A good walnut board can last for generations, and keeping it that way takes only a few minutes now and then. Wood is a natural material, so it reacts to water, heat and dryness. The good news is that the routine is simple. Here's how we recommend caring for the live edge walnut charcuterie boards and lazy Susans we make in our Prescott, Wisconsin shop.
Washing your board
- Hand wash only. Use warm water and a little mild dish soap with a soft sponge or cloth.
- Never soak it. Standing water is the fastest way to warp or crack a board.
- Never put it in the dishwasher. The heat and long exposure to water will dry out the wood and can split it.
- Dry it right away. Towel it off, then let it finish air drying standing on its edge so both sides get air.
Oiling your board
Oil is what keeps walnut looking deep and rich and helps it resist moisture. When a board starts to look pale, dry or chalky, it's time.
- Make sure the board is clean and completely dry.
- Apply a generous amount of food-safe mineral oil or a board butter (mineral oil blended with beeswax) with a soft cloth or paper towel.
- Rub it in with the grain, covering the top, bottom and edges, including the live edge.
- Let it soak in for a few hours or overnight.
- Wipe off any excess so the surface doesn't feel sticky.
How often? Every few weeks is a good rhythm for a board you use regularly, and once a month or so for one that's mostly on display. A new board will drink up more oil at first.
What not to use: skip olive, vegetable and other cooking oils. They can go rancid over time and leave the board smelling off.
Removing stains and odors
- Stains: sprinkle the spot with coarse salt and scrub it with half a lemon. Rinse, dry, and re-oil.
- Odors: rub the surface with a paste of baking soda and a little water, or with a cut lemon, then rinse and dry.
- Avoid bleach and harsh cleaners. They dry out the wood and can discolor walnut.
Light scratches and rough spots
Knife marks and small scratches are part of a board's character, but if the surface feels rough or fuzzy after washing, you can smooth it. Lightly sand the area with fine sandpaper (220 grit or finer), moving with the grain. Wipe away the dust and re-oil the board.
Where to keep it
- Store it somewhere dry, standing on edge or flat with air around it.
- Keep it out of long periods of direct sunlight, which can fade walnut's color.
- Keep it away from heat sources like stovetops, radiators and heating vents.
The short version
Hand wash, dry right away, oil it every few weeks, and keep it away from soaking, the dishwasher and heat. Do that, and your board will keep getting better looking with age.
Looking for a board of your own or a gift? Browse our live edge walnut charcuterie boards and walnut lazy Susans, each one handcrafted from a single slab. Have a question about caring for a piece you bought from us? Contact us anytime.