Cutting Board Care and Maintenance

Caring for Your End-Grain Cutting Board

Your cutting board is built to last generations - with proper care, it will only get better with age. End-grain construction is naturally self-healing and gentle on knife edges, but it does need regular maintenance to stay beautiful and functional.

Daily Care

After Each Use:

  • Scrape off food debris with a bench scraper or the back of your knife
  • Wash with warm water and mild dish soap using a sponge or soft brush
  • Wipe dry immediately with a clean towel
  • Stand upright or prop at an angle to air dry completely on all sides

Never:

  • Put your board in the dishwasher
  • Let it soak in water or sit in a puddle
  • Use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners
  • Put it away wet or lay it flat while damp

Monthly Maintenance: Oiling

End-grain boards need regular oiling to prevent drying and cracking. Think of it like moisturizing - it keeps the wood hydrated and protected.

How Often:

  • New boards: Oil once a week for the first month
  • After that: Oil monthly, or whenever the wood looks dry or feels rough
  • Heavy use: Oil every 2-3 weeks

What to Use:

  • Food-grade mineral oil (recommended - available at most pharmacies)
  • Board cream or conditioner (mineral oil + beeswax blend)
  • Avoid: Vegetable oils, olive oil, or anything that can go rancid

How to Oil:

  1. Make sure the board is clean and completely dry
  2. Apply a generous amount of oil to all surfaces - top, bottom, sides, and edges
  3. Let it soak in for 4-6 hours or overnight
  4. Wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth
  5. Buff to a soft sheen

Deep Cleaning & Stain Removal

For Stubborn Stains or Odors:

  • Sprinkle coarse salt on the board
  • Cut a lemon in half and scrub the surface with the lemon and salt
  • Let sit for 5-10 minutes
  • Rinse with warm water, dry thoroughly, and oil when completely dry

For Deeper Sanitizing:

  • Mix 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water
  • Wipe down the surface
  • Dry immediately and thoroughly
  • Oil when completely dry

What to Expect Over Time

Normal Aging:

  • Slight darkening of the wood (this is patina - it's beautiful!)
  • Minor knife marks (this is self-healing; they'll blend in over time)
  • Slight variation in wood tones as different species age at different rates

Not Normal - Contact Us:

  • Deep cracks or splits (not hairline grain checks)
  • Warping or cupping
  • Loose joints or separation

Storage Tips

  • Store upright or hanging when not in use
  • Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources (near stoves, dishwashers, or sunny windows)
  • In humid climates, oil more frequently
  • In dry climates, watch for drying and oil as needed

What Not to Cut

Your board can handle almost anything, but avoid:

  • Cutting directly through bones (use a separate plastic board for raw meat with bones)
  • Hot pots or pans (the heat can damage the wood and finish)

Feel free to use it for vegetables, fruits, bread, cheese, cooked meats, and general prep work.

Our Commitment

Every board is built with pride in Southern New Hampshire. If you have questions about caring for your board, or if something doesn't seem right, reach out. We're here to help you keep your board in service for decades to come.

Questions? Visit our Contact page or PatternsinGrain@gmail.com

The Proof: A Decade of Daily Use

This checkerboard pattern cutting board has been in regular use for over 10 years. With consistent care and maintenance, your board won't just survive - it will develop character and remain a beautiful, functional tool in your kitchen for decades.

Ten years of regular use. This is what proper care looks like.

Notice the warm patina, the intact pattern, and the smooth surface. This is the quality you're investing in - not something that wears out, but something that becomes part of your kitchen's story.