Quick-Start Guide to Maintaining Your Cutting Boards & Butcher Blocks

Your Wood Cutting Board Is More Than a Tool—It’s a Trusty Kitchen Companion

A well-made wood cutting board or butcher block doesn’t just make meal prep easier—it brings warmth, craftsmanship, and a natural aesthetic to your kitchen. But like any good tool, it needs a little care to keep performing beautifully over time.

Whether you've invested in a handcrafted end-grain walnut board from Shaking Quakie Woodworks or picked up a rustic butcher block for daily chopping, proper maintenance makes all the difference. Wood is a living, breathing material—it reacts to moisture, heat, and time.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean, condition, and protect your cutting board or butcher block so it lasts for years (or even decades). Let’s dive in.

Why Wood Boards Need Maintenance

Unlike plastic or glass boards, wood is porous and naturally reactive. That’s part of its beauty—it develops character as it ages. But without care, it can also:

• Dry out and crack
• Absorb unwanted odors
• Harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly
• Warp or become uneven

Proper maintenance keeps your board looking great, feeling smooth, and staying sanitary and food-safe.

Step 1: Daily Cleaning After Each Use

The first step to longevity is treating your board with respect after every use. Here’s how:

DO:

• Scrape food debris with a bench scraper or spatula
• Wipe down with warm water and mild dish soap
• Use a soft sponge or brush—nothing too abrasive
• Dry immediately with a clean towel
• Store upright or in a well-ventilated spot to prevent moisture buildup

DON’T:

• Submerge your board in water
• Run it through the dishwasher
• Let it sit wet on the counter
• Use bleach or harsh cleaners

Wood swells and contracts with moisture. Prolonged soaking or high heat can split even the most durable cutting boards.

Step 2: Disinfect Naturally (As Needed)

After chopping raw meat or strong-smelling foods (like garlic or onions), it’s smart to sanitize your board. The good news? You don’t need chemicals to do it.

Try this quick method:

1. Sprinkle coarse salt over the board’s surface
2. Rub with a halved lemon, using circular motions
3. Let it sit for 5 minutes
4. Rinse with warm water and wipe dry

The salt scrubs. The lemon disinfects and deodorizes. Together, they leave your board fresh and clean—without damaging the finish.

Step 3: Oil Regularly to Prevent Drying and Cracks

This is where the real magic happens.

Wood cutting boards, especially end-grain boards and butcher blocks, need re-oiling to maintain their moisture balance and resilience. Without oil, the wood dries out, splinters, and loses its rich tone.

How often should you oil?

• New boards: Once a week for the first month
• Established boards: Once every 3–4 weeks or when the surface looks dry
• Heavy-use boards: More frequently as needed

What oil should you use?

We recommend:

• Food-grade mineral oil – affordable and widely available
• Beeswax-based board creams – provide deeper protection and luster
• Fractionated coconut oil – long shelf life, doesn’t go rancid

Avoid:

• Olive oil, vegetable oil, or other cooking oils (they spoil over time)

How to oil your board:

1. Ensure the board is clean and fully dry
2. Apply a generous layer of oil with a lint-free cloth or paper towel
3. Rub in the oil, making sure to cover sides and edges
4. Let it soak in for at least 4–6 hours or overnight
5. Wipe off excess with a clean cloth

For deeper care, follow up with a beeswax conditioner. Buff it in to create a water-resistant finish that lasts longer.

Step 4: Sanding Out Scratches or Stains

Over time, your board will develop knife marks, surface stains, or slight unevenness. That’s okay—it means it’s being used well. When needed, you can lightly refinish the surface.

How to do a basic sanding refresh:

1. Start with 120-grit sandpaper and work up to 220-grit
2. Sand with the grain in even, light strokes
3. Wipe off dust with a damp cloth
4. Let it dry
5. Re-oil thoroughly as described above

This process removes old stains, freshens the surface, and smooths out small grooves—making your board feel new again.

Step 5: Store It Right

Where and how you store your board matters just as much as how you clean it.

Tips for smart storage:

• Stand boards on their edge when drying or storing
• Avoid damp countertops—moisture can cause warping or mold
• Use wall racks or drying rails to maximize airflow
• Keep away from direct sunlight or heat vents

Never store your board in a sealed cabinet when it’s even slightly damp. Trapped moisture = bacteria and damage.

Bonus: Butcher Blocks Need Similar Love

Larger butcher block countertops or islands require the same care—just scaled up. These surfaces are more exposed and often see heavier traffic, so regular oiling is even more important.

• Clean after each use with soap and warm water
• Disinfect with vinegar or lemon & salt once a week
• Re-oil monthly (or more for heavy use)
• Consider applying board cream seasonally for extra protection

The same materials—mineral oil, beeswax blends, and light sanding—apply.

When to Replace Your Board

With the right care, a solid wood cutting board can last years—sometimes decades. But occasionally, even the best-loved boards reach retirement.

Signs it’s time to replace:

• Deep cracks or warping that can’t be sanded out
• Persistent odors or discoloration that resist cleaning
• Loose or separating glue joints (especially on laminated boards)
• Unstable surface that rocks or shifts during use

In most cases, these issues can be repaired or resurfaced—especially with high-quality boards. But if not, consider passing the old board on as a shop surface or rustic serving tray.

Final Thoughts: Respect the Wood, and It’ll Serve You Well

Your cutting board or butcher block isn’t just a surface—it’s a daily partner in your kitchen. And like any relationship, it thrives with care, attention, and a little TLC.

At Shaking Quakie Woodworks, we build cutting boards that are meant to be used—not just admired. Every end-grain cube, zig-zag, or 3D design we craft is finished with food-safe oils and made to last. But longevity starts with you.

A well-oiled board isn’t just more beautiful—it’s more hygienic, more durable, and more enjoyable to use. So show it a little love. Keep it clean. Oil it regularly. And it’ll keep showing up for you, meal after meal.