Frequently asked questions
Oil or Wax?
Waxing creates a more permanent barrier than oiling. Both options are good, waxing is just better. Wilson Woodworks recommends oiling your cutting board in between waxings.
How often should you wax your cutting board?
Wilson Woodworks recommends waxing your cutting board at least 2x per year for limited use. For individuals using their cutting boards more frequently 4x or more is recommended. Some people like to wax their cutting boards once a month.
Why Oil?
Mineral oil is important to protect the stability of your cutting board. Mineral oil seeps into the wood and helps to protect it from warping or cracking. Mineral oil helps to repel water and temporarily keep bacteria from penetrating the cutting board.
How often should you oil your cutting board?
Wilson Woodworks recommends that you oil your cutting board when ever your cutting board appears dry. You can determine this by a loss of color. Oiling your cutting board will instantly bring the life back to your cutting board.
Why Wax?
Waxing imitates the barrier created by by the fat being pounded into a butcher block by a butcher. In general, most people do not process enough meat on their cutting board to rely on this process to create an anaerobic layer. Since wood is essentially a bundle of straws when you wax a cutting board a minute amount of wax gets shoved into the pores creating a barrier. Without the wax, there is no barrier to keep bacteria from infiltrating your cutting board.
What type of oil can be used on my cutting board?
The internet is full of recommendations as to what oils you can use. The truth is the only oil that is guaranteed not to go rancid on a cutting board is mineral oil. All other oils commonly recommended such as olive, canola, coconut, and MCT can all go rancid over time. Wilson Woodworks Superior Cutting Board Oil is made form only FDA approved mineral oil and no extra non-FDA approved additives.