Caring for Your Cutting Board

With proper care, your cutting board can last for many years while maintaining its beauty and performance. The most important thing to remember is that wood and water do not mix well, so keeping your board clean and dry is essential.

After each use, wash the board by hand with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Do not put your board in the dishwasher or soak it in water. After washing, dry both sides thoroughly with a towel and allow the board to finish drying upright or on its edge so that air can circulate around it.

Avoid leaving standing water, wet food, or other liquids on the board for extended periods of time. It is also best to avoid using harsh cleaners, abrasive scrubbers, or placing very hot items directly on the board.

Avoid using serrated knives, such as bread knives, directly on your cutting board. The teeth of a serrated blade can be much more aggressive on the wood fibers than a standard kitchen knife and may cause deeper grooves or roughen the surface over time.

The Finish

Your cutting board is finished with Odie's Industrial Strength Butcher Block Oil, a food-safe, plant-based finish specifically designed for cutting boards and other food-preparation surfaces. Unlike traditional mineral oil, which gradually washes out of the wood and requires regular reapplication, Odie's states that its Butcher Block Oil forms a permanent molecular bond within the wood fibers. This means the finish is designed to provide long-lasting protection without the routine re-oiling typically required with mineral oil.

While the finish is designed for long-term protection, the surface will naturally show signs of use over time. If the board eventually begins to look noticeably dry or the finish becomes worn from years of cutting and washing, it can be cleaned and refinished with Odie's Butcher Block Oil or mineral oil.

With a little care, your board will develop its own character over time while continuing to serve you for years to come.

Cutting Board Care