How to Look After Your Wooden Chopping Board
Firstly, thank you for buying one of our chopping boards.
Every board that leaves the workshop is built to last for many years, but like any natural material, wood needs a little care from time to time. The good news is that keeping your board in great condition is simple.
General Cleaning
After use:
- Brush any loose food scraps into the bin.
- Wash the board with warm soapy water using a soft brush or light scouring pad.
- Always clean both sides of the board, even if you've only used one side.
- Wipe away any excess water with a cloth or sponge.
Drying Your Board
The key to keeping a wooden chopping board flat is drying it properly.
All Heathside Woodworks boards come with rubber feet, which help air circulate underneath the board during normal use and reduce the risk of warping.
After washing:
- Stand the board upright on its edge.
- Allow it to dry completely before putting it away or using it again.
- Return it to the worktop once fully dry.
Never:
- Leave the board sitting in water.
- Leave it lying on a wet surface.
- Put it in the dishwasher.
Deeper Cleaning
Most of the time, warm soapy water is all you'll need.
If your board develops stains or starts holding onto strong smells from foods such as garlic, onions or fish:
- Apply a little washing-up liquid to a scouring pad.
- Work it into a good foam across the surface.
- Sprinkle on some coarse salt.
- Rub the board with half a lemon.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- Stand upright and allow it to dry completely.
This will remove most stains and freshen up the board without damaging the wood.
If your board has become heavily scratched or worn after years of use, a light sanding and re-oiling can often bring it back to life.
Board Butter & Maintenance
Wood naturally dries out over time. Regular treatment helps prevent cracking, splitting and staining while keeping the grain looking its best.
Before applying any board butter:
- Make sure the board is completely dry.
- Never apply board butter to damp wood.
Applying Board Butter
- Scoop a generous amount of Heathside Woodworks Board Butter onto a lint-free cloth.
- Rub it over the entire board, including the edges and underside.
- Work it into the grain using small circular motions.
- Leave it to absorb for several hours, ideally overnight.
- Buff away any excess with a clean cloth.
Our Board Butter is made from a blend of food-safe mineral oil and natural beeswax.
The mineral oil nourishes the timber while the beeswax helps protect it from moisture.
Used regularly, it will:
- Keep the wood from drying out.
- Help prevent splitting and cracking.
- Improve water resistance.
- Bring out the natural beauty of the grain.
- Leave a soft, natural finish.
For most households, applying board butter every couple of weeks is more than enough.
A simple rule: if the board starts looking dry or dull, it's probably time for another coat.
Do's and Don'ts
Do
✓ Wash with warm soapy water.
✓ Clean both sides of the board.
✓ Stand the board upright after washing.
✓ Apply board butter regularly.
✓ Use lemon and coarse salt to remove stubborn odours.
✓ Allow the board to dry completely before storing.
Don't
✗ Soak the board.
✗ Put it in the dishwasher.
✗ Leave it standing in water.
✗ Clean with bleach or harsh chemicals.
✗ Microwave it.
✗ Expose it to extreme temperatures.
✗ Use cooking oils such as olive oil, vegetable oil or sesame oil.
A Board for Life
A good wooden chopping board should last decades, not years.
Look after it, keep it dry, and treat it regularly with Heathside Woodworks Board Butter. Do that, and your board will continue to serve you well while developing the character that only real wood can acquire.
If you've got any questions about caring for your board, feel free to get in touch. We're always happy to help.