Cutting board oil
Cutting board oil
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE CUTTING BOARD OILS
Why do cutting boards need care?
Wood is a living material that reacts to environmental influences such as moisture, temperature fluctuations and contact with food. Without suitable protection, it can:
- develop cracks that affect its stability
- absorb stains and odours
- lose its natural colour and structure
Natural cutting board oils penetrate deep into the wood, condition it from within and create a protective barrier that helps minimise the penetration of water and dirt.
Caution when using cooking oils
We advise against using cooking oils such as olive oil or sunflower oil to care for cutting boards. These oils tend to go rancid and develop unpleasant odours. They also do not form a protective film that cares for the wood over the long term.
Natural cutting board oils such as poppy seed oil, linseed oil, walnut oil and hemp oil are specially suited to this task and ensure safe, sustainable care.
How should cutting boards be prepared?
New cutting boards
New wooden cutting boards can be made ready for use in just a few steps. Especially with self-made cutting boards, it is advisable to prepare the top surface carefully. The cutting board should be sanded to at least 360 grit or, even better, planed by hand. Planing has the advantage of creating a “closed” surface and leaves no loose fibres behind, as can happen when sanding. After preparation, apply a suitable cutting board oil to protect the wood and prepare it optimally for use.
Used cutting boards
Cutting boards that have been in use for some time require slightly more intensive care. Knife marks caused by cutting occur more easily on soft woods such as pine than on hard woods such as bamboo or oak. However, hard cutting boards also dull knife edges significantly more quickly, which means more frequent sharpening. Softer woods are also easier to sand or plane.
First clean the board with hot water and, if required, a little mild dish soap. Please note, however, that soap residues can later impair the curing of the oil. Then allow the board to dry thoroughly and air for several hours.
If cooking oils or grease have penetrated the wood over time, sanding can become difficult because the abrasive paper clogs quickly. In such cases, a well-sharpened card scraper is a good option for efficiently scraping the surface. This allows rough areas to be worked selectively and the board to be smoothed evenly. After removing the dust, the cutting board is finally re-oiled so that it looks like new again.
Poppy seed oil as cutting board oil — gentle care for delicate wood species
Properties and benefits
- Moisture protection: Protects the wood from drying out
- Neutral odour: Does not affect the aroma of food
Poppy seed oil is obtained from the seeds of the opium poppy and is known for its conditioning and protective properties. It penetrates quickly and leaves a smooth, non-sticky surface.
Application
Apply poppy seed oil as a cutting board oil to the cleaned, dry cutting board using a soft cloth. Allow it to penetrate overnight and wipe off any excess oil the next day.
Linseed oil, raw and cold-bleached, as cutting board oil — classic protection for cutting boards
Properties and benefits
Linseed oil is one of the most commonly used oils for wood care. It penetrates deep into the pores and forms a protective, curing layer that makes the wood more resistant.
- Curing oil: Forms a solid surface that protects against moisture and stains
- Enhances the grain
- Cost-effective
Application
Linseed oil should be applied as a cutting board oil in several thin coats. After each application, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours until the treated surface is no longer greasy. This method provides optimal protection.
Walnut oil as cutting board oil — premium protection for high-quality cutting boards
Properties and benefits
Walnut oil is a high-quality oil with a nutty character that is excellent for caring for fine wooden cutting boards. It is food-safe and provides excellent deep conditioning.
- Curing oil: Forms a solid surface that protects against moisture and stains
- Penetrates quickly
- Antibacterial effect: Helps improve hygiene on the cutting board
Application
Apply it evenly as a cutting board oil with a lint-free cloth and allow it to penetrate for several hours.
Hemp oil as cutting board oil — the sustainable choice for wood care
Properties and benefits
Hemp oil is obtained from the seeds of the hemp plant and stands out for its fast penetration and environmentally friendly production. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and provides cutting boards with natural protection.
- Environmentally friendly thanks to sustainable production
- Hygienic: Helps prevent odour and stain formation thanks to antimicrobial and antifungal properties
- Enhances the grain
Application
Hemp oil can be applied as a cutting board oil in several thin coats. Allow each coat to penetrate for at least 12 hours before using the cutting board again.
Cutting board care tips
Cleaning before care: Clean cutting boards thoroughly before applying cutting board oil and allow them to dry completely.
Regular oiling: Depending on use, the cutting board should be treated with cutting board oil every 4–8 weeks. Cutting boards used for meat and fish, which usually require more intensive cleaning with dish soap, need to be refreshed more often than those used for vegetables.
Gentle cleaning: Never put wooden cutting boards in the dishwasher. Hand washing with warm water and mild dish soap is sufficient. Only plastic cutting boards are dishwasher-safe.
How do I remove unpleasant odours from my cutting board?
Unpleasant odours can sometimes become trapped in a wooden cutting board, or unsightly stains may develop.
This occurs more often if the cutting board has not been oiled sufficiently and therefore has an unsealed surface.
In such cases, intensive cleaning with lemon juice and salt can help. Rub the cutting board thoroughly with the juice of half a lemon and one teaspoon of salt. Leave the mixture to work for around 10 minutes, then rinse the board under running water. The board should then be allowed to dry completely before being oiled again to protect the wood structure and help prevent future odours.
High-quality cutting boards for your kitchen
If your old cutting board can no longer be restored or you need an additional board, it is worth taking a look at our range. In our online shop, you will find a wide selection of high-quality, functional wooden cutting boards that are not only practical, but also durable and easy to care for. Discover the right cutting board for your kitchen and experience the benefits of a natural, stylish work surface.
Every board is unique.
