Thank you for choosing a Vector & Grain chopping board.

Each board is handmade from carefully selected hardwood in our workshop, then finished with food-safe mineral oil and our own in-house wax blend before it leaves us. With a little simple care, your board should bring you many years of solid, reliable use in the kitchen.

Wood is a hard-wearing material, but it is still natural timber. It will respond to water, heat, washing and daily use, so the aim of good board care is simple: keep it clean, let it dry properly, and refresh the finish when the wood starts to look dry.

Everyday Care

After use

Wash the board by hand using warm, soapy water and a cloth, sponge or soft brush.

Wipe away any residue, rinse or wipe with clean water, then dry promptly with a towel. For best results, leave the board standing upright, or somewhere with airflow around both faces, until fully dry.

Your board should never be left sitting wet on the worktop or draining board for long periods.

When to Oil Your Board

Mineral oil is used to nourish the wood. It helps replenish moisture lost through washing and everyday use, keeping the board smooth, rich in colour and less prone to drying out.

Your board arrives ready to use, but over time it will need refreshing.

A good rule of thumb is to oil your board whenever:

• the wood looks lighter, dry or dull;
• the surface feels rough or “thirsty”;
• water absorbs quickly rather than sitting on the surface;
• the board has had a period of heavy washing or frequent use.

For a board used regularly, a quick oil every few weeks or months is usually enough. Heavily used boards may benefit from more frequent care.

Which Oil Should I Use?

Your board should only be treated with oils or finishes that are suitable for surfaces that come into contact with food. General furniture varnishes, stains, oils and workshop finishes should not be used unless they are clearly labelled as suitable for food-contact surfaces.

We use and recommend food-grade mineral oil because it is simple, stable and easy to maintain. It soaks into the wood, helps reduce dryness, does not turn rancid, and does not need a long curing period before the board can be used again. It is important to use food-grade mineral oil, not general-purpose mineral oil, lubricants or furniture products.

Other oils can be used, but they come with trade-offs:

Pure tung oil can create a hard-wearing, water-resistant finish, but it cures slowly and may take several weeks before the board is ready for normal use.

Tung oil finishes often cure faster, but many are blended with solvents, varnishes or drying agents. Only use one if the specific product is clearly suitable for food-contact surfaces.

Walnut oil can give a lovely finish, but it may not be suitable for households where severe tree nut allergies are a concern, particularly if the oil is unrefined.

Linseed oil needs care. Raw linseed oil cures slowly, while many boiled linseed oils contain drying additives. Only use a linseed oil product if it is explicitly labelled as food-safe or suitable for food-contact surfaces.

Avoid everyday cooking oils such as olive, vegetable, sunflower or rapeseed oil. They may be food-safe to eat, but they can become sticky, develop odours or go rancid when used as a wood treatment.

For most people, the easiest and most reliable routine is:

Oil with food-grade mineral oil when the board looks dry, then apply board wax for extra surface protection.

How to oil your board

1. Clean and dry the board
   Make sure the board is clean and completely dry before applying oil.
2. Apply mineral oil
   Pour a small amount of food-grade mineral oil onto the board and spread it evenly with a clean, lint-free cloth or kitchen roll. Cover the whole surface, including the edges, ends and any grooves.
3. Let it soak in
   Leave the oil to absorb for several hours, or ideally overnight. If the board looks dry again shortly after applying oil, add a little more.
4. Wipe away the excess
   Once the wood has absorbed what it needs, wipe away any remaining oil with a clean, dry cloth. The board should feel smooth and conditioned, not wet or greasy.
5. Allow time before use
   Leave the board for a little longer after wiping, ideally overnight, before returning it to regular use.

For a more detailed guide, see our full Mineral Oil Application Guide.

When to Wax Your Board

Wax is used as the protective finishing step. While oil nourishes the wood, wax helps create a smoother, more water-resistant surface.

Wax is particularly useful after oiling, or whenever the board starts to lose its surface protection.

You may wish to wax your board when:

• water no longer beads on the surface;
• the board looks dry or tired;
• the surface feels less smooth than usual;
• you want to refresh the finish after a deeper clean;
• the board has recently been oiled and is fully dry to the touch.

For normal home use, waxing every 2–3 months is a useful guide, though this depends on how often the board is used and washed.

How to wax your board

1. Start with a clean, dry board
   The board should be fully dry before wax is applied. If it has just been washed, allow it to air dry properly first.
2. Apply a thin, even coat
   Using a clean cloth or applicator pad, apply a small amount of wax in circular motions. Cover the whole board, including the edges, ends and grooves.
3. Let the wax sit
   Allow the wax to sit for at least 20–30 minutes so the oil can penetrate and the waxes can begin to set. Very dry boards can be left for longer.
4. Buff away the excess
   Use a fresh, dry cloth to buff the board, following the direction of the grain where possible.
5. Allow time to harden
   The surface may feel slightly tacky at first. This is normal. Allow the wax to harden before heavy use or washing; ideally leave the board for 24 hours.

For a more detailed guide, see our full Wood Wax Application Guide.

Oil or Wax First?

If your board needs both oil and wax, apply oil first, then wax afterwards.

Oil soaks into the wood and helps condition it from within. Wax is best used once the oil has absorbed and the surface is dry to the touch, adding a smoother protective finish over the top.

A simple full refresh looks like this:

1. Clean and fully dry the board.
2. Apply mineral oil and leave it to soak in.
3. Wipe away any excess oil.
4. Leave until dry to the touch.
5. Apply wax.
6. Buff clean.
7. Allow the wax to harden before heavy use.

For Very Dry Boards

If your board has been neglected, washed heavily, or simply looks very dry, give it a deeper refresh.

Apply a generous coat of mineral oil and allow it to soak in overnight. If the board still looks dry the next day, repeat the process. Once the surface no longer absorbs oil straight away and feels dry to the touch, finish with a coat of wax for added protection.

If the surface feels rough, slightly fuzzy or raised, you can lightly sand it with fine 240 or 320 grit sandpaper before oiling and waxing.

Marks, Stains and Odours

A real wooden board will pick up signs of use over time. Light knife marks, colour variation and gentle darkening are normal, and often become part of the character of the board.

For stronger smells or light staining, clean the board promptly with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly. For more stubborn areas, use a mild bicarbonate of soda paste, gently scrub, then wipe clean and allow the board to dry fully before re-oiling if needed.

Avoid soaking the board or using harsh cleaners to try to remove stains, as this can cause more harm to the wood than the stain itself.

A Final Note

Your board is made to be used, not kept perfect.

Regular washing, drying and occasional oiling or waxing will keep it looking its best, but small marks and changes in tone are part of the life of a handmade hardwood board.

Look after it well, and it should serve you for many years.