How to care for a wood cutting board

Hand washing, thorough drying, and occasional conditioning help an end grain board stay useful and comfortable to work on.

A simple care routine

Keep the board out of the dishwasher and avoid leaving it in standing water.

  1. Wash it by hand

    Use warm water, mild soap, and a brush or sponge. Rinse the board, wipe it dry, and let it finish drying in open air.

  2. Condition dry wood

    Once the board is fully dry, spread wood conditioner over the entire surface, including the edges. Let it soak in overnight.

  3. Buff away the excess

    Use a clean, dry cloth to remove conditioner that remains on the surface. The board should feel smooth rather than oily.

  4. Repeat when needed

    Condition the board when the surface begins to look dry. Regular use, washing, and the humidity in the room all affect the timing.

What is in the conditioner?

The 207 Woodworks conditioner combines beeswax with food-grade mineral oil. It is available through Etsy with the current sizes and price shown there.

See the wood conditioner