Board Care Instructions

BOARD CARE

Care for it once.
Keep it for a lifetime.

Your Bevel & Bond cutting board is crafted from premium hardwood and designed to last generations with proper care. Like any fine wooden piece, it requires regular maintenance to preserve its beauty and functionality.

The natural oils in wood can dry out over time, leading to cracks and warping. Regular oiling creates a protective barrier against moisture and bacteria while maintaining the wood's rich appearance. Follow these simple care instructions to ensure your board remains a cherished kitchen companion for years to come.

HAND WASH ONLY
OIL EVERY 3-4 WEEKS
NO DISHWASHER
DRY IMMEDIATELY
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THE CARE ROUTINE

Four habits that protect your board

Follow these steps and your board will outlast every other tool in your kitchen.
STEP 01

Wash by hand

Warm water and mild dish soap after every use. Never soak, never submerge. Keep it quick and dry it immediately.
STEP 02

Dry upright

Stand the board on its edge after washing. Air circulation on both sides prevents uneven drying — the main cause of warping.
STEP 03

Oil monthly

Apply food-safe mineral oil every 3–4 weeks. Let it absorb for 20 minutes, wipe the excess. This is the single most important care step.
STEP 04

Avoid heat

Keep the board away from stovetops, ovens, and direct sunlight. Extreme heat causes cracking and loosens glue lines over time.
MONTHLY CONDITIONING

The most important thing you can do for your board.

Regular conditioning with food-safe mineral oil keeps your cutting board from drying out, cracking, or warping. It also creates a protective barrier that prevents stains and odors from setting in. It takes less than 5 minutes.
  1. 1

    Make sure the board is clean and completely dry before oiling.

  2. 2

    Apply a thin, even coat of food-safe mineral oil across both surfaces and all four edges using a clean cloth.

  3. 3

    Let the oil absorb for 20 minutes — or leave overnight for a deeper condition.

  4. 4

    Wipe off any excess oil with a clean dry cloth. The surface should feel smooth, not slick.

  5. 5

    Repeat every 3–4 weeks, or whenever the wood looks lighter or feels dry to the touch.

Oils to avoid

Never use olive, vegetable, or coconut oils — they can go rancid and create unpleasant odors. Always use food-safe white mineral oil, which is odorless, tasteless, and won't spoil.

Daily cleaning — do this

  • Hand wash with warm water and mild dish soap after every use

  • Dry immediately with a clean towel — both sides

  • If still really wet, stand upright for 5 to 10 minutes to drip off

  • Lay flat on its feet to finish drying

  • For sanitizing: spray with a 1:1 white vinegar and water solution, rinse, dry immediately

Storage — do this

  • Best to store flat on it's feet

  • Vertical with space around the board

  • Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources

What to avoid — never do this

  • Never put in the dishwasher — heat and prolonged moisture will warp and crack the board permanently

  • Never soak or leave submerged in water

  • Never use cooking oils, olive oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil — they go rancid in the wood

  • Never use bleach, harsh detergents, or abrasive scouring pads

  • Never leave wet ingredients (meat juices, citrus) on the surface for extended periods

  • Never place near a stovetop, oven, or leave in direct sunlight

  • Never stack heavy pots or pans on top of the board

UNDERSTANDING & PREVENTING WARPING

Wood is a living material...

Our cutting boards are made from premium hardwood that naturally resists warping. However, understanding how wood reacts to moisture will help you keep your board flat and functional for years.

Why does warping happen?

Wood naturally absorbs and releases moisture from the air. When one side of the board absorbs more moisture than the other, it expands unevenly, causing the board to curve or warp.

This is most common when boards are left wet on one side, stored vertically against a wall, or exposed to uneven humidity levels.

How to prevent it

  1. 1
    Always dry both sides of the board after washing
  2. 2
    Store flat or on a board rack that allows air circulation
  3. 3
    Oil regularly to seal the wood and prevent moisture absorption
  4. 4
    Avoid prolonged exposure to water or extreme temperature changes
⚠️ Note: If you live in a very dry climate (like Arizona or high-altitude areas), your board may need extra care. Consider oiling more frequently and storing in a humidity-controlled area.

How to reverse a warp if it happens

  1. 1
    Lightly dampen the concave (curved inward) side of the board with a damp cloth
  2. 2
    Place the board concave-side down on a flat surface
  3. 3
    Place a weight (like a cast iron pan) on top and let it sit for 24-48 hours
  4. 4
    Once flat, oil both sides thoroughly and store properly to prevent future warping
"We built Bevel & Bond because we couldn't find a cutting board worth keeping. Everything on the market felt temporary. We wanted to make something you'd still have in twenty years — and actually be glad you kept." — Jeff, Founder

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Signs your board needs attention

o

Surface looks lighter or pale

The board is drying out and needs conditioning. Apply food-safe mineral oil as soon as possible - the lighter the color, the more urgently it needs oil.

~

Surface feels rough or dry

Normal with heavy use between oil treatments. Condition with mineral oil. For a severely rough surface, lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper before oiling.

!

Board has an odor

Deep clean with a coarse salt and lemon scrub. If the odor persists, it may indicate rancid oil was used — contact jeff@bevelandbond.com for guidance.

↗

Edges are lifting or warping

Caused by uneven drying or one-sided moisture exposure. Lay the board flat with a damp cloth on the concave side for several hours. Oil both sides evenly after.

-

Small surface cracks

Usually from drying out. Condition aggressively with mineral oil — apply 2-3 coats over 24 hours. If cracks are deep or structural, this may be covered under your 5 year warranty.

X

Deep structural splitting

If the board splits along a glue line under normal use conditions, this is covered under your 5 year warranty. Email jeff@bevelandbond.com with a photo and your order number.

NEED HELP?

Questions about caring for your board?

We're here to help — whether it's a care question, a warranty claim, or general advice about keeping your board in great shape. Every inquiry is answered personally by the founder.

jeff@bevelandbond.com
Response within 1 business day · Monday–Friday
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