How to Take Care of Your Wooden Cutting Board (Walnut, Olive Wood, Bamboo, etc.) – Easy Guide

1. Washing Your Board

  • Quick Cleanup: Right after using it, wash with cool/lukewarm water + mild dish soap—no soaking! (Hot water can warp walnut wood fast.)

  • Stubborn Stains?

    • For regular gunk → Make a paste with baking soda + water, let it sit for 5 mins, then scrub gently.

    • For tough stains/smells → Scrub with coarse salt + lemon (but go easy on olive wood—acid can mess with its color).

  • NEVER Dishwasher Safe: High heat and water jets will crack any wood board over time.

2. Drying & Storage

  • Dry It Fast: Wipe it down with a towel right away, then stand it up or put it on a rack so air can dry both sides.

  • Where to Keep It:

    • Keep it away from heaters, ovens, and direct sun (walnut cracks, olive wood fades, bamboo warps).

    • Live in a humid place? Hit the cracks with a hairdryer (cool setting) now and then to stop mold.

3. Oil It Up (Because Wood Gets Thirsty!)

Wood Type Best Oil How Often? Watch Out For
Walnut Food-grade mineral oil Every month (2x if dry climate) Soaks in fast—keeps it from cracking.
Olive Wood Beeswax or coconut oil Every 6 weeks Too much oil = sticky mess!
Bamboo Bamboo oil/mineral oil Every 2-3 months Edges dry out—coat ‘em good.

How to Oil Like a Pro:

  1. Clean and dry the board completely.

  2. Pour a little oil, rub it in with the grain using a cloth, let it soak for 15 mins.

  3. Wipe off extra oil, then let it dry overnight.

4. Smart Use & Quick Fixes

  • Don’t Wreck It:

    • No chopping bones—walnut and bamboo will get deep cuts.

    • Cutting hard stuff (like squash)? Put a damp towel under the board to cushion it.

  • Avoid Gross Stuff: Use one side for raw meat, flip it for veggies—or just get two boards.

5. Deep Cleaning & Fixing Scratches

  • Kill Germs:

    • All boards: Spray with 3% hydrogen peroxide, wait 3 mins, rinse.

    • Walnut/bamboo: Wipe with diluted bleach (1 tsp per 1L water).

    • Olive wood: Vinegar + water (1:1)—but don’t overdo it!

  • Fix Scratches:

    • Light marks? Sand with the grain using 600-grit sandpaper, then re-oil.

    • Deep gashes? Walnut can handle wood filler; olive wood might need a pro.