Care Guide - Eirlys Studio

Care Guide

Simple steps to keep your Eirlys board beautiful and performing perfectly for generations.

Your Eirlys board is built to last a lifetime—but like all natural wood products, it needs proper care to maintain its beauty and performance. Every board leaves our workshop treated with mineral oil and buffed with board cream, but ongoing maintenance is essential.

Wood is a living material. With the right care routine, your board will develop a rich patina over time, becoming even more beautiful with age while maintaining its structural integrity and food-safe surface.

Quick Care Summary

Wash by hand with warm water and mild soap—never use a dishwasher or soak in water

Dry immediately and store upright on edge to allow air circulation on both sides

Oil weekly for the first month, then monthly, then as needed when wood looks dry

Use separate boards for raw meat and vegetables to prevent cross-contamination

Before First Use

Although your board has been treated with mineral oil and board cream at our workshop, we recommend applying an additional coat before first use to ensure maximum protection against cracking or warping.

Apply a generous coat of food-safe mineral oil to all surfaces
Allow the oil to absorb for at least 4 hours or overnight
Wipe away any excess with a clean cloth
Give it a quick rinse with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly
Your board is now ready to use

After the first washing, you may notice a slight roughness to the surface. This is normal—the wood fibers have absorbed moisture and risen slightly. They will smooth out over time with continued use and oiling.

Need care products? Our Board Care Kit includes premium mineral oil and board cream specifically formulated for wooden cutting boards.

Daily Cleaning

After each use, clean your board promptly to prevent stains and odors from setting in. The key is to work quickly and avoid prolonged water exposure.

Scrape off food debris with a bench scraper or spatula
Wash with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap
Use a soft sponge or cloth—avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the surface
Rinse thoroughly with clean water
Dry immediately with a clean towel—don't leave it to air dry on a flat surface
Stand the board upright on its edge to allow air circulation on both sides

Never leave your board sitting in water or place it in the dishwasher. Excessive moisture causes wood to swell, warp, and crack.

Hygiene meets design. Our Board Stands are specifically designed to keep your board elevated off surfaces, ensuring proper air circulation and preventing moisture build-up that harbors bacteria. Proudly made from 100% recycled, food-safe plastic by SmilePlastics™—a fellow Welsh business committed to sustainability.

Sanitizing & Food Safety

Proper sanitization is essential, especially after cutting raw meat, poultry, or seafood. Resident bacteria cannot survive more than a few minutes without moisture, but proper cleaning ensures food safety.

Vinegar Sanitizing Method

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle
Flood the cutting surface with the solution
Allow to stand for several minutes
Rinse thoroughly with clean water
Dry completely and apply mineral oil if needed

Food Safety Best Practices

Always sanitize and wash boards after use with raw meat, poultry, or seafood
Never chop vegetables or ready-to-eat foods on an unwashed board that has been used for raw proteins
If possible, use separate boards for raw proteins and fresh produce
Keep your board dry when not in use—bacteria cannot survive without moisture

Deep Cleaning & Deodorizing

For stubborn stains, odors, or after cutting strong-smelling ingredients like garlic or onions, give your board a deeper clean.

Method 1: Salt & Lemon

Sprinkle coarse salt generously over the board's surface
Cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub the salt into the wood
Let sit for 5-10 minutes
Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly

Oiling & Conditioning

Regular oiling is the single most important thing you can do to extend the life of your board. Oil penetrates deep wood fibers, preventing drying and cracking, while board cream (a mixture of mineral oil and beeswax) acts as a surface protectant.

When to Oil

Wood dries out over time, especially with regular washing. Follow this schedule for best results:

Weekly for the first month after purchase
Monthly for the next few months
As needed thereafter—when the wood develops a dull, dry appearance
After deep cleaning or heavy use
If you're regularly washing your board, you may need to oil more frequently

How to Apply Mineral Oil

Ensure the board is completely clean and dry
Pour mineral oil directly from the bottle (about 1 ounce at a time)
Spread with your fingers or a paper towel across the entire surface
Allow to absorb for a few minutes—keep applying as long as the oil is being absorbed
Don't worry about over-oiling—the wood will only absorb what it needs
Be sure to oil both faces of the board
Let sit for at least 4 hours or overnight
Buff off any excess with a clean paper towel or cloth

How to Apply Board Cream/Butter

Apply a quarter-sized amount to the surface
Buff into both faces using a paper towel or cloth
Wipe off any excess
Follow a similar schedule to mineral oil application

Which Oil to Use

We recommend USP-grade mineral oil, which is a super-refined petroleum product that is food-safe, inert, and will never turn rancid. Only use oils that are edible, tasteless, and won't spoil. Be cautious with nut-based oils if there are allergy concerns. Never use vegetable, coconut, or olive oil—these organic oils contain fats that will turn rancid over time and create unpleasant odors.

Make maintenance effortless. Our Board Care Kit includes both premium mineral oil and board cream—everything you need to keep your board in perfect condition. For best results, use mineral oil for deep conditioning and board cream as a protective top coat.

Do

Wash by hand with warm soapy water immediately after use
Dry thoroughly with a towel—never air dry flat
Store upright on edge or feet to allow air circulation
Oil regularly following the recommended schedule
Use a bench scraper or spatula to remove debris
Use separate boards for raw proteins and fresh produce
Sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper if surface becomes rough
Apply board cream for additional surface protection

Don't

Never put in the dishwasher or submerge in water
Never leave in standing water or soak in the sink
Don't store flat on a wet countertop without air circulation
Don't use as a trivet for hot pots and pans
Don't use steel brushes or abrasive scrubbers
Don't use hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or bleach on stains
Don't use vegetable, coconut, or olive oil for conditioning
Don't cut raw meat then vegetables without washing between

Preventing Warping & Cracking

Warping, cracking, and splitting are almost always caused by improper care—specifically prolonged water exposure, improper drying, or lack of oiling. Never leave your board in standing water. Never store it flat on a wet surface. Always ensure both sides can breathe. Keep your board well-oiled, especially during the first few months. If minor warping occurs, oil the board thoroughly and store it flat with weight on top for 24-48 hours. For severe damage, contact us for restoration advice.

Restoring & Refreshing

Even well-maintained boards can develop knife marks, stains, or a rough texture over time. The good news? Wood can be refinished.

Light Refinishing

Use 120-grit sandpaper to remove surface scratches and stains
Follow with 220-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish
Wipe away all dust with a damp cloth and let dry completely
Apply a generous coat of mineral oil and let it soak in overnight
Repeat the oiling process 2-3 times for best results

For deep scratches, gouges, or severe warping, professional restoration may be required. Contact us for recommendations.

Care Products & Accessories

Everything you need to keep your board in perfect condition. From premium mineral oil and board cream to elegant stands for proper storage.

Shop Care Products Shop Board Stands