Skip to content

Journal · Guide

How to Care for Your Wooden Chopping Board

2 min readBy JimFrom our Sussex workshop

A well-made wooden chopping board can last for years — if you look after it properly. Every Oceanic Woodstore board is handmade from reclaimed oak and finished to highlight the natural grain. With a little care, it will stay smooth, safe, and beautiful.


Why Wooden Boards Need Care

Wood is a natural material. It expands and contracts with moisture and temperature changes. Regular cleaning and oiling protect the wood from drying, cracking, or absorbing food odours.

wooden chopping board handmade in brighton uk
A solid wood handmade chopping board is with you for life.

The Do’s

1. Hand Wash Only

Always wash your board by hand. Dishwashers expose wood to heat and water, which causes warping and cracks.

2. Use Hot, Soapy Water

Wash with hot water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly to remove food and bacteria.

3. Wash Both Sides

Even if you only used one side, clean both. It keeps the board from bending over time.

4. Dry Completely

After washing, stand the board on its edge to dry. Don’t store it flat while damp.

5. Oil every 6 months

Rub in olive oil or food-safe mineral oil. This keeps the wood hydrated and prevents cracking.


The Don’ts

🚫 1. Don’t Soak

Never leave your board in water. It’ll absorb moisture and split as it dries.

🚫 2. Don’t Use the Dishwasher

Dishwashers are too hot and harsh for wood — avoid them entirely.

🚫 3. Don’t Use the Microwave

Microwaving wood causes it to dry and warp.

🚫 4. Don’t Use Abrasive Sponges

Rough scrubbers scratch the surface and remove natural oils.

🚫 5. Don’t Overheat or Freeze

Keep your board away from extreme temperatures — both can damage the fibres.


Keep It Healthy, Keep It Handmade

A few minutes of care will keep your Oceanic Woodstore board looking and performing its best. Clean it, dry it, and oil it — and it’ll serve you well for years.

Explore Oceanic

Bring natural materials into your home.

Explore handcrafted furniture and home pieces made in our Sussex workshop.

Shop Oceanic →
wooden chopping board handmade in brighton uk

Made for your space

Need something you can't find off the shelf?

Tell us the dimensions, the room and what you have in mind. We make one-off furniture and timber pieces from our Sussex workshop.

Start a bespoke project →
custom made scaffold board wooden book shelf case

From the workshop

Bespoke Handmade Book and Storage Case

Most of our work is bespoke – around 90%. The only off-the-shelf pieces we make are the smaller items you’ll find at local markets. For this project, a…

View the case study →

Find your next piece

Explore by space

Stay Connected

Stories, new pieces and workshop news.

Join our newsletter for new designs, making stories and workshop dates.

Thank you for subscribing!
There was an issue submitting the form!

Newsletter Subscription Form

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.