How to Oil a Cutting Board

For used cutting boards, start by thoroughly washing the board with mild soap and allowing it to air dry for a few hours. If the board exhibits numerous knife marks, for a smoother surface you can lightly sand it with 320 to 800 grit sandpaper before applying the oil, although this step is not mandatory. Next, generously apply a coat of cutting board oil either by hand or using a rag, ensuring even coverage. Let the oil set for a period of 12 to 24 hours, allowing it to deeply penetrate. Then buff off any residue to reveal a revitalized cutting board that's ready for immediate use. For more application guidelines, visit our "Product Instructions" page!

How to Use Wood Wax on a Cutting Board

For new builds always apply oil finishes before wax finishes, since oil will likely not penetrate a waxed surface well. We recommend using a nonabrasive pad whether you're using wax as a finish or polish. This will ensure you don't sand out any oil finishes in the wood. Simply apply a conservative amount of wax to the entire wood surface. Avoid over-saturation or leaving standing wax for long periods of time. Allow 15-30 minutes to set, then buff away any excess wax. For more application guidelines, visit our "Product Instructions" page!

What is NSF Certified Cutting Board Oil and Butcher Block Oil?

In the United States, NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) is synonymous with certifying products as safe for food-contact surfaces. It's considered the gold standard for restaurants and food production facilities. Earning NSF certification is a rigorous and costly process, underscoring why Walrus Oil stands out as one of the best products for cutting boards and butcher block. Walrus Oil proudly holds NSF certification for its Cutting Board Oil, Wood Wax, and Cast Iron Oil, all of which are certified safe for food-contact surfaces and every ingredient is also GRAS (generally regarded as safe) by the FDA.

The Best Hardwoods for Making Cutting Boards

Among the hardwoods favored for cutting boards and butcher block, end grain hard maple takes the spotlight. Renowned for its exceptional durability, it can endure heavy daily use with proper maintenance, making it a staple in many restaurants, butcher shops, and home kitchens. Additionally, cherry wood and walnut are also noteworthy options for their beauty and durability.

Oils that Shouldn’t Be Used on Cutting Boards

Although natural and vegan, using vegetable oils on your board is generally ill-advised, as they can become rancid and potentially promote mold growth. This includes non-fractionated oils high in oleic fatty acids, such as olive oil, almond oil, and generic vegetable oil. According to the Journal of the American College of Toxicology, "almond oil tends to become rancid more quickly than other fixed oils." It's also worth noting "refined" oils, like refined avocado oil, refined almond oil, and even refined coconut oil, can still go rancid, as the process of "refining" doesn't alter the oil's chemical nature. Lastly, it goes without saying, do not use polyurethane on butcher block or cutting boards. Toxic synthetic finishes, such as poly, are not suitable for any food-contact surface, even when fully cured, do to harmful chemicals that may transfer to food.

Oils that are Safe for Cutting Boards

Fractionated coconut oil is a plant-based oleic oil that has undergone fractionation, rendering it incapable of going rancid, and making it completely safe as a cutting board oil. Linoleic-based oils, such as walnut oil, safflower oil, and tung oil, are equally safe for wood since they are polymerizing and will eventually cure. White mineral oil is also acceptable and commonly used to treat boards. It's certified by NSF as safe for food-contact surfaces and considered "Generally Regarded as Safe" by the FDA.

How to Safely Clean a Cutting Board

First of all, never put your cutting board in a dishwasher. This might sound like a good idea, but the high temperatures and moisture will cause the glue in your cutting board to come undone and it wouldn't be surprising to find your cutting board split and in pieces after only one wash. Don't do it, unless you're desperate to get out of cooking dinner! To safely wash your board we recommend cleaning with cold or lukewarm water and light dish soap.

Using Cutting Board Oil on Epoxy Boards

Our Cutting Board Oil can be used to treat hardwood and epoxy based cutting boards, sometimes called "river boards" or "epoxy boards". All application steps are the same. To achieve the highest sheen possible, we recommend applying a coat of our Wood Wax after the Cutting Board Oil application.

Using with other Walrus Oil Finishes 

Wood Wax is a non-polymerizing wax and we only recommend its use after application of a non-polymerized finish, like our Cutting Board Oil or Coconut Oil.