Can a wooden board go in the dishwasher?

No. In a dishwasher the wood swells with hot water and steam, then dries out rapidly, so it can warp or crack. Wash boards and platters by hand in lukewarm water with a mild washing-up liquid.

What oil should I use on a wooden board?

A food-safe board oil or a beeswax-based board butter. Avoid cooking oils such as olive or sunflower oil, as they can go rancid over time.

How do I remove an odour or a stain from a wooden board?

Sprinkle the board with coarse salt, rub it with half a lemon, leave it for a few minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water and dry. As lemon and salt dry out the wood, re-oil the board afterwards if needed.

How to care for wooden boards and platters

Q: How often should a wooden board be oiled?

Whenever the surface looks dry, pale or rough, or when drops of water no longer sit on the surface but soak in. How often that happens depends on how often you use and wash the board.

Wood is a natural material that reacts to water, heat and dry air. Our platters and boards have an eco-friendly impregnation that protects the wood from soaking up liquids and makes it easy to look after. The impregnation makes care easier but does not replace it: a few simple habits decide whether your board stays flat, smooth and attractive for a long time.

The advice below applies to every wood we use, from beech to walnut.

Washing after every use

Wash the board or platter as soon as possible after use, before any food residue dries.

Remove food residue with a soft brush or a plastic scraper.
Wash both sides with a soft sponge, lukewarm water and a little mild washing-up liquid.
Rinse with clean water and wipe it straight away with a dry cloth.

Wash both sides even if you only used one: when wood gets wet and dries evenly, it is less likely to warp. Avoid steel wool, abrasive sponges and harsh products such as bleach, as they damage the surface and the impregnation.

If you cut raw meat or fish on a board, wash it immediately afterwards. It is best to keep a separate board for these foods.

Why wood does not belong in the dishwasher

Our product descriptions carry the note: “Not suitable for washing in a dishwasher!” In a dishwasher, wood is exposed to hot water, steam and strong detergents for a long time. The fibres first swell, then shrink rapidly as they dry. The results are a warped or cracked board, a rough surface and a worn impregnation.

For the same reason, never leave a board to soak in the sink. A quick wash under running water does wood no harm; prolonged moisture does.

Drying and storage

After wiping, stand the board upright on its edge so that air reaches both sides, and leave it to dry completely.
Do not dry it on a radiator, next to the hob or oven, or in direct sunlight. Drying too quickly can cause cracks.
Do not put it away damp in a closed cupboard or drawer. Store it in a dry, well-ventilated place, away from heat sources.

When and how to oil a board

Occasional oiling renews the protection that washing gradually wears away. It is time for oil when the surface looks dry, pale or rough, or when drops of water no longer sit on the surface but soak in. How often depends on how often you use and wash the board.

What to use: a food-safe board oil or a board butter made from beeswax and oil. Avoid cooking oils such as olive or sunflower oil: over time they can go rancid and give the board an unpleasant smell. If you are not sure what to choose, get in touch.

Method:

Wash the board and leave it to dry completely, ideally overnight.
With a soft cloth, apply a thin coat of oil along the grain, on all sides and edges.
Leave the oil to soak in for a few hours or overnight.
With a dry cloth, wipe off any oil that has not been absorbed.

If the surface feels rough after the first few washes, the wood fibres have risen. Sand it lightly along the grain with fine sandpaper, wipe off the dust and oil it. This also softens knife marks on a chopping board, such as our beech board G554 from the gastronomy range.

Odours and stains: salt and lemon

Garlic, onion, fish or beetroot can leave an odour or a stain. Instead of harsh products, use salt and lemon:

Sprinkle the surface with coarse salt.
Rub it with half a lemon, cut side down.
Leave for a few minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Wipe the board and leave it to dry upright.

Lemon and salt dry out the surface, so re-oil the board afterwards if needed. On light wood such as beech or maple, stains are more visible, so remove them as soon as you notice them.

In short

Hand wash in lukewarm water with a mild washing-up liquid.
Never the dishwasher, never soaking.
Dry upright, away from heat sources.
Board oil whenever the wood looks dry.

If you are still choosing a platter, also read our guide on which wood to choose for a platter. For restaurants and hotels, we recommend our guide to wooden platters for restaurants and hotels, and you will find all our boards and platters in the gastronomy range.