How to care for your LARHN chopping board
LARHN chopping boards are made from natural bamboo and designed to last.
Like all natural materials, they benefit from simple, regular care to maintain performance and appearance over time.
Everyday care
After each use, wash the board by hand using warm water and a mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately with a clean cloth.
Allow the board to air-dry fully before storing. Where possible, store upright to allow air to circulate on both sides.
Do not soak the board or place it in a dishwasher. Prolonged exposure to water, heat, or steam can cause natural materials to swell, warp, or crack over time.
Oiling your board
As a porous material, bamboo gradually loses moisture through regular washing and use.
Oiling restores that moisture and helps protect the surface from water absorption, staining, and odours. It also maintains the appearance of the bamboo, preventing it from becoming dry or faded.
This is standard care for natural chopping boards and forms part of normal long-term maintenance.
Why bamboo needs regular oiling
Bamboo is a natural material made up of dense plant fibres. During normal use, repeated washing and drying gradually reduce the natural moisture content within the surface of the board.
As moisture is lost, the fibres can become more rigid and the surface may begin to appear dry or faded. Regular oiling helps maintain the balance between the material and its surrounding environment by slowing moisture exchange.
This helps reduce the likelihood of surface drying, minor cracking, or changes in appearance over time. Oiling also supports the long-term performance of the board by maintaining a stable, well-conditioned surface.
What oil to use
Use a food-grade mineral oil or a chopping board oil based on mineral oil.
Mineral oil is clear, odourless, non-drying, and safe for food contact. It does not oxidise or turn rancid, making it suitable for regular use on chopping boards.
A board cream made from mineral oil and natural beeswax can be used after oiling to provide additional surface protection.
Avoid using cooking oils such as olive, vegetable, or coconut oil. These oils can oxidise over time and leave residues or odours on the board.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid using cooking oils such as olive, vegetable, or coconut oil. These oils can oxidise over time and may leave residues or odours on the surface.
Do not apply oil to a damp board. Moisture trapped beneath oil can affect how the material conditions and dries.
Do not soak the board or leave it submerged in water. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause natural materials to swell or warp.
Do not place the board in a dishwasher. High temperatures and steam can accelerate drying and cause structural stress.
Avoid storing the board while still wet. Always allow it to dry fully before storing.
Recommended oils
Below are a small number of chopping board oils and board creams that meet these requirements and are suitable for use on LARHN chopping boards.
These are products we trust and recommend for ongoing care.
Furniture Clinic
Cutting Board Oil
A food-grade mineral oil formulated for chopping boards and butcher blocks. Clear, odourless, and non-drying. Suitable for ongoing care of bamboo and wooden boards.
Materialix
Mineral Oil
A food-grade mineral oil designed for chopping boards and butcher blocks. Clear, odourless, and non-drying. Suitable for ongoing care of bamboo and wooden boards.
How to oil (step-by-step)
Oiling requires minimal hands-on time and should be carried out on a clean, fully dry board.
Step 1 — Clean and dry
Wash the board by hand using warm water and a mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.
Allow the board to air-dry completely before applying oil.
Step 2 — Apply the oil
Apply a generous, even coat of food-grade mineral oil to the surface of the board using a clean cloth or paper towel.
Spread it across the entire surface, including the edges, and apply more to any areas that look especially dry.
Step 3 — Allow the oil to absorb
Allow time for the oil to absorb into the board. This typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on the condition of the board and the environment.
If the surface absorbs the oil quickly and appears dry, apply a further light coat.
Proceed once the surface no longer absorbs oil readily.
For best results, leave the oil to absorb into the board overnight.
Step 4 — Wipe off excess
Wipe away any oil that has not absorbed using a clean, dry cloth.
The surface should feel smooth and dry, not oily or sticky.
If using a board cream, apply it after oiling has fully absorbed and buff lightly to finish.
How often should you oil?
LARHN chopping boards are pre-oiled and ready to use on arrival.
With regular use, re-oil approximately every 3–4 weeks.
With lighter use, re-oil every 1–2 months.
If the surface begins to look dry or faded, it is ready for re-oiling.
FAQ
How often should I oil my chopping board?
With regular use, oil approximately every 3–4 weeks. With lighter use, oil every 1–2 months, or whenever the surface begins to appear dry.
Can I use olive oil or vegetable oil?
Cooking oils are not recommended as they can oxidise and leave residues or odours over time.
Why does my board feel rough after washing?
This can occur as the fibres raise slightly after repeated exposure to water. Light sanding followed by oiling can help restore a smooth surface.
Is mineral oil safe for food contact?
Food-grade mineral oil is clear, odourless, non-drying, and widely used for conditioning chopping boards and wooden kitchen tools.
Do I need to use board cream as well as oil?
Board creams can be used after oiling to provide an additional protective surface layer, but oil alone is sufficient for regular maintenance.
What happens if I never oil my board?
Over time the surface may become dry, faded, or more susceptible to moisture absorption.
Activate your lifetime warranty
If you haven’t already, register your LARHN chopping board to activate your lifetime warranty.