Did you know that each year, 1 in 6 Americans contract food poisoning? Though the symptoms don’t always send you to the hospital, they are rather uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
Speaking of that, your cutting board can be a source of food contamination. If you don’t clean and maintain it properly, the board can attract disease-causing microbes and lead to food poisoning.
After using your cutting board or butcher’s block, you should always clean it with some warm water and soap to flush out food particles and bacteria.
But maintaining a cutting board or block is not just about washing. It is also about treating it with the best wood cutting board oil you can find.
A good penetrating oil creates a tight barrier that shuts the water and bacteria out effectively. It, therefore, helps protect the board from warping and minimizes the chances of poisoning. Additionally, oiling helps keep the board looking beautiful and prevents the dried-out appearance.
The following guide is meant to help you find the ideal food safe oil for cutting boards.
Let’s jump in.
Moreover, the oil is effective for helping prevent rust on shears and knives.Image | Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Thirteen Chefs Food Grade Mineral Oil | 5 out of 5 | ||
| John Boos MYSB Mystery Butcher Block Oil | 5 out of 5 | |
Howard Products BBB012 Cutting Board Oil | 4.5 out of 5 | ||
| UltraPro Food Grade Mineral Oil for Cutting Board | 4 out of 5 | |
Bayes Food Grade Oil for Bamboo Cutting Boards | 4.5 out of 5 |
Our Recommended Best Cutting Board Oil in 2022
1. Thirteen Chefs Food Grade Mineral Oil
Located in Seattle, Washington, Thirteen Chefs designs and retails some of the most well-made kitchenware in the US.
One of the products that they offer is the Thirteen Chefs Food Grade Mineral Oil, a favorite for many when it comes to cutting board cleaning and maintenance.
The reasons why so many professional and home chefs view this product as the best wood cutting board oil are very simple. It is food-safe, easy to apply, versatile, and effective. Let’s dig a little deeper.
When searching for the right oil for cutting board maintenance, safety is paramount. You don’t want an oil that will transfer any harmful chemicals to your food.
Concerning that, the oil is made in the USA and in compliance with the FDA specifications on safety. It is 100% pure USP mineral oil that you can use without any worries about health safety.
Ever been tempted to use vegetable oil to maintain your cutting board? Yes, vegetable oil is food-grade but using it is a bad idea. You know why? A process called rancidification. Over time, the oil becomes oxidized and gains an unpleasant/rancid smell.
But USP mineral oil such as the one that Thirteen Chefs offers you doesn't undergo rancidification. It, therefore, doesn't create any funky smell.
Let me tell you a secret. Industrial customers and professional chefs don’t buy expensive products to maintain knives and grinders. They rely on mineral oil, which is effective yet cheap.
You too could save a lot by ditching the expensive products and using this mineral oil. Thankfully, it works on more than just wood cutting boards. You can use it on slate countertops granite, wood and marble as well.
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2. John Boos MYSB Mystery Butcher Block Oil
Since 1887, John Boos & Co. has been supplying Americans with some of the highest-quality butcher blocks and cutting boards. Now, the firm also offers some really high-grade oil that you can use to maintain these items.
The John Boos MYSB Mystery Butcher Block Oil is a product that penetrates deeply into the fibers of your wood board to revitalize and protect it.
First and foremost, this product is well formulated and food-grade. It is a mixture of linseed oil, mineral oil, and orange oil. You cannot really smell these ingredients, though there’s a faint pleasant scent.
The product is manufactured in Illinois, USA, with compliance to FDA specifications on food-grade oil. In fact, the oil has NSF certification as proof of its approval for use on food preparation surfaces.
Do you have some old boards that are looking a little dull? You will love the revitalizing power of this product. It seeps in deeply and gives your boards a fresh new look – smooth but not oily.
With each application, the color of your boards gets richer.
You might have heard that after every use, you should clean your cutting board to prevent bacteria from accumulating. But with regular water-cleaning comes the risk of water damage. Water seeps into the material and causes the wood to crack.
But with the Mystery Oil from John Boos, you have the solution to this issue.
When allowed to soak adequately, perhaps overnight, the oil leaves a reliable barrier that seals the surface. That way, the water is prevented from soaking in and causing the wood to crack.
Whatever you’re looking to protect, this product may be exactly what you need. It is versatile, working on countertops, cutting boards, butcher blocks, utensils, and so on. The oil comes in measures of 15 oz, 32 oz, and 1 gallon.Highlighted features:
3. Howard Products BBB012 Cutting Board Oil
Located in Paso Robles, California is one of the renowned manufacturers of wood protection products in the US. Founded in 1969, Howards Products Inc. was made with one mission. To help you restore the original color of your wood surfaces and get rid of blemishes.
