How to Maintain Your Cutting Board Naturally (No Chemicals)

Your cutting board is one of the hardest-working tools in your kitchen — and it deserves care as thoughtful as the meals you prepare on it. Whether you own a Kitchen Wing hardwood board or any quality wooden surface, caring for it naturally will keep it beautiful, safe, and functional for years to come.

Here’s how to maintain your board using simple, non-toxic methods.

1. Clean Gently After Every Use

Never soak your cutting board or put it in the dishwasher. Excess moisture warps wood and strips away its natural oils.

Do This Instead:

Wipe off food debris with a damp cloth.
Wash with warm water and natural soap (like our Kitchen Wing Wood Soap).
Rinse and dry immediately with a clean towel.

2. Disinfect Naturally

To neutralize odors and bacteria without chemicals, use this simple baking soda method:

Natural Deodorizer:

Sprinkle baking soda across the board.
Rub in gently with a halved lemon or damp sponge.
Let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse and dry.

This pulls out odors, lifts stains, and refreshes the board’s surface safely.

3. Oil Regularly (With Food-Safe Oils)

Regular oiling prevents cracks, splits, and bacteria buildup.

How Often?
Whenever looks dry or at least:
Weekly for new boards or dry climates.
Monthly for seasoned boards in moderate use.

Best Natural Oils:

Fractionated coconut oil (won’t go rancid)
Kitchen Wing Wood Butter – a blend of natural oils and beeswax for superior protection.

Avoid olive, vegetable, or nut oils — they can spoil and make your board smell bad over time.

How to Do It:

Apply – Use a natural bristle brush or the non-woven pad both included in your Kitchen Wing Maintenance Kit to apply a generous layer of Kitchen Wing Wood Butter across all surfaces — top, bottom, and edges.

Let It Rest – Allow the board to soak in the butter overnight in a clean, dry place (lay flat or stand upright).

Buff – The next day, use the white non-woven pad provided (or a lint-free cloth) to gently buff away any excess in circular motions.

Polish – Continue with the same pad or a soft cotton cloth to polish the board to a smooth, satin finish, revealing the natural glow of the wood while sealing its surface against moisture.

Pro Tip: If the surface feels rough, gently prep with a fine gray non-woven pad before applying the butter for a silky-smooth result.

About Our Non-Woven Pads

The Kitchen Wing Maintenance Kit includes a white and gray polishing pads that are:

Safe for use on food-contact surfaces
Gentle on hardwoods
Reusable and washable
Perfect for both buffing and polishing
Use it regularly to keep your board conditioned, clean, and showroom-worthy.

4. Store It Right

Stand upright or store on edge to allow airflow.
Keep away from direct heat or sunlight (which can dry and warp the wood).
Don’t stack wet items on top of the board.

Final Tip: Love Your Board, and It’ll Love You Back

With just a little natural care, your wooden board will stay smooth, sanitary, and stunning for a lifetime. No chemicals, no shortcuts — just honest materials and mindful maintenance.

At Kitchen Wing, we believe every mark and grain tells a story — our boards are made to age gracefully. Treat it right, and it will be part of your kitchen story for generations.