How to Care for Your Olive Wood Cutting Board

Mar 2
3 min read

Updated: Mar 13

Olive wood is one of the most durable hardwoods you can bring into your kitchen. Its tight grain resists moisture, repels bacteria naturally, and develops a richer patina with every use. But like any quality kitchen tool, it performs best when you treat it well.

Here’s everything you need to know to keep your board in peak condition for years — whether you use it daily or bring it out for special occasions.

Wash by Hand, Every Time

Never put olive wood in the dishwasher. The heat and prolonged water exposure will dry out the wood, cause cracking, and strip the natural oils that make it food-safe.

Instead, wash your board with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Use a soft cloth or sponge — no steel wool, no abrasive pads. Rinse thoroughly, then dry it immediately with a clean towel.

Stand the board upright or prop it at an angle while it finishes air-drying. This allows air to circulate on both sides and prevents moisture from pooling on the bottom.

Oil It Regularly

Every 2–4 weeks (or whenever the wood looks dry), apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil or a blend of olive oil and beeswax. Our boards arrive finished with organic olive oil and beeswax, so you already have a head start.

Apply the oil with a soft cloth, working it into the grain in circular motions. Let it soak in for 15–20 minutes, then buff off any excess with a dry cloth. The wood will look richer and feel smoother immediately.

Avoid cooking oils like canola or vegetable oil. They go rancid over time. Mineral oil and beeswax blends are the gold standard for food-contact wood.

Remove Stains and Odours Naturally

If your board picks up a stubborn stain or garlic smell, sprinkle coarse salt over the surface and rub it with half a lemon. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive and the citric acid neutralises odours. Rinse with warm water and dry immediately.

For deeper stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it sit for 5 minutes, and scrub gently. Follow up with your regular oiling routine.

Store It Right

Keep your board in a dry spot away from direct heat and sunlight. Don’t store it flat in a drawer where moisture can get trapped underneath — stand it upright in a dish rack or lean it against a wall.

Canadian winters can be especially drying if you run forced-air heating. During the colder months, you may need to oil your board a bit more frequently — once every 2 weeks instead of monthly.

What NOT to Do

Never soak your board in water. A quick wash is fine; a 20-minute bath is not.
Never put it in the dishwasher. Ever.
Never leave it sitting in a puddle of water on the counter.
Never use bleach or harsh chemical cleaners.
Never microwave olive wood.

How Long Will It Last?

With proper care, an olive wood cutting board can last decades. The wood actually hardens with age, and the grain develops a warm, golden patina that makes it more beautiful over time. Many families in the Mediterranean pass their olive wood kitchen pieces down through generations.

Browse our full range of olive wood cutting boards, including the best-selling Natural Cutting Board and the ergonomic Cutting Board with Handle. Both are available with custom engraving for a personalised gift.

$50

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