Wooden chopping boards are a kitchen essential, valued for their durability, natural antibacterial properties and timeless appearance. Whether you use wooden chopping boards daily for food preparation or occasionally for serving and display, knowing how to clean and care for them properly will help extend their life and keep them safe to use.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to clean a wooden chopping board correctly, how to care for different materials such as acacia and marble, and how to store and use chopping boards for everyday kitchen life without overcomplicating things.
Why it’s important to clean wooden chopping boards properly
Unlike plastic boards, wooden chopping boards should never be soaked or put in the dishwasher. Wood is a natural material, and excess moisture can cause cracking, warping or lingering odours over time.
When cleaned correctly, wood chopping boards remain hygienic, long-lasting and suitable for everyday food preparation. Proper care also helps preserve the finish and grain of the board, particularly on engraved or decorative designs that are often left on display as part of the kitchen.
How to clean a wooden chopping board (step by step)
Cleaning a wooden chopping board doesn’t require harsh chemicals or specialist products. Simple, regular care is usually the most effective.
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Wipe after use
Remove crumbs or residue with a damp cloth after each use. -
Wash gently
Use warm water with a small amount of mild washing-up liquid. Clean using a soft sponge or cloth. -
Rinse quickly
Rinse under running water — never soak the board. -
Dry immediately
Pat dry with a clean towel and leave the board upright to air dry fully.
Avoid soaking wooden chopping boards or leaving them flat while wet, as trapped moisture is the most common cause of damage.
Caring for different types of chopping boards
Not all chopping boards are the same. Understanding the material helps you care for them correctly and extend their lifespan.
Acacia chopping boards
Acacia chopping boards are known for their strength and rich grain pattern. They are naturally resistant to moisture but still benefit from regular oiling.
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Clean gently after use
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Oil monthly if used frequently
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Avoid prolonged exposure to water
Marble chopping boards
Marble chopping boards are best suited to light food preparation, serving and display rather than heavy chopping.
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Wipe clean immediately after use
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Avoid leaving acidic foods on the surface
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Do not soak or scrub harshly
Marble boards are often used as grazing or serving boards and work beautifully as part of kitchen displays.
Which chopping board is best for everyday use?
For regular kitchen use, wooden chopping boards made from acacia are a practical and durable choice. They are kind to knives and suitable for everyday food preparation.
Many decorative or engraved boards are designed with a plain reverse side for chopping, allowing the patterned side to be displayed when not in use. This dual-use design makes it easy to balance practicality with kitchen styling.
How often should you oil a wooden chopping board?
Oiling helps protect the wood and prevent drying, cracking or staining.
As a general guide:
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Regular use: oil once a month
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Occasional use: every two to three months
Always use a food-safe chopping board oil. Apply a thin layer, allow it to absorb overnight, then wipe away any excess.
Storage and everyday use tips
How you store chopping boards is just as important as how you clean them.
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Store boards upright to allow air circulation
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Avoid stacking damp boards
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Keep away from direct heat sources
Many wood chopping boards are designed to be left on display, which also helps them dry naturally between uses.
Using chopping boards for serving and display
Many chopping boards are designed for more than one purpose.
They work well as:
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Grazing boards
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Serving boards for bread or snacks
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Decorative kitchen pieces
Using one side for food preparation and the other for serving or display is a practical way to get the most from your board.
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Styling chopping boards around the home
Beyond food preparation, chopping boards are often styled as part of everyday kitchen decor.
They work well:
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Leaned against a backsplash
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Resting on open shelving
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Styled with ceramic vases or candle holders
Seasonal table settings often feature chopping boards as part of larger displays.
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Frequently asked questions about wooden chopping boards
How do you clean a wooden chopping board?
Clean wooden chopping boards using warm water and a small amount of mild washing-up liquid. Rinse quickly, dry immediately and allow the board to air dry fully. Avoid soaking or placing wooden chopping boards in the dishwasher.
Are wooden chopping boards hygienic?
Yes. When cleaned and dried properly, wooden chopping boards are naturally antibacterial and safe for everyday kitchen use.
How often should you oil a wooden chopping board?
For boards used regularly, oil once a month. For occasional use, oil every two to three months using a food-safe chopping board oil.
Can wooden chopping boards be used every day?
Absolutely. Wooden chopping boards made from quality woods such as acacia are designed for regular food preparation when cared for correctly.
Share your chopping board care tips with us
Caring for wooden chopping boards is part of everyday kitchen life, and we love seeing how you use and style yours at home. Whether it’s a well-used acacia board for daily food preparation or a decorative chopping board left on display, we’d love to see it.
Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for everyday home styling ideas, seasonal inspiration and practical care tips, and don’t forget to tag us when sharing your kitchen setups.
Looking for the right chopping board?
If you’re thinking about updating your kitchen or replacing an old board, explore our collection of wooden chopping boards, including acacia designs, engraved styles, herringbone patterns and marble chopping boards suitable for serving and display.
Browse our full chopping boards collection to find a board designed for everyday kitchen use and long-lasting quality.
