How to Season Cutting Boards

Wooden cutting boards are an essential to many kitchens, providing you with a safe and sanitary place to chop up your fresh foods. As sturdy as these items are, you need to season (or condition) them once a month to keep them in great shape. First, take a moment to wash and deodorize your board so that its squeaky clean. Next, season your clean cutting board by rubbing a large amount of mineral oil into the wooden surface. Finally, let the item dry for several hours before wiping it off and using it again. With regular maintenance, your wooden cutting board can last for many years!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Cleaning and Deodorizing the Board

1. Scrub the board with warm water and dish soap. Place the wooden board in an empty, water-free sink.^[1] Lather a sponge with gentle soap and rub it all over the surface, edges and handle of the board. Rub away any obvious food particles, focusing especially on any crevices in the wood. Lastly, rinse away the soap with small amounts of warm water.^[2]
   
   • Never put your wooden cutting board in the dishwasher, as this can cause the wood to warp and crack. Instead, set aside your cutting board to wash by hand.
2. Let the board air-dry for several hours. Keep the item in a place where it can receive even amounts of air. Dont worry if the wood looks slightly indented while it dries, as this is a normal part of the process. Try to avoid using the board until its dry to the touch.^[3]
   
   • Ideally, try and let the board dry overnight.^[4]
3. Sanitize and deodorize your cutting board with vinegar. Pour a small amount of white vinegar into a spray bottle. When your board starts smelling funky, spritz some vinegar over the wooden surface. Wait 3-5 minutes for the vinegar to soak into any affected areas, then rinse off the board with cool running water.^[5]
   
   • You might need to do this fairly often if you have an older, more worn out cutting board.
   • Let the board air-dry before placing it back in storage.

[Edit]Applying Oil to the Surface

1. Try to season your board at least once per month. Schedule a time to condition your cutting board if youre a frequent chef. While the seasoning process itself isnt that time-consuming, make sure to set aside several hours so the board can dry. If youre an avid chef, consider setting aside time weekly to oil and dry your wooden cutting boards.^[6]
   
   • If you only use your cutting boards once or twice per year, dont worry about seasoning them that frequently.
   • If you notice water soaking into the wood, its time to season it.^[7]
2. Lay the clean cutting board on a flat surface. Set your board somewhere in your kitchen, like a countertop or table. Make sure that the item is already washed and dried, as you dont want to season a dirty surface.^[8]
   
   • You can also keep your board in a large container, like a pot lid holder. This can make it easier to control the oil.^[9]
3. Pour a plum-sized amount of mineral oil onto the board. Take a bottle of kitchen-grade mineral oil and dump out a small pool of liquid onto the wooden surface. Feel free to drizzle the oil onto the board, or pour it all in one place. Dont worry about using too muchyou can always wipe away the excess oil later.^[10]
   
   • Coconut oil is also a great option, since it contains a lot of saturated fat.^[11]
4. Rub the oil into the sides and edges of the board with a dish towel. Take a clean dish towel and rub the mineral oil into the wood. Use circular, sweeping motions as you go. Try massaging the oil into the front and back of the board, as well as the edges and handles.^[12]
   
   • Use the same dish towel when you season your cutting board in the future.
   • Dont worry about wiping off any excess oil from the top of the board, as youll have time to do this later.
5. Perch the cutting board on its side for at least 3 hours. Set the wooden board on a thin edge, leaning it against a hard surface, if necessary. Wait at least 3 hours before checking on the cutting board again, so the mineral oil has enough time to soak and condition the wood.^[13]
   
   • You can wait up to 6 hours before checking on the cutting board, if you want.
   • If youre using a pot lid holder or a similar item, you can prop the board up vertically in the container.
6. Wipe off any of the excess oil from the board. Use the same dish towel to remove any mineral oil that failed to absorb into the wood. Once youve let the cutting board dry overnight, feel free to store the item in its usual spot.^[14]
   
   • Try to remember whenever you season the board, so you can start conditioning it on a regular basis.

[Edit]Things Youll Need

[Edit]Cleaning and Deodorizing the Board

• Sponge
• Dish soap
• White vinegar
• Water
• Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
• Paper towel (optional)

[Edit]Applying Oil to the Surface

• Mineral oil
• Coconut oil (optional)
• Dish towel

[Edit]References