One of our most frequently asked questions is how to clean and maintain our wooden chopping boards. Chopping boards are one of the most used and abused kitchen staples, so it is important to clean and maintain them properly both for the cleanliness of your kitchen and the longevity of your board.
Which is better material for chopping boards: plastic or wood?
A common misconception in the debate around which material of chopping board is best, is that plastic is the more durable and clean option . This could be because it is a man-made product, thereby being created with hygiene and usability in mind, however, this is not always the case.
In Goddards’s ‘ Exploring the chopping board microbiome – lessons learned”, he concludes that “There was a significant association between the composition of the chopping board (plastic or wood) and the abundance of isolated bacteria. Gut microbiota were present on 66.67% of plastic and 20% of wooden chopping boards”.
Wood is antimicrobial
Oak has natural antimicrobial properties, making it a more hygienic choice compared to plastic, which can harbor bacteria in its grooves over time.
Our Oak is sustainable
We source our Oak sustainably from Dartmoor National Park - see our Sustainability page for more details.
Wood is Carbon Neutral
Using timber helps to sequester carbon by preserving it beyond the natural life-cycle of a tree. Compare this to using oil-derived products such as plastic or energy heavy products like steel or concrete.
Plastic is Ugly
The natural colours and grains of oak seamlessly fit into most aesthetics and enhance beautiful kitchens, unlike the garish and harsh colours of plastic chopping boards.
How to properly clean a wooden chopping board
Keeping your chopping board clean is crucial for both food safety and extending its lifespan. Whether you’re dealing with wood or plastic, proper cleaning, drying, and maintenance are key to ensuring it remains in top condition.
How to do a general wash of a chopping board
To do a general wash of a wooden chopping board, use warm soapy water and a soft sponge to gently scrub the surface. Be sure to wash both sides, as wood is porous and absorbent, so evenly cleaning helps it absorb moisture uniformly, preventing warping or cracking.
How to properly dry your chopping board
To properly dry your wooden chopping board, stand it upright in an open area to allow air to circulate around all sides; avoid leaning it against another surface, and before bed, rotate the side it was standing on to ensure even drying.
How to get rid of any lingering smells in your chopping board
To eliminate lingering smells from a wooden chopping board, sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the surface, then use a cut lemon to scrub the board while squeezing its juice onto it. Let the mixture sit for just a few minutes before rinsing, as wood is absorbent and prolonged exposure to moisture could affect its integrity.
How to properly maintain and oil your chopping board
To keep your wooden chopping board in great condition, regularly oil it with a food-safe mineral oil, ideally every month to six weeks. Using a clean cloth, pour a small amount of oil onto sections of the board, rub it in thoroughly, and then allow it to dry completely.
What type of wood is best to use for a wooden chopping board?
Hardwoods like oak, maple grain are better suited for cleaner and longer lasting chopping boards as they have smaller grains than softer wood such as cypress which is more likely to split apart, creating gaps where bacteria can hide and thrive.
Which Chopping Boards are best for your knives?
Although softer wood chopping boards are less hygienic due to their porous nature, they are gentler on knives, which tend to dull more quickly on harder woods—this is why we recommend investing in a quality knife block to help keep your knives sharper for longer.
Why choose our chopping boards?
Sustainable and Handcrafted
We source our oak from Dartmoor National Park and make each piece by hand in our South Devon Workshop.
Made bespoke to your requirements
You can customise the exact length of your chopping board to meet your specific needs, and we are excited to introduce new features, including optional legs to elevate the board for easier use as a serving tray. Additional options include an engraved drainage edge or a raw, organic edge on one side for a more rustic appearance, offering versatility in both function and style.
Personalised writing along the side to add that personal touch
You can personalise your chopping board with a unique engraving, adding a special touch such as names, dates, places, or meaningful quotes. We work closely with you throughout the process, ensuring you have the opportunity to confirm your preferred font and sizing for a truly custom finish.
Our personalised chopping boards make the perfect gifts
Our chopping boards make the perfect gift, combining personalisation with practicality and long-lasting quality. Each board tells a story through its sustainable craftsmanship, offering a thoughtful, functional, and unique present that’s both meaningful and environmentally conscious. Browse our collection of Christmas Gifts and Christmas Gifts for Dads for inspiration for the upcoming holidays.
We appreciate your support!
By shopping with us, you’re supporting a small, family-run business based in the South Hams. We take pride in creating high-quality, practical, and sustainable products that our customers love, as reflected in our glowing reviews.
