How to Recondition a Wooden Cutting Board

Clean the surface of the wooden cutting board thoroughly using a solution of food-safe detergent and water. Remove all food residues with a cloth. Allow the wooden cutting board to air-dry.

Inspect the surface of the wooden cutting board for damage. If deep knife cuts and grooves are present, you need to remove the surface layer of the board using a wood plane. Plane the wood away from your body, in the direction of the grain, applying an even pressure for a level finish. Remove the surface of the wood until deep cuts and grooves have been erased.

Sand the surface of the wooden cutting board using a coarse-grit sandpaper. Sand with smooth, firm strokes following the direction of the wood grain. Repeat until all traces of knife marks or planing are removed from the surface of the board and the finish is even. When an even surface has been achieved, the surface can be sanded a second time using a fine-grit sandpaper for a more refined finish. Wipe all dusty residue from the surface of the board using a damp cloth. Allow the board to air-dry.

Brush food-safe mineral oil over the surface of the sanded board. Apply the oil evenly and allow it to soak into the wood. Repeat until the food-safe mineral oil begins to sit on the surface of the wood and is no longer soaking away. At this stage, the wood's saturated and enough oil has been applied to offer the wood protection. Remove excess oil using a dry cloth.

Rub food-safe natural beeswax polish into the surface of the wooden cutting board following the grain. Buff off excess polish using a dry cloth. Add a second coat and polish to a shine.