Penetration capability is one of the factors that define the effectiveness of a cutting board oil. For the oil to be effective, it has to reach deep into the wood.
With regard to that, the Howard Products BBB012 Cutting Board Oil is superb. It is a low viscosity fluid with high penetration capability, which helps it to deep-set its rejuvenating properties.
A lot of oil products out there have to be applied in multiple coats to work. Furthermore, many of them can take an incredibly long duration to soak in.
If you’ve ever applied oil to your boards only to later find it floating at the top with signs of very limited soaking, then you know what I am talking about.
Well, you can call off your search for a good oil that will soak efficiently because this product from Howard is exactly what you need. Leaving it on your board overnight, you will find it well soaked in the following morning.
Perhaps you have some old pieces of chopping boards that have lost their finish and accumulated stains. You don’t have to throw them to the garbage just yet.
With the oil, you can restore the natural wood color on them.
Good oil for wood cutting boards is not just the one that is able to penetrate the surface and provide reliable protection. It is also about safety.
That brings us to the question – what is the Howard Products Cutting Board Oil made of? This product is 100% food-grade mineral oil. Apart from being absolutely safe for food preparation, it is odorless and it doesn’t come with any pigments or tastes.Highlighted features:
4. UltraPro Food Grade Mineral Oil for Cutting Board
When you first purchase any food preparation item made of wood, whether a chopping board, a spatula, or a spoon, it is recommended that you season it.
Seasoning with the right oil creates a protective film that keeps water and bacteria from entering. That way, you make your utensil last long and remain food-safe.
One of the most useful products I have encountered that you can use for seasoning is the UltraPro Food Grade Mineral Oil.
This oil doesn’t work on wood only. You can also use it to season other materials including stainless steel knives and non-stick skillets.
One thing that I love about this product is its oiliness. This trait makes it ideal for lubricating and smoothing surfaces.
No matter how dull the surface appears, the oil penetrates deeply and releases its incredible rejuvenating properties, kicking the item back to its former glory.
It is the perfect product to restore any old boards you might be keeping on the shelves.
Also, if your stainless-steel utensils are looking a bit dull, the product effectively gives them a polished look.
Empty body oil/lotion bottles? We’ve all been there. But if you have some UltraPro Food Grade Mineral Oil in the house, you got nothing to worry about. This product is not just safe for wood rejuvenation. It is also an effective and absolutely safe skin moisturizer.
For a food grade mineral oil that is reliable, get this product from the UltraSource store. It will restore your wood and steel surfaces and form a strong moisture barrier.Highlighted features:
5. Bayes Food Grade Oil for Bamboo Cutting Boards
Bamboo is one of the most elegant choices not only for cutting boards but also for a range of other kitchen tools. However, with regular washing, the material can dry out.
With drying comes cracking, and your prized possession no longer looks so beautiful. How can you prevent that? It is really easy. All you have to do is get some good oil for bamboo cutting boards such as the Bayes Food Grade Mineral Oil.
By applying it to your boards, you can easily keep the wood from drying out or cracking.
The reason why many people view this product as the best cutting board oil is that it penetrates the wood, settling deep in it and protecting it effectively. Because of the barrier created, neither water nor bacteria can get into the wood. As water is kept at bay, the wood is safe from cracking.
Apart from the protection benefits offered, the product is a fantastic cleaner and revitalizer. If your utensils are giving you a headache because they’re too stained, you don’t have to throw them away or use bleach.
Realize that bleach contains harsh chemicals that are not good for your body. The solution you may want to try is the mineral oil from Bayes. This liquid works like a charm.
All you have to do to remove the discoloration is leave it on the tool overnight. By morning, a wipe down with a towel will get rid of the stains without a struggle.
What I love about the product is that unlike bleach, it is a completely safe formula that doesn’t pose any health risks. It is made in the USA and even comes with a USDA certification as proof of its safety in cleaning and maintaining food prepping surfaces.Highlighted features:
6. Swan Oil for Cutting Board
Did you know that keeping your cutting board or butcher’s block in the store for too long can make them wear? Yes, they’re not being used, but as the surface becomes dry, the fibers start to fray and the item loses its luster.
Oiling helps keep the surface from losing moisture, and therefore, prevents it from drying out or wearing too quickly.
