What oil should you use to maintain your cutting boards, chopping blocks and wooden utensils?

If you have a beautiful wooden board or hand-carved spoon in your kitchen, you already know that they're not quite like the others. Wood is alive. It has character, it ages, it develops a patina... and it requires a little attention.

In this article, I'll share my tips for maintaining your wooden utensils with the right oils: those that protect safely, those to avoid at all costs, and how often to remember to condition them. I promise, it's simple and it makes all the difference.

Why oil your wooden utensils?

Wood is naturally porous: it absorbs water, odors, colors, etc. If left to dry out or wear without care, it can become rough, crack, or worse, retain moisture and bacteria. Oiling your utensils is a way to protect them, but also to extend their beauty and lifespan.

It's a bit like putting cream on dry skin. It only takes a few minutes, and you'll see the difference right away!

The Best Oils to Use in Cooking

I've tested several solutions over the years, and here are the ones I recommend with my eyes closed:

🥇 Food grade mineral oil

It's the safest and most stable over time. It's colorless, odorless, doesn't go rancid, and does the job perfectly.

👉 I use it mostly for cutting boards that I use every day.
📍 Available in pharmacies (food-grade paraffin oil) or specialist stores.

🌰 Walnut or hazelnut oil

Very pleasant to use, it nourishes the wood well and smells delicious. But it can go rancid over time, especially if your utensils are left in a closed drawer.

👉 Perfect for a wooden salad bowl that you use from time to time, or a nice serving spoon.
⚠️ Beware of allergies.

🌾 Flaxseed oil (food version)

An oil that dries and hardens: it penetrates deep into the wood and creates a solid protection. But be careful: it must absolutely be intended for food use . Linseed oil for furniture or paint is toxic!

👉 Use on logs, large boards or raw wood objects.
📍 It can be found online or at certain craftsmen.

🥇A specific maintenance balm

A maintenance balm is made from a precise blend of mineral oil (food-grade paraffin oil) and beeswax. It provides the best protection for your chopping block during all your cutting operations. This balm will penetrate and harden into the wood fibers, making your end-grain chopping block more resistant to the penetration of juices from your cuts. This will also make cleaning easier.

We have one on Amphitria! Check it out here !

And which oils should you avoid?

Some vegetable oils may seem practical, but they should be avoided because they go rancid very quickly : they leave a sticky film, smell bad, and can even go moldy.

🚫 To absolutely avoid:

• Olive oil

• Sunflower oil

• Rapeseed oil

• Sesame oil

Even if you always have some on hand, never use them to maintain wood.

How often should I oil?

Here is my little routine:

• When I receive a new wooden utensil : I oil it once a week for a month.

• Then : about once a month, or whenever I feel the wood a little dry to the touch.

💡 A good test: pour a drop of water onto the board. If it doesn't form a small bead, it's time to feed.

How to do it? (In 5 minutes)

1. Clean the utensil well with lukewarm water (never in the dishwasher, of course)

2. Dry it perfectly

3. Put a little oil on a soft cloth or paper towel

4. Massage the wood gently, taking your time

5. Leave on for a few hours or overnight, then wipe off the excess

That's it. And it's really satisfying!

In summary