Dry, dull or slightly rough
Care for it at home
If there is no deep damage, cleaning, thorough drying and a thin coat of suitable care product are usually enough.
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How to care for your cutting board
At a glance
- After use
- Clean by hand and allow the board to dry well.
- When it feels dry
- Follow the instructions for a suitable kitchen-wood care product.
- If damaged
- Have open joints, cracks or unusual areas assessed first; oil does not repair structural damage.
Short version
Water out, oil in, let it rest.
A wooden board does not need complicated care. It needs to be cleaned, allowed to dry properly and refreshed when the surface feels dry.
Do not soak it
Standing water is harder on wood than everyday cutting.
Dry it upright
Air should reach both sides so the board can dry evenly.
Oil when dry
A thin layer of suitable care product keeps the surface more pleasant.
Restore deep marks
If oil is no longer enough, sanding or refurbishment may be useful.
Next step
Care for it at home or have it assessed?
The condition of the surface matters more than the age of the board. Choose the path that matches the marks you can see.
Deep cuts, stains or an old coating
Request a photo assessment
Send us a photo before sanding further. We will tell you honestly whether care at home is enough or whether refurbishment within Germany may be worthwhile.
Send photos for assessment Understand the refurbishment serviceCracks through the board, severe warping or deeply absorbed contamination may rule out refurbishment. The workshop service is currently available only within Germany.
This is the process. Nothing more.
Sanding. Wiping. Oiling. No shortcuts. No unnecessary steps. Just what actually works.
What you actually need
- 80 grit sandpaper for material removal
- 120 grit sandpaper for refinement
- Optional: 240 grit for a finer finish
- A clean cloth
- Water for wiping between passes
- A proper oil finish or our care balm
Step by step: restore the board properly
01
Clean and let it dry
The board must be completely dry before sanding.
02
Start with 80 grit
This removes wear, stains and rough areas first.
03
Work across the grain once
That helps level the surface more evenly.
04
Wipe between passes
Remove dust and check the surface before continuing.
05
Refine with 120 grit
For most boards, this is enough. Go to 240 only if needed.
06
Apply oil or balm
Use a thin coat, let it soak in, then wipe off the excess.
07
Let it dry
The surface will look richer, cleaner and more balanced again.
How often should you oil a cutting board?
Oil your board whenever the surface starts to look dry or dull. For regular use, every few weeks is often enough.
Which oil is best for cutting boards?
Use food-safe finishes such as linseed oil varnish or a proper care balm. Avoid random household oils and cheap alternatives.
Can you sand an end grain cutting board?
Yes. Use controlled sanding and proper grit progression. End grain boards can be restored well, but they require a bit more precision.
What to avoid
No dishwasher. No soaking. No cheap oils. No aggressive sanding without control.
When we take over
For damaged or warped boards, professional restoration makes more sense.
Our care product
Care balm from beeswax and linseed oil.
Food-safe. Handmade. No additives. One application is enough. Your board is protected immediately.
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