Care Guide

Making your wood last.

A well-made cutting board can last decades — but only if you treat it right. Wood is a living material that needs hydration, airflow, and protection from its enemies (we're looking at you, dishwasher).

Daily care Maintenance Restoration What to avoid

Daily care

Washing

After each use, wipe off crumbs and rinse with clean water. For deeper cleaning, use a gentle soap-based solution and scrub lightly. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue, then dry completely with a clean towel. Never let your board soak in water — even a few minutes of standing liquid can start the warping process.

Drying & Storage

After washing, stand your board upright on its edge. This exposes both the top and bottom surfaces to air, allowing even drying and preventing moisture from getting trapped underneath. If your board has feet, you can lay it flat — the feet provide the airflow you need. Store in a dry area away from the sink and direct sunlight.

Routine maintenance

Every few weeks→ Use Rapid Rub

Quick maintenance

After a dozen or so uses, or whenever the surface starts to look dry — grab your Rapid Rub. It's a soft wax blend of food-grade mineral oil, coconut oil, and beeswax that hydrates and seals in one step. Rub a thin coat on, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then buff it off. This is the only routine most boards will ever need.

Monthly / As needed→ Use Timber Tonic

Deep conditioning

If your board is chronically dry or Rapid Rub isn't soaking in the way it used to, it's time for a deeper treatment. Apply Timber Tonic — a viscous oil blend that penetrates below the surface to rehydrate the grain. Let it soak in for a few hours or overnight, then seal everything in with a hard wax. Our Stiff Shine is ideal for this, though Rapid Rub will also lock in the oil.

Restoration

Has your board been neglected? Sitting unused in a cabinet, looking dry and sad? Here's how to bring it back.

Assess the damage

Before conditioning, check for serious issues: deep knife marks, wobbling, or cracks. Minor surface scratches are normal and will be addressed by the oil. Deep gouges may need sanding. Cracks or warping may indicate the board needs professional attention — or it may be time for a new one.

Deep oil treatment

For a truly dry board, you need more than a quick wipe. Apply a generous coat of viscous oil (our Timber Tonic works well here) and let it cure overnight. The wood will drink it up. You may need to repeat this 2–3 times until the surface stops absorbing oil immediately.

Seal with wax

Once the wood is fully hydrated, finish with a hard wax like Stiff Shine. This seals everything in and restores that smooth, lustrous surface. Your board is back in business.

What to avoid