Hand wash and dry promptly
Wash an oil-finished wooden cutting board by hand with warm soapy water, rinse briefly and dry it with a clean towel. Allow air to circulate around the board while it finishes drying. Clean the working face, edges, groove and handle areas rather than leaving moisture trapped in routed details.
Do not leave the board soaking in water or put it in a dishwasher. Long wet periods and high-heat drying can stress the wood and its joints. Keep ordinary washing and complete drying part of the care routine.
Re-oil when the surface looks or feels dry
Use a food-contact cutting-board oil suitable for the agreed finish, such as the specified food-grade mineral oil. Follow the oil supplier's application directions, allow the recommended time and wipe off excess before use.
Usage, washing and storage conditions affect the re-oiling interval. A fixed calendar schedule does not suit every household or product. Tell customers how to recognise a dry-looking surface, and identify the approved care product in the final insert where appropriate.
Store with ventilation and avoid prolonged heat
Let the board dry fully before enclosing it in a cupboard, sleeve or box. Store it where air can circulate and avoid leaving one wet face pressed against a damp counter. Keep it away from prolonged direct heat or intense sunlight.
Natural wood responds to its surroundings. Clear aftercare should sit alongside appropriate material selection, moisture control and construction at the factory. Explain these responsibilities through accurate product information rather than a promise that a wooden board can never move or mark.
Include grooves, feet and end-grain construction
Check the areas where water can collect, including a perimeter groove, handle hole or grip recess. Where feet are fitted, explain the intended working face and storage position. A reversible board and a board designed for one-sided use need matching product descriptions.
End-grain boards also need washing, drying and oil care suited to their finish. Grain construction does not remove that need. Make the care information agree with the actual product and the construction described on the label.
A concise starting point for a care insert
Suggested wording for an approved oil-finished board: Hand wash with warm soapy water. Rinse briefly, towel dry and allow to air dry fully. Do not soak or put in a dishwasher. Re-oil with the recommended food-contact cutting-board oil when the surface looks dry, following the oil supplier's directions. Store dry with air circulation and away from prolonged heat.
Review that wording for the chosen finish, product features, destination language and brand presentation. Add any product-specific instructions approved during development. A care card should be readable at the size it will actually be printed.
Approve care information with the complete retail unit
Keep the approved care text with the logo artwork, product specification and pack files. Check that the language and material description match the board being supplied. If the finish changes, review the instructions again before repeat production.
ATB can review buyer-supplied care inserts with sleeves, boxes, labels and carton requirements. Use our packaging guide and include the intended care information in the private-label quotation brief.
Before you request a quotation.
Can an oil-finished wooden board go in the dishwasher?
This guide recommends hand washing and prompt drying for the oil-finished acacia and teak programs described here. Confirm the final care wording for the actual SKU.
How often should customers re-oil a board?
The interval depends on use, washing and storage. Re-oil when the surface appears dry, using the approved food-contact cutting-board oil and its application directions.
Can we print these instructions with our logo?
Use the wording as a starting point for your care insert, then confirm it against the finish, features and intended market of the product being ordered.