How to Care for Wood Cutting Boards

Wood cutting boards are a joy to use in the kitchen, and if cared for properly, they can last decades. Let Wirecutter kitchen writers Michael Sullivan and Lesley Stockton walk you through some key steps you can take to make sure you never have throw down extra dough to replace a wood cutting board.

Our video covers:

0:33 - A basic wash
1:37 - Nasty smells
3:05 - Tough stains
3:51 - Oil it up
5:47 - Deep cuts
7:28 - Warped boards

[christinatolar]

Great video! My grandfather made me a cutting board when I started taking an interest in cooking. I was 16. I still use that same cutting board today at age 48. They truly can last an eternity if cared for properly.

[shantellamend]

Do it yourself, go to woodprix and learn how to make it.

[Billy-rzjg]

Woodworker/general handy person here. Wow! This is one of the best videos on cutting boards I've every seen, you hit on so many points with good methods. Super useful information here.

[anitasmith]

Super helpful!! My son is 21 and loves cooking and has been harassing me about a wooden cutting board for a while!😂 thank goodness for Christmas! Great video!!!

[SirArcher]

As someone who makes wood cutting boards, I found this very useful and plan to direct people towards this video for proper care.

[dianelucio]

I never thought of oiling my wooden spoons. I throw them away when they look too dry. Good tip!

[mikerr]

This had a lot more smaller tips in it than I thought about looking for. Solid video.
Also, for cheaper warped boards, I just throw a paper towel or two under them when cutting.

[ChurroWaffles]

I’ve always wanted a big wooden cutting board like the chefs that I grew up watching and now that I’ve purchased my very first one I intend to take care of it like it was one of my kids.

[MisterMister]

I love the quirky chemistry from this channel. You guys deserve a lot more views.

[bjcox]

An absolutely delightful guide! 🙏 Just a note on plastic cutting boards, you CAN resurface them! 💜 Bust out your favorite oscillating or belt sander, pop some new paper on it, and go to town! I still suggest wooden boards so that you aren't creating microplastics, but you don't need to pitch those plastic cutting boards if you already have them! Wrap up with 320 grit or finer to ensure you get a smooth, nonporous finish. 🤙

Use them well, resurface and clean when needed, (toss the plastic bits in the recycling if you can and your region allows!) and get some wooden ones when the plastic boards have run their course! 😉💜

[SimplySketchyShelby]

Best video I have found on cutting board care. Addressed literally all of my questions! Great. Had to subscribe

[fae]

My mama bought me a beautiful wooden cutting board for my birthday this year and I had to do my research! Thank you for all the valuable info. I'll be saving this to my watch later so I can come back and remember all the things. Lol

[gintonic]

This took away a lot of the mystery surrounding wooden cutting boards for me. I might finally pull the trigger and buy one myself. Thanks!

[seriouslyreally]

Food safe graded mineral oil found in the drugstore in the laxative section is perfectly safe. Rub it in let it soak in for a few hours. Wipe it off. No it won't have a laxative effect- you have to drink it by the tablespoon for that remedy!

[geef]

I make a lot of cutting boards and charcuterie boards. I’m going to send all my customers to this video from now on! Wow. Thank you for this from start to finish! Great job!!!

[nottthereyet]

First, you don't look old enough to have a 20 year old cutting board. Second, thank you for the good advice in caring for our new wooden board! 🍂🍃 🍞 🍃🍂

[ShayBabae]

Thank you! There is information from first day to years later of owning and caring for a wooden cutting board. Lots of trouble shooting ideas to fix issues. I'm so glad to see that there are solutions to fix and keep a board instead of throwing it and replacing it.

[Nymeria]

I have always used Olive oil to oil my cutting board almost on weekly basis. Didn't think about it going rancid. Good tip!

[ThisIsMeAlexis]

These was one of the most fun, and comprehensive tutorial videos EVER! Thank you.

[justmejo]

Wow! This was the best instructions a person could use. Great video easy to follow with so much information in it. 👍🏻 thank you… and you are both adorable 😅