Mineral Oil Application
Wooden boards, utensils, worktops and furniture all benefit from regular oiling to keep them looking their best.
Our chopping board oil is a pure food-grade mineral oil designed to deeply hydrate dry wood, enrich the natural grain, and help reduce the risk of cracking or splitting over time. Its food grade nature makes it ideal for use on wooden items intended to come into contact with food such as chopping boards, butcher blocks, wooden spoons, serving boards, kitchen worktops and many other indoor wooden items.
Regular application helps keep wood nourished, smooth, and better protected from everyday wear.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Follow these simple steps to revive and maintain your wood.
1. Preparation
Ensure the wood surface is clean, dry and free from dust or residue.
If the item has been recently washed, allow it to dry fully before applying oil. For chopping boards or utensils, this usually means leaving them for several hours until completely dry to the touch.
If the wood feels rough or has raised grain, you may wish to lightly sand it first with a fine sandpaper such as 240 or 320 grit.
2. Apply the Oil
Pour a generous amount of oil directly onto the wood. Using a clean, lint-free cloth or a piece of kitchen roll, spread the oil evenly across the entire surface, following the direction of the wood grain.
Don't forget the edges, ends, handles and any carved details. End grain and dry areas may absorb more oil than the rest of the item.
3. Let it Soak In
Allow the oil to soak into the wood for several hours or ideally overnight.
Very dry, new or freshly sanded wood may absorb a substantial amount on the first application. If the surface looks dry again after a short time, apply a second coat.
4. Wipe Away Excess
Once the wood has absorbed what it needs, wipe away any remaining oil with a clean, dry cloth.
The surface should feel nourished and smooth, not wet or greasy.
5. Allow Time Before Use
Leave the item for a little longer after wiping so any remaining oil can settle into the wood.
For chopping boards, utensils or other frequently handled items, we recommend leaving them overnight before regular use.
6. Optional: Finish with Wax
Once the oil has fully soaked in and the surface is dry to the touch, you may wish to follow with a wood wax for added surface protection and a softer sheen.
This is particularly useful for chopping boards, utensils, worktops and furniture that would benefit from a little extra water resistance and a smooth, conditioned finish.
If using our Vector & Grain Chopping Board Wax, full application instructions are available here.
Maintenance Tips
Reapply oil whenever the wood begins to look lighter, duller or dry.
Boards, utensils and other frequently washed kitchen items may need oiling more often than furniture or decorative pieces. A quick refresh every few weeks or months, depending on use, will help keep the wood in good condition.
For chopping boards and utensils:
- Lightly clean with warm, soapy water and dry promptly
- Never soak in water
- Never place in the dishwasher
- Stand upright or allow airflow around the item while drying
For furniture and worktops:
- Wipe clean with a lightly damp cloth
- Avoid leaving standing water on the surface
- Reapply oil as needed in dry areas or high-wear spots
FAQ
What can I use this oil on?
Our mineral oil is primarily intended for indoor wooden items such as chopping boards, butcher blocks, wooden utensils, serving boards, kitchen worktops and wooden furniture.
It is especially useful anywhere the wood needs regular nourishment to help prevent drying out and to maintain its natural appearance.
Although wood is its main intended use, it can also be used in some cases to provide a food-contact-safe protective oiling on non-porous surfaces such as stainless steel or slate. This is generally more of a light conditioning or finishing use than a restorative treatment, and any excess should always be wiped away thoroughly.
How often should I apply it?
This depends on how often the item is used and cleaned.
As a rule of thumb, kitchen items seeing regular use such as chopping boards and utensils may benefit from frequent application, at least monthly, while furniture and decorative wooden items may only need occasional treatment.
As a general rule, reapply whenever the wood looks dry or loses some of its richness.
How much should I apply?
Apply enough to wet the surface evenly, then allow the wood time to absorb it.
Very dry wood may need multiple coats during its first treatment. It is always better to wipe away any excess once the wood has finished absorbing what it needs.
If you oil the surface regularly however, only a very small amount should typically be needed on each application.
Can I use it on a very old or dry board?
Yes. In fact, older or neglected wood often benefits the most from oiling.
For very dry wood, apply a generous first coat and allow it to soak in overnight. Repeat the process the next day if needed until the surface no longer drinks the oil straight away.
Can I apply wax afterwards?
Yes. Once the oil has fully soaked in and the surface is dry to the touch, a wood wax can be applied as an optional final step for added surface protection and a softer sheen.
Can I put my chopping board in the dishwasher after oiling?
No. Wooden chopping boards should never be placed in the dishwasher.
High heat, prolonged water exposure and harsh detergents can dry out the wood, cause movement or warping, and strip away the protective finish.
Why does wood need oiling?
Wood is a natural material that can dry out over time, especially when exposed to washing, heat and changing humidity.
Regular oiling helps replenish lost moisture, reduce dryness, and maintain the appearance and feel of the wood.