The next item I’m going to tell you about is an extremely versatile liquid that plays a great role with regard to that. It also serves another purpose you might want to hear about.
The Swan Mineral Oil is an effective treatment solution for your wood cutting board.
This product, which is 99.9% mineral oil and a little tocopherol as a stabilizer, has exceptional penetration power. It gets into the wood and forms a sturdy block to water.
By shutting out the water, it helps protect your board from expanding and cracking.
If you want something that will keep your board looking nice, this oil will come in helpful. It excels at restoring the original wood color and prevents drying out.
The second application of this product that I though you may want to hear about is cosmetic use.
When sebum and dead skin get trapped in the hair follicles, inflammation results along with bumps. The clogged condition of the pores attracts acne-causing microbes.
Some makeup products also create ideal conditions for the acne bacteria.
Unfortunately, cleansing oils are not very affordable. Particularly if you have to use them regularly, you might find them putting a strain on your budget.
But all hope is not lost. With the Swan Mineral Oil, you get to enjoy the benefits of premium cleansing oils at just a fraction of the cost.Highlighted features:
7. Greener Chef Food Grade Cutting Board Oil
Getting a quality cutting board is not a problem. There are lots of boards out there made from quality wood, and which offer a lifetime warranty.
Most of them are actually built to last. However, you will still find many boards in the garbage bin. And if you dig the reason why the owners dispose of them, it is often about stains and cracking.
How does a premium cutting board end up in the garbage for stains and cracks? You see, though the unit might be well-constructed, maintenance plays a huge role in its durability. If you clean the tool daily but haven't treated it, the wood will dry out and lose its original color.
At the same time, the water gets unrestricted access into the fibers of the wood, where it causes the board to expand and crack.
Fortunately, treating your wood board is a no-brainer. All you have to do is apply some Greener Chef Food Grade Cutting Board Oil twice a month.
The product is a natural cleanser made from 100% Walnut oil. It is made with safety in mind, and specifically for use on surfaces utilized for food prepping.
Whatever wood surfaces you have in your kitchen, the product will come in handy for restoring the natural appearance. It works superbly for not only cleaning the stains but also moisturizing the surface and bringing back the natural glow.
We all have varying preferences when it comes to the dispenser style of oil. Some prefer a product they can stream, others want to drip, and still, some folks want something sprayable.
No matter what style you prefer, Greener Chef has you covered. Their bottle features a convenient 3-mode dispenser that allows dripping, streaming, and spraying.
I particularly love the spray feature. It works faultlessly and mess-free, keeping wastage at a minimum.
If you want some oil that will restore the color of your wood cutting boards or butcher’s block, the Greener Chef Food Grade Cutting Board Oil would be a great choice. It is safe and it offers lasting protection.
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8. Sanco Industries 100% Pure Food Grade Mineral Oil
Whether you’re a professional or a home chef, buying mineral oil in bulk is in your best interest. By buying in bulk, you save tremendously and have enough to take you a long way.
One of the bulk models you may want to try is the Sanco Industries 100% Pure Food Grade Mineral Oil. It comes in a can of 1 gallon.
Before I tell you why this product is worth it, allow me to ask this – have you ever received a liquid product in a container that was not anywhere near full-capacity? I bet it's a situation we've all experienced. Such daylight robbery by sellers.
The reason I love this Sanco Industries is that they do not rob consumers like this. Their mineral oil containers come filled to the brim, so your money is not wasted at all.
What makes things even more amazing is the fact that their product is extremely effective. Unlike other brands that offer mineral oil that have to be reapplied multiple times to work, this one works in just one application. A little goes a long way.
Do you have grease stains baked onto your steel kitchen tools and utensils? Removing it can be quite a hassle especially when you’ve not cleaned the items for a long time.
What makes the situation tricky is that you have to use a product that combines effectiveness with safety. Don’t waste time looking for costly products. Sanco’s mineral oil will do.
This product cuts through the stains and removes them in minutes. Just apply it and leave it for 10 minutes. After that, scrub a little with a damp towel and you’ll see the magic of this liquid. It kicks the steel back to life with a beautiful and streak-free sheen.
For wood surfaces, such as chopping boards, the oil works as a cleaner, a moisture barrier, and a refinisher.
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9. Caron & Doucet Cutting Board Oil
Most wood maintenance oil products are formulated such that after application, you have to give them at least 8 hours to work. If you wipe them too quickly, then you’ll not realize the benefits of protection and revitalization.
