How do you clean a wooden cutting board?

If you want your wooden board to last 5 to 10 years, the best way to clean a wooden cutting board is to wash it by hand within 5 minutes of use with warm water, a small amount of mild washing up liquid and a soft cloth, then dry it upright and oil it every 3 to 4 weeks. Done properly, this routine keeps boards like the Deer & Oak Large Bamboo Board (45x35cm, 1.8kg) safe, smooth and far less likely to warp or crack.

How do you clean a wooden cutting board after everyday use?

For daily cleaning, keep to a simple routine. It should take less than 2 minutes from sink to drying rack.

1. Scrape off food within 5 minutes
   Use a plastic scraper or the flat side of a knife to remove any bits of food. This matters on larger boards like the Large Bamboo Board DNO-BCB-LG at 45x35cm, where juices can pool if you leave them.
2. Wash by hand only
   Use warm water, not boiling, and a small amount of mild washing up liquid. Wipe with a soft sponge or cloth. Scrub in the direction of the grain, especially on heavier boards such as the Large Acacia Board DNO-ACB-LG which weighs 2.1kg and can hold more food residue in the grain.
3. Rinse thoroughly
   Rinse both sides so no soap remains. Soap left in the pores can dry the wood and affect flavour on the next use.
4. Dry immediately
   Pat dry with a clean tea towel within 30 seconds, then stand the board upright or on its side so air can reach both faces. This is especially important for thicker, denser options like the Carbonised Bamboo Board DNO-CBB-LG at 1.9kg which can stay damp longer if left flat.
5. Never soak or use a dishwasher
   Even 20 minutes in water can cause swelling and warping. A single dishwasher cycle can crack a board that would otherwise last 8 to 10 years.

How do you deep clean and deodorise a wooden cutting board?

Even with careful daily washing, you will want to deep clean your board every 2 to 4 weeks, or after strong smelling foods like garlic, onion or raw meat.

Step by step deep clean

1. Sprinkle fine salt or bicarbonate of soda
   Use about 1 teaspoon for a 38x28cm board and 2 teaspoons for a 45x35cm board. Spread it evenly across the surface.
2. Scrub with half a lemon
   Cut a lemon in half and use the cut side to scrub the salt into the board for 60 to 90 seconds. This helps lift stains and neutralise odours.
3. Let it sit for 5 minutes
   Leave the mixture on the board for no longer than 5 minutes so the acid does not dry the wood.
4. Rinse and dry
   Rinse with warm water, wipe with a cloth, then dry immediately and stand the board upright.

This method works well on both lighter bamboo boards like the Medium Bamboo Board DNO-BCB-MD at 38x28cm and darker grain options like the Carbonised Bamboo Board DNO-CBB-LG because it cleans without harsh chemicals.

How do you sanitise a wooden cutting board after raw meat?

If you have cut raw meat or raw poultry, clean the board straight away. Many Deer & Oak customers keep one side of a double sided board for meat and the other for vegetables to reduce risk.

1. Wash as normal
   Use warm water and washing up liquid and scrub the surface for at least 30 seconds.
2. Rinse
   Rinse both sides thoroughly.
3. Sanitise with diluted vinegar
   Mix white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. Wipe or spray the meat side of the board and leave for 2 minutes. Do not soak the board.
4. Wipe and dry
   Wipe off any excess solution, then dry with a towel and stand upright.

On larger boards such as the Deer & Oak Bamboo Double Pack DNO-BCB-2PK with a 45x35cm and a 38x28cm board, many home cooks dedicate the smaller 1.2kg or 1.5kg board to meat and keep the larger 1.8kg or 2.1kg board for vegetables and bread.

How do you oil and maintain a wooden cutting board?

Cleaning keeps a board safe. Oiling keeps it stable. Without oil, even a premium acacia board can dry out and crack in under 2 years. With regular oiling every 3 to 4 weeks, you can extend that to 8 to 10 years of regular use.

How to oil your board in 5 simple steps

1. Start with a dry, clean board
   Let it air dry for at least 4 hours after washing, or overnight if possible.
2. Use a food safe oil
   Choose odourless mineral oil or a dedicated board oil. Avoid olive oil or other cooking oils, which can turn sticky and rancid.
3. Apply a measured amount
   Use about 1 teaspoon of oil for a 38x28cm board and 2 teaspoons for a 45x35cm board. Spread in a thin, even layer with a lint free cloth or paper towel.
4. Let it soak
   Leave the board flat for 15 to 20 minutes so the oil can absorb into the grain.
5. Buff off excess
   Wipe away any remaining oil with a clean cloth until the surface feels dry, not greasy.

