How to Clean a Wooden Cutting Board — Sanitize, Deodorize, and Oil

Wooden cutting boards require more maintenance than plastic but last indefinitely when properly cared for. The knife cuts that accumulate with use can harbour bacteria if the board isn't cleaned thoroughly — and the board will crack and split if the wood dries out from improper washing. Here's the complete cleaning and maintenance routine.

What Not to Do

• Don't put a wooden cutting board in the dishwasher — the prolonged heat and moisture cause warping, cracking, and splitting
• Don't soak in water — same result. Wood absorbs water unevenly and warps
• Don't leave sitting in a wet sink — this applies even briefly

After Every Use: Wash and Dry Immediately

1. Rinse under hot running water
2. Scrub with a dish brush and dish soap — contrary to some old advice, dish soap is safe on wood and does not damage the wood
3. Rinse clean
4. Dry immediately with a clean towel
5. Stand upright or prop on its edge to air dry completely — drying flat on the counter traps moisture on one side, which causes warping

Monthly: Salt and Lemon Deodorize and Deep Clean

This treatment removes embedded odours (onion, garlic, fish) and cleans the knife cuts that normal washing can't fully reach:

1. Sprinkle coarse salt generously over the board surface
2. Rub with half a lemon, cut side down, in circular motions — the salt acts as an abrasive and the lemon juice as an acid sanitizer
3. Let sit for 5 minutes
4. Rinse with warm water and dry immediately

Monthly: Oil Treatment

Oiling a wooden cutting board is essential — it prevents the wood from drying out and cracking, and seals the grain against moisture and bacteria penetration.

What to use: Food-grade mineral oil (the most effective and safest option — available at pharmacies and kitchen stores). Avoid olive oil, vegetable oil, and other culinary oils — they go rancid inside the wood.

1. Ensure the board is completely clean and dry
2. Apply mineral oil generously to all surfaces including the edges and bottom
3. Let it absorb for at least 4 hours or overnight
4. Wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth

Apply more frequently on a new board (every few days for the first few weeks) to build up oil saturation.

Removing Stains

For dark stains in the wood: make a paste of baking soda and lemon juice, apply to the stain, let sit 10 minutes, scrub with the salt and lemon method, then rinse. Some deep staining from certain foods (beets, berries) may not fully come out of wood — this is normal and doesn't affect food safety.

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