But what if you need to give your cutting board or butcher’s block a quick touch up and use it the next minute?
In case you're looking for the ideal product for touch-ups that acts quickly to revive the finish and supply protection, the Caron & Doucet Cutting Board Oil is a great choice.
This product needs only a few minutes to soak into the wood and create a water-tight barrier while revamping the surface.
For those looking for a 100% natural solution, this is it. The liquid is made entirely from plant sources. It contains coconut oil mixed with food-safe essential oils.
Is the product going to gain a bad smell, you ask? No, not at all. This is high-quality and durable oil that will not go rancid over time.
Do your wood utensils have a bad smell? This is possible especially if you have been using kitchen oils like linseed and olive to clean or maintain them.
Have you tried everything from cleaning with hot water to drying in the sun and nothing seems to work to eliminate the odor? It’s time to try some Caron & Doucet Cutting Board Oil.
The essential oils that are infused into the product will do a good job fighting the unpleasant smell. Your items will go from smelling bad to having a faint nice scent.
If you need the best oil for cutting boards that is health-safe and effective, this is a product you should check out. It will revamp your cutting board and wood kitchenware. The oil comes in two quantities – an 8-oz and a 1-gallon.Highlighted features:
10. Clark’s Cutting Board Oil
Would you like a product that will not only clean and revive your wood cutting board but also leave a fresh scent that will not overwhelm? If so, you may want to check out the Clark’s Cutting Board Oil.
This is food-grade mineral oil that is enriched with orange and lemon oils to provide that fantastic scent. Once you use the product, your items are left smelling delightful.
When buying from the Clark’s Amazon store, you have two options for the scent – the orange lemon or the Rosemary Lavender. Both scents are wonderful and the cool thing is that none of them is too strong to the level of being uncomfortable.
What I love the most about this product is its effectiveness. The oil takes only a few hours to penetrate deeply into the wood grain. It then establishes a powerful seal that makes certain water and impurities do not get a way into the wood.
Thanks to the seal that the product creates, your wood surface is protected from water damage as well as stains.
Cleaning the wood also becomes a cinch as the dirt only settles at the top rather than seeping into the wood fibers.
Cutting boards have more than just one use. Apart from providing a platform for slicing fruits, veggies, meat, and other food items, they can be utilized for serving food. Regarding that, allow me to ask – has food ever gotten stuck on your cutting board?
This is actually a common problem, which is mostly caused by the board drying out. To solve it, what you require is a product that can restore the board’s smoothness. And for that purpose, the Clark’s Cutting Board Oil will come in helpful.
It is extremely effective for fighting dryness and preventing food from getting stuck to the board.
Lastly, I like the design of the pour pout. It makes pouring easy and precise and helps prevent wastage.
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Best Oil for Wood Cutting Board Comparison Table
Name | Quantity | Contains | Scent |
|---|---|---|---|
Thirteen Chefs Oil | 12 oz | 100% USP mineral oil | None |
John Boos Oil | 16-oz | Linseed oil Mineral oil Orange oil | Mild linseed scent |
Howard Products BBB012 | 12 oz | 100% USP mineral oil | None |
UltraPro Food Grade Mineral Oil | 1 gallon | 100% USP Mineral Oil | None |
Bayes Food Grade Mineral Oil for Wood | 8 oz 12 oz | 100% USP mineral oil | Slight nice fragrance of essential oils |
Swan Mineral Oil | 16 oz | 99.9% Mineral oil with tocopherol added as stabilizer | None |
Greener Chef Food Grade Cutting Board Oil | 5 oz | 100% pure walnut oil | None |
Sanco Industries 100% Pure Food Grade Mineral Oil | 1 gallon | 100% Mineral Oil | None |
Caron & Doucet Cutting Board Oil | 8 oz | Coconut oil and essential oils | Slight essential oils scent |
Clark’s Cutting Board Oil | 12 oz | Food Grade Mineral Oil enriched with lemon & orange oils or rosemary lavender | Orange/lemon or rosemary lavender |
Cutting Board Oil Buying Guide
A high-quality wood cutting board or butcher’s block is meant to last. However, lack of maintenance can present challenges that can make you have to replace it sooner than you expect.
But with proper maintenance, the tool should serve you for decades. The right way to maintain a cutting board is to make sure you clean it and oil it regularly.
If you’re looking to the best wood cutting board oil for the purpose of maintenance, the following considerations will help you make the right decision.
1. Safety
We use cutting boards and blocks to prepare meat, veggies, fruits, and other ingredients. That means these items come into direct contact with the food we eat.
