Untreated wooden chopping boards can soak up food odours and harbour bacteria. Wood is absorbent, and treating with a food safe oil can help prolong the life of your chopping board.
Regular oiling prevents cracks, warping and stains, and helps stop food and water from soaking into the surface. A quality oil can restore long neglected boards, bringing that natural wood grain back to life and protecting the board for years to come!
Why is Oiling Wooden Chopping Boards Important?
Wood is a naturally porous material. If it’s not protected, it absorbs water, food juices and detergents. This can cause the wood to dry out and might result in splitting, both of which risks bacteria forming on the board.
When you oil a chopping board, the pores in the wood are filled. This creates a barrier which repels moisture, but still allows the board to breathe naturally. It can expand and contract, and extra moisture can escape.
An oiled chopping board feels smooth to the touch, cleans easily and resists staining. Oiling also helps prevent odours from lingering after cutting pungent food items like onions or garlic.
What Makes an Oil Food Safe?
It’s important to use an oil that is both food safe, and suitable for application to wood. Bear in mind that oils used in food are not always food safe. This seems counter intuitive, but products like olive oil can go rancid on your board. That’s because they are edible, but not stable which can mean they’ll ultimately start to “go off” and attract bacteria.
How to Tell an Oil is Food Safe
Food safe oils will ideally comply with certifications such as EN 71-3 safety standards (which are also used for children’s toys), EN or be clearly marked as suitable for surfaces which will come into contact with food.
The ingredients will be plant derived, low odour, and dry to a natural inert finish. Don’t use standard furniture oils, varnishes, or wood sealers containing petrochemical ingredients.
Best Natural Oil for Chopping Boards
Here at Greenshop Paints, our best oil for chopping boards is Auro 108 Worktop oil. It protects surfaces safely and naturally with its durable formulation:-
Auro 108 Worktop Oil
Auro Worktop Oil is tested in accordance with EN 71-3, meaning it’s safe for use on wooden chopping boards.
Once dry, it’s safe for food preparation. It’s formulated from Tung oil, linseed oil, sunflower oil, castor oil, fatty acids, & drying agents (cobalt-free).
This oil is vegan friendly, and also suitable for use on your kitchen worktops, kitchen door fronts, and wooden furniture items.
You can buy pure tung oil and linseed oil for use on chopping boards. Here’s what you need to know:-
Linseed Oil
Made from flaxseed, linseed oil has been used as a wood finish for centuries. You would need to use food grade linseed oil, and avoid “boiled” linseed oil which isn’t food safe.
Traditionally prepared linseed oil takes much longer to dry than modern oil blends. Several thin coats would be required.
Tung Oil
Tung oil, extracted from the nuts of the tung tree, is another natural choice to refinish your board. It dries to a water resistant finish that’s ideal for butcher blocks and heavily used boards. Once fully cured, tung oil is completely food safe and leaves a smooth, easy to clean surface.
Coconut Oil
Refined, food grade coconut oil can be used. It provides a moderate level of moisture protection, however it’s not as stable as tung or linseed based chopping board oils meaning it can soften in warm kitchens.
How to Oil a Wooden Chopping Board
A little bit of surface prep goes a long way when getting ready to oil a board. Ensuring it’s clean, free of grease, and dry will get the best and most enduring results.
- Clean the board. Thoroughly wash the board with mild soap and warm water, then air dry for a minimum of 60 minutes.
- Sand if required. Very worn boards with some surface damage will benefit from a light sand. Use a fine grit sandpaper evenly over the surface until smooth. Wipe any excess dust away with a damp cloth and leave the board to dry.
- Apply the oil. Pour a small amount onto a clean lint free cloth and rub it into the board, following the grain of the wood. Ensure even application.
- Remove excess oil. Leave the oil on the board for up to 30 minutes, then wipe away any excess.
- Allow to dry. Let the oil dry on the board overnight.
- Repeat if needed. Very dry or new boards may need two or three coats before they’re fully nourished.
Tip: Always oil both sides and the edges. If you treat only one side, the board can warp as it dries.
How Often to Oil a Chopping Board
For a board used daily, once a month is a good rule of thumb. If you notice water soaking in rather than forming beads on the surface, it’s time for another coat.
Boards used less often may only need re-oiling every few months. The key is to keep the wood looking slightly satin rather than dull and dry.
Cleaning Oiled Boards
After each use, wipe your chopping board with a damp cloth or a mild soap solution and dry it upright so air can circulate. To remove strong smells, sprinkle coarse salt on the surface, rub with half a lemon and rinse lightly. Avoid prolonged soaking or scouring pads, which strip away oil and open the grain.
When cared for this way, a quality wooden board can last for years, developing a beautiful patina that adds character to your kitchen.
FAQs On Oiling Wooden Chopping Boards
Can I use olive oil on a chopping board?
No. Olive and vegetable oils do not harden and can turn sticky or rancid over time.
What is the difference between chopping board oil and butcher block oil?
They are pretty much the same type of product. Both require food safe finishes designed to protect kitchen woodwork, so you can use the same product for chopping boards and butchers blocks.
Natural Oils are Best
Oiling your chopping board is one of the simplest ways to protect and preserve it. With the right natural, food safe oil, your board will resist water, stay smooth and serve you well for years. It’s a small ritual that brings lasting rewards: better hygiene, less waste and a kitchen that feels cared for.
Need advice on your project? Contact us for help and advice!
