Cutting Board Care & Maintenance
Welcome to Your New Cutting Board
We’re grateful you chose a Lopez Woodworks cutting board and are truly honored to have one of our handcrafted pieces in your home. Each board is made with care, attention to detail, and a commitment to creating something that will serve you well for years to come.
With proper care, your board will continue to look beautiful, perform reliably, and develop the rich character that only well-crafted hardwood can achieve. This guide will help you protect and maintain your board so you can enjoy it for a long time.
Our Finishing Process
At Lopez Woodworks, every cutting board is hand-finished with pure Tung oil—not the cheaper, short-lived mineral oil used by many makers. Tung oil cures into a natural, water-resistant protective layer that penetrates deep into the wood, creating a longer-lasting and more durable finish. It takes more time and care to apply, but the result is a board that stands up to years of use while highlighting the wood’s natural beauty.
We choose Tung oil not only for its superior durability, but because it is a renewable, plant-based finish. Unlike petroleum-derived mineral oil, which requires frequent reapplication, Tung oil naturally cures into a long-lasting, biodegradable protective layer. It’s better for your board—and better for the environment.
After applying the Tung oil finish, we apply a protective topcoat of our Wood Wax (a blend of walnut oil, carnauba wax, and beeswax).
All of these finishes are natural and food-safe.
Oiling & Waxing
Regular application of oil and wax helps prevent drying, cracking, and warping. We recommend RMP Finishes Cutting Board Oil, an all-natural, plant-based, food-safe oil. A complimentary bottle is included with your board (scan the QR code below to order more RMP Finishes Cutting Board Oil.) Never use vegetable, coconut, or olive oil. These oils can turn rancid over time.
How to Apply Oil
Shake the bottle 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 the oil across the board, allowing it to penetrate the wood (end grain absorbs more readily).
Let the oil sit for 10–15 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper conditioning.
Buff with a clean, lint-free cloth until the surface feels dry and lightly polished.
How to Apply Wood Wax
Regular oiling keeps your cutting board nourished, but applying Lopez Woodworks Wood Wax adds an additional layer of protection. Our wax blend seals in the oil, repels moisture, and creates a smoother, longer-lasting surface that resists drying and cracking.
Wax Application:
Ensure the board is clean and completely dry.
Using a soft cloth, rub a thin, even layer of Wood Wax over the entire surface.
Allow it to absorb for 10–15 minutes.
Buff with a clean cloth until smooth and dry to the touch.
Cleaning Your Board
After each use, scrape away food residue and wash with warm water and mild dish soap. Rinse and dry immediately. If the wood appears dry afterward, apply a light coat of cutting board oil.
A slight roughness after the first wash is normal—the wood fibers raise when exposed to moisture. With regular use and oiling, the surface will naturally smooth out.
Never soak your cutting board or leave it in standing water.
Sanitizing
To sanitize, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Flood the surface, let it sit briefly, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Always wash and sanitize after preparing raw meat, poultry, or seafood. Never use an unwashed board for vegetables or ready-to-eat foods. If possible, keep a dedicated board for produce, bread, and uncooked items.
Drying & Storage
Your cutting board should always be stored dry. Proper drying helps prevent warping, cracking, and moisture-related damage.
Avoid letting water collect underneath the board. If your board does not have feet, stand it on its edge or prop it up to allow airflow on all sides.
Stains & Odors
Maple and cherry sometimes stain when used with deeply colored foods like beets or berries. While our wood wax offers some protection, stains may still occur and typically fade over time. Lemon juice and kosher salt can help lift discoloration.
Do not use hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or bleach. These can damage or discolor the wood fibers.
To remove garlic or onion odors, rub the surface with a cut potato or apple.