At Sweet Bee Artisan Boards, we believe that every cutting board we craft is more than just a kitchen tool—it’s a piece of art that carries the warmth of tradition and the care we put into every detail. Just like the boards we create, how you care for your cutting board plays a crucial role in preserving its beauty, longevity, and safety. One of the most important aspects of care is seasoning, but it’s essential to avoid certain substances that can do more harm than good.

1. Vegetable Oils

While vegetable oils like olive, canola, and sunflower oil might seem like natural choices, they’re not ideal for conditioning wood. These oils are prone to going rancid, especially over time, leaving behind an unpleasant odor that can transfer to your food. At Sweet Bee Artisan Boards, we want our boards to be a joy to use, and that’s why we recommend avoiding oils that could spoil your experience with their sticky residue and potential for harboring bacteria.

2. Animal Fats

Animal fats, such as lard or bacon grease, are another no-go when it comes to seasoning your cutting board. These fats can go rancid just like vegetable oils, leading to unpleasant smells and possible contamination. More than that, they can leave a greasy residue that’s hard to clean, compromising the smooth, clean surface we strive to provide with every board we create.

3. Pure Beeswax

Beeswax is often praised for its protective qualities, but using pure beeswax alone on a cutting board can create a sticky surface that isn’t ideal for food preparation. At Sweet Bee Artisan Boards, we understand the appeal of a wax finish, which is why we recommend a blend of food-safe mineral oil and beeswax. This combination offers the best of both worlds: protection without the tackiness.

Proper care and the right seasoning products are key to maintaining the beauty and functionality of your cutting board. With the right techniques, your board can last for years, serving as both a practical tool and a cherished piece of craftsmanship.

4. Non-Food-Safe Mineral Oils

Mineral oil is a popular choice for cutting board care, but it’s important to choose a food-safe variety. Non-food-safe mineral oils can contain additives and chemicals that aren’t safe for surfaces that come into contact with food. At Sweet Bee Artisan Boards, we take great care to ensure that every product we use and recommend is safe and effective, so always opt for mineral oils that are explicitly labeled as food-safe.

5. Varnishes and Lacquers

Varnishes and lacquers may work wonders on furniture, but they have no place in your kitchen. These substances can chip and peel, potentially contaminating your food, and they create a hard, non-breathable surface that traps moisture and bacteria. The boards we craft at Sweet Bee Artisan Boards are meant to be used and loved in your kitchen, so it’s important to keep them free from finishes that could compromise their safety and beauty.

6. Cooking Sprays

Cooking sprays might seem like a quick solution, but they can do more harm than good when it comes to conditioning your cutting board. These sprays often contain additives and propellants that aren’t suitable for wood. They can leave a sticky, uneven coating, making it difficult to clean and maintain the board’s natural finish. We believe that the boards we craft deserve the best care, which means avoiding shortcuts that could diminish their quality.

7. Soap and Water

Soap and water are essential for cleaning your cutting board after use, but they shouldn’t be used for seasoning. Soap can leave behind a residue that dries out the wood, and too much water exposure can cause the wood to warp or crack. At Sweet Bee Artisan Boards, we recommend thoroughly drying your board after washing and following up with a proper conditioning routine to keep it in top shape.

A properly seasoned cutting board is more than just a kitchen tool; it’s a lasting work of art that embodies the care, tradition, and craftsmanship passed down through generations—turning every meal into a special occasion.

Sweet Bee’s Recommended Seasoning Alternatives

Because we care about the longevity and beauty of the boards we craft, here are our top recommendations for seasoning your wood cutting board:

Food-Grade Mineral Oil: The gold standard for cutting board care—colorless, odorless, and won’t go rancid.
Butcher Block Conditioner: Often a blend of mineral oil and beeswax, providing both protection and a smooth finish.
Cutting Board Butter: A specially formulated blend that keeps wood in top condition between seasonings.
Refined Coconut Oil: Less likely to go rancid than other vegetable oils, offering a safe and effective alternative.

How We Care for Our Boards at Sweet Bee

We put our hearts into every board we create, and we want you to enjoy them for years to come. Proper care is key, and that starts with seasoning. Here’s our recommended process:

Clean: Wash the board with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly.
Apply Oil: Using a clean cloth, apply a generous amount of your chosen oil or conditioner. Rub it in with a circular motion, covering all surfaces, including the sides.
Let It Soak: Allow the oil to penetrate the wood for several hours, or ideally overnight.
Wipe Off Excess: After soaking, wipe off any excess oil with a clean, dry cloth.
Repeat: For new boards, repeat this process several times to ensure the wood is well-saturated and protected.

By avoiding the wrong products and using the right techniques, you can keep your Sweet Bee Artisan Board in pristine condition, ensuring it remains a cherished part of your kitchen for years to come. Our boards are made with love and care, and with the right upkeep, they’ll continue to serve you well in all your culinary adventures.

—Phoebe & Shawn

Sweet Bee Artisan Boards 🐝

Caring for Your Cutting Board: What Not to Use When Seasoning