and other food-contact wood surfaces.
Take care of the wood, and your cutting board will take care of your kitchen.