How to Protect a Wood Cutting Board

Protect wooden cutting boards by sealing the grain.

Cutting boards are kitchen items that allow you to cut and chop food without damaging the kitchen counters. A variety of materials -- including marble, plastic and wood -- are used for cutting boards. Because wooden cutting boards are porous, you must protect them by sealing the wood grain. This protects the board from warping and discoloring, and also prevents liquids and food particles from seeping down into the wood.

Things You'll Need

• Mineral oil
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Lay the wood cutting board flat on top of a counter with plenty of work space.

2. Spread 1/8 cup of mineral oil over the top surface of the wood cutting board.

3. Wipe the surface with a clean paper towel distributing the mineral oil evenly onto the entire top.

4. Move the rag to the side edges of the wood cutting board and wipe all four sides until they are also covered in mineral oil.

5. Wipe the entire surface and the four edges of the cutting board with a new paper towel until they are no longer greasy to the touch. Switch out paper towels multiple times to absorb all of the oil.

6. Turn the cutting board over and apply an additional 1/8 cup of mineral oil to the other side and wipe it with a fresh paper towel until the surface is no longer greasy to the touch.

7. Repeat the oiling process once per day for a week to complete the protection process for new cutting boards.

Tips & Warnings

• After applying the initial application of protective oil, re-oil the cutting board once per month.

References

• What's Cooking America: Cutting Boards - Chopping Blocks - Butcher Blocks
• Chow: How to Maintain Your Cutting Board