The Ultimate Wooden Board Care Guide

A quality wooden board is built to last for years—often decades—with just a little care.

Whether it's a chopping board, butcher's block, serving board, or charcuterie board, looking after it properly will keep it looking great, performing well, and protect your investment.

Before First Use

Before using your board for the first time, apply a light coat of food-safe mineral oil to all surfaces, including the edges and underside. If you buy a board elsewhere, this is what we'd reccommend. However, we already do this for you.

Allow the oil to soak in for about 2 - 3 hours before wiping away any excess.

Although every Saw Swag board is conditioned before leaving our workshop, wood is a natural material and can dry slightly depending on the climate in your home.

Daily Cleaning

After each use:

Wash with warm water and a small amount of mild unscented washing-up liquid.
Wipe clean using a soft cloth or sponge.
Dry immediately with a clean towel.
Stand the board on its edge until completely dry.

Avoid leaving your board lying flat while wet, as moisture can become trapped underneath.

Never Do These Things

To keep your board in excellent condition, never:

Put it in the dishwasher.
Leave it soaking in water.
Store it while still damp.
Place hot pots or pans directly onto the wood.
Use harsh chemicals or bleach.

Excessive heat and prolonged moisture are the biggest enemies of natural wood.

Oiling Your Board

Wood naturally dries over time, especially in centrally heated homes.

Regular oiling keeps the timber nourished and helps prevent drying, cracking and warping.

As a general guide:

Weekly if used every day.
Monthly for occasional use.
Whenever the wood begins to look dry or faded.

Simply apply a generous coat of food-safe mineral oil or board butter, allow it to soak in, then wipe away any excess.

Using Board Butter

Board butter provides additional protection by sealing moisture into the wood and giving it a beautiful natural finish.

For best results:

Oil the board first if it feels dry.
Once absorbed, apply a thin layer of board butter.
Work in, allow to soak in then buff gently with a clean cloth.

Many customers alternate between mineral oil and board butter to keep their boards looking their best all year round.

What About Knife Marks?

Knife marks are completely normal.

A wooden board is designed to protect your knives by allowing the blade to gently mark the surface instead of becoming blunt.

Over time these marks become part of the board's character.

If desired, light sanding followed by fresh oil can restore most boards to an almost new appearance.

Removing Odours

If your board develops strong food odours:

Sprinkle coarse salt over the surface.

Rub gently with half a lemon.
Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Dry thoroughly before applying a light coat of mineral oil if required.

Can Wooden Boards Be Hygienic?

Yes.

Contrary to popular belief, properly maintained hardwood boards are naturally hygienic.

The wood absorbs small amounts of moisture beneath the surface, where bacteria gradually die off as the board dries.

The key is simple: clean promptly, dry thoroughly and oil regularly.

How Long Will My Board Last?

With proper care, a quality hardwood board can last for many years.

Regular cleaning and occasional oiling are all that's needed to keep it looking and performing its best.

Many wooden boards become even more beautiful with age as they develop their own unique character.

A Final Word

Every Saw Swag board is handmade with care using quality hardwoods and built to be enjoyed for years to come.

Treat it well, and it'll be there for thousands of family meals, celebrations, and everyday moments.

Thank you for supporting handmade Irish craftsmanship.

Saw Swag