Top Tips for Oiling a Chopping Board

No kitchen is complete without a good chopping board, yet it’s something we often overlook when it comes to cleaning and preserving our kitchen utensils. A wooden chopping board is one of the most versatile utensils in your kitchen and should be treated as such. A quick maintenance of your board every 3-4 months will keep it in the best condition, and for this we recommend the oiling method.

Oiling a chopping board is something few people do but it can really help to increase the life cycle of your board. To begin with, your board should be as clean as possible. We recommend putting a generous sprinkling of coarse sea salt on your board to start before rubbing this in with a lemon - half a lemon for each side of the board usually does the trick! Once rubbed in, simply wipe clean with a cloth or paper towel and leave to dry – preferably overnight to ensure the board absorbs as much oil as possible the next day.

When it comes to the oil you choose, opinions vary massively on which is the most effective to use on your board. Research has shown that using food-based oils such as olive, avocado or vegetable oil runs the risk of the board oxidising. Over time, as your board is exposed to these elements, it may begin to turn rancid and the board could become sticky and discoloured.

To avoid this, it’s best to stick with food safe mineral oil or beeswax on your board for the most effective results. Available in almost all supermarkets, mineral oil is the perfect low cost oil to help preserve your chopping board. Mineral oil can also be used to help preserve any other wooden utensils in your kitchen as well.

Once your board is dry, place a small amount of your chosen oil on the board, coat both sides in a thin layer and leave to dry overnight for the best results. In the morning wipe off any excess oil that remains on top of your board and it’s ready to use.

To maintain your chopping board, we recommend avoiding dishwashers or overnight soaking. Instead, once you’re done with your chopping board simply wipe down with hot soapy water, thoroughly dry on both sides then leave to stand. If your board is beginning to lighten in colour and become dry, simply reapply oil as and when is needed in between full cleaning sessions. We recommend a complete salt clean and fresh oil coat every 3-4 months but this can vary depending on use.

Take a look at our chopping boards here and make sure to follow our tips to get the most out of your board as possible.

Salter BW07176 Bamboo Worktop Chopping Board with Lip

Salter BW07281 Three Piece Bamboo Chopping Board Set