Oiling a cutting board: how do you know it is time?
Your cutting board needs oil when the wood looks dull or grey, feels dry or rough, or when water no longer stays on it in drops but soaks into the wood. The rule of thumb is 20 ml twice a month. If you see one of these signs sooner, do not wait for the next turn.
Twice a month is a good rhythm, but not a law. A board that is washed every day dries out faster than a board you pick up twice a week. You do not have to keep track of it in your diary. The wood itself shows when the time has come.
The three signs
| What you notice | What it means |
|---|---|
| The wood looks dull or grey | The oil has gone from the top layer |
| It feels dry or rough | The fibres rise because the wood is drying out |
| Water soaks in and leaves a dark patch behind | The pores are open |
A board that is well oiled has a warm colour and feels smooth. Water stays on it in drops.
The drop test
- Make sure the board is clean and dry.
- Let a few drops of water fall on the wood, on the spot where you cut most.
- Wait a minute and look. If the drops stay rounded, there is enough oil in it. If they spread out and the wood underneath turns dark, it is time.
- Wipe the water away and let the board dry before you start oiling.
Test the edges too now and then. They are often the first to dry out and the quickest to be forgotten when oiling.
Is it time? This is how you oil
Rub out 20 ml of care oil thinly with a cloth, including over the edges and the underside. Leave it to soak in for 4 hours and wipe off whatever is still on the surface. If the wood feels rough, sand it lightly first. The steps are explained in Caring for a wooden cutting board. If you have a butcher block, have a look at Oiling a butcher block: how often and how do you do it?
What makes one board dry out faster?
- Frequent washing. Every wash takes a little oil with it.
- Salt and lemon. Good against smells, but they dry out the wood. Always oil afterwards.
- Dry air. In winter, with the heating on, wood dries faster.
- Freshly sanded. Freshly sanded wood is bare and takes up a lot of oil.
Never without oil again
With one board, 250 ml lasts you about six months and 500 ml about a year. The oil calculator works it out for you. If you do not want to have to think about it, you can also take the individual bottles on a subscription. You get 5% off every delivery and choose your own rhythm, from every month to every four months. You can pause, change or stop at any time in your account. All the bottles are under care.
Frequently asked questions
Can I oil a cutting board too often?
Hardly. The wood takes up what it needs. Whatever is still on the surface after soaking in, you wipe away with a dry cloth.
My board is quickly dull again after oiling. How come?
Then the wood was very dry and has taken up everything. Give it a second coat and oil a little more often in the first weeks.
Do I also need to oil if I rarely use the board?
Yes, although it can then be less often. Wood also dries out in the air. Do the drop test if you are unsure.
Does this also apply to boards made of oak, acacia or bamboo?
Yes. The signs are the same for every type of wood and the care oil is suitable for every type of wood.