Thus, when you apply oil to the board as a maintenance agent, the oil will come into contact with your food you’re going to consume. If it contains any harmful substances, these will be transferred to the food, and it will pose various health risks.
For that reason, you want to make certain that the oil you secure contains only safe ingredients.
Oils made of the following ingredients are safe for use:
Note, however, sundry ingredients might cause allergic reactions. The main ones you might want to avoid are walnut oil, linseed oil, and tung oil.
2. Quantity
One brand might offer you a 10-oz bottle at $10. Another might be offering 15 ounces at $12. Obviously, the second offer helps you save more.
Surprisingly, most of the time, there is no significant difference in the quality of the oil. And therefore, capacity should be used as a major deciding factor.
In case you use the board often and you need oil for regular cleaning, you may want to look out for the deal that saves you money.
3. Ergonomics
Ease of use is something you should always mull over when seeking the best mineral oil for cutting boards. The things to look at include the ease of pressing the bottle as well as the dispenser styles.
The container should be adequately soft that you can squeeze out the liquid without a struggle. However, that is not important if the bottle has a top that is opened completely to get out the oil.
Concerning the dispenser styles, I reckon we all have varying preferences. That said, a sprayable option is the easiest one to use. It is also the most precise and keeps wastage to a minimum.
Another easy to use option is the drip variety. You just press the side of the top and the liquid drips out from the other end.
How to Take Care of Your Cutting Board?
How do I maintain my cutting board? That’s a quite common question.
Maintenance is paramount for keeping your board looking great for a long time.
Fortunately for you, cutting board maintenance is not complicated. With the best oil for wooden cutting boards, and following the correct procedures, it can be easy and quick.
To maintain your board, there are two things to do:
Let’s go through each of these.
1. Washing Your Cutting Board
Caution: do not put the board in the dishwasher as the heat can lead to warping and splintering of the wood. The only boards you should put in there are those made of plastic or glass.
Also, avoid the following:
2. Oiling the Cutting Board
Before oiling, make sure the board is clean and thoroughly dry.
Note: if the board is old and very dry, or if it is new and you’re seasoning it, you may want to repeat the process once or twice.
Tip: once the board is dry after oiling, consider waxing it. You could use beeswax, carnauba, or any other suitable food-safe cream. Waxing will enhance the water barrier and keep stains from getting baked into the wood, therefore making cleaning a breeze. Unlike oil, wax doesn’t need time to soak into the wood fibers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the best oil for wood cutting boards?
The ideal oil for wood cutting boards and butcher blocks combines these factors: food-safe, high penetrating capacity, and no tendency to go rancid. The oil should have a low viscosity so it seeps into the wood efficiently to provide a barrier to water and bacteria.
Most importantly, it shouldn’t be made of any ingredients that pose health hazards. Mineral oil is the most common choice for chopping boards.
2. Is it okay to treat my cutting board with olive oil?
Olive oil and other oils used for cooking, such as sunflower and corn oil might feel tempting for treating cutting boards as they are food-safe. However, these oils tend to go rancid.
Over time, they break down and gain a funky smell. For this reason, using these oils for cutting board maintenance is a bad idea.
3. How frequently does one oil their cutting board?
People oil their cutting boards in wide-ranging frequencies. Some do it once a week while others do it once or twice a year. There are also those who do it monthly.
How often you use your cutting board should determine how frequently you’re going to oil it.
With each use and wash, the surface dries out some more. Watch the change and when the surface starts to look dried out, then treat it with some cutting board oil. For most folks, once a month is the ideal rate.
4. Is it required to oil a bamboo cutting board?
Bamboo cutting boards look wonderful and they are built to last. However, without proper maintenance with oil, they too can dry out and get worn.
Before making your first cut, be sure to season the surface with some oil for bamboo cutting boards. Also, treat the board with oil from time to time to avoid drying out and keep the board looking great.
Conclusion
If you have a wood cutting board at home, you want to clean it and oil it regularly with the best wood cutting board oil.
Doing this is extremely important because, for starters, it helps you avoid health hazards such as food poisoning by fighting bacteria. Then again, it maintains your cutting board or block, keeping it looking terrific for a long time. Good oil penetrates the fibers and creates a sturdy water barrier.
That way, the wood is prevented from absorbing excess water and cracking or splintering. In addition, oiling keeps the surface of the board smooth and free from drying out.
The products suggested in the review section are food-grade and they have good penetration capacity. Go through each and see which one works for you.
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