Cutting Board Care & Maintenance
Welcome to Your New Cutting Board
Thank you for choosing a Lopez Woodworks cutting board. We are honored to have one of our handcrafted pieces in your home.
Each board is built with care, attention to detail, and a commitment to lasting performance. With proper maintenance, it will continue to look beautiful, perform reliably, and develop the character that only well-crafted hardwood can achieve.
This guide will help you protect and maintain your board for years of use.
Our Finishing Process
Every Lopez Woodworks cutting board is hand-finished with pure tung oil — not mineral oil.
Tung oil is a drying oil that cures within the wood, creating a durable, water-resistant finish. Mineral oil can soak into the wood but does not harden, which is why it requires more frequent reapplication.
We choose tung oil because it provides greater durability, a richer feel, and a finish more consistent with fine furniture. It takes more time to apply and cure, but the result is a surface built for long-term use.
After the tung oil finish has fully cured, we apply a protective topcoat of Lopez Woodworks Wood Wax — a blend of walnut oil, carnauba wax, and beeswax.
Each board includes RMP Finishes Cutting Board Oil for routine maintenance, along with Lopez Woodworks Wood Wax for added protection.
All finishes used are food-safe.
Oiling & Waxing
Regular oiling and waxing help prevent drying, cracking, and warping.
We recommend RMP Finishes Cutting Board Oil for routine maintenance. A complimentary bottle is included with your board.
Avoid vegetable, coconut, or olive oil. These can turn rancid over time.
How to Apply Oil
Shake well before use.
Apply at room temperature (65°F or warmer).
Pour a small amount onto the surface — a little goes a long way.
Rub evenly across the board.
Allow the oil to absorb for 10–15 minutes (or longer for deeper conditioning).
Buff with a clean, lint-free cloth until dry to the touch.
How to Apply Wood Wax
Wax adds an additional layer of protection by sealing in oil and helping repel moisture.
Ensure the board is clean and fully dry.
Apply a thin, even layer with a soft cloth.
Allow to sit for 10–15 minutes.
Buff until smooth and dry.
Cleaning Your Board
After each use, scrape away food residue and wash with warm water and mild dish soap. Rinse and dry immediately.
Never soak your board or leave it in standing water.
A slight roughness after the first wash is normal. Wood fibers raise when exposed to moisture. With use and regular oiling, the surface will smooth naturally.
Sanitizing
Always wash and sanitize after preparing raw meat, poultry, or seafood. If possible, use a separate board for produce and ready-to-eat foods.
To sanitize, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply to the surface, let sit briefly, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Drying & Storage
Always store your board dry.
Avoid allowing water to collect underneath. If the board does not have feet, stand it on edge to allow airflow on all sides.
Stains & Odors
Lighter woods such as maple may darken slightly when exposed to deeply colored foods. Most stains fade with time and use. Lemon juice and kosher salt can help lift surface discoloration.
Avoid hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or bleach, as these may damage the wood fibers.
To reduce strong odors, rub the surface with a cut potato or apple.