Give your cutting board the care it deserves with this easy DIY cutting board oil recipe! Using just three organic ingredients, it’s quick to make, affordable, and perfect for keeping your board food-safe and looking its best.
As a chef, caring for my wooden cutting boards has always been a priority. When I realized how expensive and full of mystery ingredients most store-bought oils were, I created my own natural solution. This DIY cutting board oil gives me peace of mind, knowing exactly what I put on my food prep surfaces. Give this recipe a try and keep your boards looking gorgeous, lasting longer, and staying food-safe for all your kitchen adventures!
Why You’ll Love This DIY Cutting Board Oil
- It’s so simple to make at home.
- You won’t find any chemicals here since you’re using a blend of all-natural ingredients.
- It’s non-toxic and food-safe.
- It’s usable on other wooden kitchen utensils (like wooden spoons) and even butcher blocks.
- Using it can also enhance the natural appearance of your wooden board.
- The oil penetrates the wood's surface, filling the tiny pores and creating a protective barrier, making the board water-resistant. This can prevent warping, cracking, or bacteria buildup over time.
Ingredient Notes
Coconut Oil: Provides protection, hydration, and nourishment to the wooden board by penetrating its pores to restore moisture, preventing them from drying out. Use refined or MCT oil for best results.
Beeswax: Complements the coconut oil by helping seal the moisture on the cutting board's surface while protecting it from stains, juices, and water damage. Yellow, white, grated, pellets — it all works!
Lemon Essential Oil: Adds antimicrobial and antibacterial properties to the polish, which helps keep your cutting board hygienic. It also helps deodorize the wood, leaving a fresh and clean-smelling scent.
How To Make The Best Cutting Board Oil
- Using a double boiler, melt the coconut oil and beeswax over gentle heat until fully liquefied, about 1-2 minutes.
- Take off the heat and mix in the essential oil.
- Transfer the melted mixture into a small jar and let it cool until solid. Keep stored at room temperature.
How To Use Wooden Cutting Board Polish
Rub a small amount of polish onto a clean, dry cutting board. Let it sit for a few minutes, then buff it with a clean cloth.
Top Tips
- When making this recipe, organic fractionated coconut oil (or MCT oil) is among the best oils to use as an ingredient, as it is suitable for conditioning wood. You can also use refined or unrefined coconut oil, mineral oil, walnut oil, linseed oil, 100% pure tung oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil.
- Don’t use unrefined coconut oil or other vegetable oils like canola, sunflower oil, or olive oil, as these may undergo rancidification quickly, leading to bacterial growth.
- Don’t use synthetic fragrance oils instead of essential oils, as they may not be suitable for food contact.
- Aside from a clean cloth, you can also use a paper towel when applying the oil, as it will help evenly distribute the polish over the board’s surface.
- Buffing the board 15-20 minutes after applying the polish will help remove any excess oil and help it achieve a non-sticky finish.
- Polish your wooden cutting boards at least once a month, or whenever the wood starts appearing dry or cracked, to help keep them well-maintained and protected.
Storage
Keep your DIY cutting board oil in a sealed container and place it in a cool, dark place. Don’t store it near heat and light sources, which may lead to the breakdown of oils and wax. It should last for several months when stored this way.
If the cutting board oil starts smelling off or rancid, discard it immediately.
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Equipment
Materials
- ½ cup coconut oil refined or MCT oil
- ¼ cup beeswax yellow or white
- 5 drops lemon essential oil
Instructions
- In a double boiler, combine the coconut oil and beeswax. Heat gently until fully melted, 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the essential oil.
- Pour the liquid polish into a small jar and allow it to cool until solid. Store at room temperature.
- To use, rub a small amount of polish onto a clean, dry cutting board. Let it sit for a few minutes, then buff with a clean cloth.
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