Why don’t you put oil or wax on your cutting boards?

The naturally hygienic, self-cleaning properties of wood rely on the free movement of water between the exterior and interior of the board. This movement of water is a big contributor to how the wood kills bacteria. If you put oil or wax finishes on the board, the flow of water is blocked and the self-cleaning abilities of the wood are limited. Learn more HERE.

But won’t my board “dry out” if I don’t put oil on it?

Well, yes. Wood is supposed to be dry. Dry wood won’t support the growth of micro-organisms including bacteria, mold, or mildew.

How do I care for my cutting board?

More care instructions can be found HERE, but it’s pretty simple. First, don’t put your cutting board in the dishwasher. Next, don’t let it soak in water. When you are done using it, wash it off with mild soap, rinse well and let it dry completely standing up on end or on a dish drying rack before putting it away.

Why don’t other cutting board sellers offer unfinished cutting boards?

Two reasons. First, oiling wood is an easy way to make it pretty and hide imperfections. Second, many cutting board makers also sell finishing oil or wax of some type, and encourage its liberal use. Learn more about our making process HERE.