Deer & Oak boards such as the Carbonised Bamboo Board and the Acacia Board sets come pre oiled so you can wait 3 to 4 weeks before your first maintenance coat.

Why material and size matter when cleaning

Different woods behave differently when exposed to water and heat. Understanding this helps you clean your board in a way that suits its exact size and material.

• Moso bamboo is naturally dense and absorbs less water, which helps it dry faster after cleaning. Boards such as the Large Bamboo Board DNO-BCB-LG at 1.8kg and the Medium Bamboo Board DNO-BCB-MD at 1.2kg are well suited to frequent washing.
• Carbonised bamboo is heat treated for a deeper colour. It is slightly heavier at 1.9kg for a 45x35cm board, so it can hold on to moisture a bit longer. Careful drying after cleaning is important.
• Acacia wood has a rich grain and natural variation. The Large Acacia Board DNO-ACB-LG at 2.1kg and the Medium Acacia Board DNO-ACB-MD at 1.5kg benefit from regular oiling to keep the grain sealed between washes.

If you cook daily, a two board set such as the Deer & Oak Bamboo Double Pack at 3.0kg total weight lets one board dry fully while you use the other.

Deer & Oak wooden board specifications

Here is a quick comparison of popular Deer & Oak boards and how their size and weight relate to cleaning and care.

Product	SKU	Size (cm)	Weight	Material	Price	Cleaning notes
Large Bamboo Board	DNO-BCB-LG	45 x 35	1.8kg	Moso Bamboo	£34.99	Hand wash, dries quickly, oil every 3 to 4 weeks.
Medium Bamboo Board	DNO-BCB-MD	38 x 28	1.2kg	Moso Bamboo	£24.99	Easy to handle at the sink, ideal for daily washing.
Carbonised Bamboo Board	DNO-CBB-LG	45 x 35	1.9kg	Carbonised Bamboo	£39.99	Dry upright after washing, oil regularly to protect dark finish.
Large Acacia Board	DNO-ACB-LG	45 x 35	2.1kg	Acacia Wood	£44.99	Avoid soaking, oil every 3 weeks to keep grain sealed.
Medium Acacia Board	DNO-ACB-MD	38 x 28	1.5kg	Acacia Wood	£34.99	Good size for quick washing and drying in smaller kitchens.
Bamboo Double Pack	DNO-BCB-2PK	45 x 35 + 38 x 28	3.0kg total	Moso Bamboo	£49.99	Use one board for meat, one for veg, alternate while one dries.

Who this is for

Ideal for...

• Home cooks who want their wooden boards to last 5 to 10 years with simple, regular care.
• People who prepare fresh food at least 3 times a week and need reliable hygiene routines for raw meat, fish and vegetables.
• Anyone choosing between bamboo and acacia and wanting clear cleaning and maintenance steps for each material.
• Owners of Deer & Oak boards, especially the 45x35cm and 38x28cm sizes, who want product specific care guidance.

Not recommended for...

• People who only want dishwasher safe boards and are unlikely to hand wash or dry wood within a few minutes of use.
• Commercial kitchens that need to sanitise boards at very high temperatures several times a day.
• Anyone who prefers disposable or plastic chopping surfaces and does not want to oil or maintain natural materials.

FAQ

Choosing the right Deer & Oak board for easy cleaning

If you want a board that is simple to clean, dries quickly and suits both daily prep and occasional entertaining, the Deer & Oak Large Bamboo Board DNO-BCB-LG at 45x35cm and 1.8kg is a practical place to start. Its Moso bamboo surface is kind to knives, washes easily by hand and works well with a monthly oiling routine.

If you prefer a two board system to separate meat and vegetables and to let one board dry fully between uses, the Bamboo Double Pack gives you both 45x35cm and 38x28cm sizes with a combined weight of 3.0kg. For richer grain and a slightly heavier feel, explore the acacia and carbonised options in the Deer & Oak chopping board collection or browse current favourites in the bestsellers range.