Engraved Wooden Cutting Board Care Guide
How to Clean, Oil, and Preserve Your Keepsake
An engraved wooden cutting board is more than a kitchen accessory — it’s a meaningful keepsake designed to preserve memories, celebrate milestones, and tell a story for years to come. Whether your board features handwritten recipes, family names, or memorial engravings, proper care is essential to protect both the wood and the engraving itself.
This complete cutting board care guide will walk you through cleaning, oiling, and proper use, so your Keepsake Journey board remains beautiful and functional for the long haul.
How to Clean a Wooden Cutting Board (The Right Way)
Wood is a natural, living material that reacts to heat and moisture. Gentle, consistent cleaning is essential to prevent warping, cracking, or fading over time.
Best practices for cleaning your wooden cutting board:
✦ Always wash both sides of the board after use to promote even moisture absorption
✦ Hand wash only using warm water and a mild dish soap
✦ Never soak or submerge your cutting board in water
✦ Pat dry immediately with a clean, clean towel
✦ Stand the board upright to air dry completely
✦ Never place wooden cutting boards in the dishwasher
Dishwashers expose wood to high heat and prolonged moisture, which can permanently damage the board and significantly shorten its lifespan.
Proper Use: Why You Shouldn’t Cut on the Engraving Side
Engraved cutting boards are designed to serve as decorative keepsakes or for light kitchen use. While fully functional, the engraved side requires special care to preserve its detail and beauty.
✦ Do not cut on the engraved side of the board
✦ Repeated knife contact can dull engraved details over time
✦ Always use the blank (non-engraved) side for food preparation
✦ Avoid heavy chopping or aggressive cutting motions
Using the opposite side for cutting helps protect the depth, clarity, and craftsmanship of the engraving — ensuring your keepsake remains just as meaningful and beautiful for years to come.
Shop our Personalized Engraved Recipe Cutting Boards
How to Clean a Wooden Cutting Board (The Right Way)
Wood is a natural, living material that reacts to heat and moisture. Gentle cleaning is essential to prevent warping, cracking, or fading over time.
1.) Always wash both sides of the board after use to allow for even water absorption.
2.) Hand wash only using warm water and mild dish soap — never soak or submerge the board.
3.) Pat dry immediately with a clean towel, then stand the board upright to air dry completely.
Important: Never place a wooden cutting board in the dishwasher. Dishwashers expose wood to high heat and prolonged moisture, which can permanently damage the board and significantly shorten its lifespan.
Why Routine Cutting Board Care Matters
Consistent care helps your wooden cutting board remain both beautiful and functional for years to come:
✦ Extends the life of your wooden cutting board
✦ Protects engraved details from premature wear
✦ Preserves the natural beauty and richness of the wood grain
✦ Ensures your board remains safe, durable, and enjoyable to use
With just a little regular care, your cutting board will age gracefully — developing character and warmth while maintaining its strength and integrity.
Shop our stunning 11 Piece Charcuterie Board Set
A Final Note from Keepsake Journey
Our cutting boards are created with intention, care, and meaning — designed to celebrate stories, memories, and moments that matter most. By following simple care steps and reserving the engraved side for display, your board will continue to be a treasured keepsake for years ahead.
We’re always here if you need care guidance or would like to create a custom piece of your own.