Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about caring for your cutting boards, charcuterie boards, and wooden kitchen items.
What's the right way to apply Beaver Wood Care products?
Start with a clean, fully dry board — this is key. Apply a generous amount of Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Oil and work it into the surface with a soft cloth. Give it several hours to absorb (overnight is ideal for boards that haven't been oiled in a while). Wipe off excess. Once the oil has soaked in, apply a thin layer of Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Cream to seal everything in and build a moisture-resistant finish. That's it — two steps, and your board is protected.
Oil first or cream first — does the order matter?
Yes, always oil first. Think of it like skincare — Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Oil is the moisturizer that soaks deep into the wood fibres. The Cutting Board Cream is the barrier that locks that moisture in and protects the surface from water and stains. Reversing the order means the oil can't penetrate properly because the wax is already blocking the way.
How do I know when my board needs conditioning?
Your board will tell you. If the wood looks pale, feels rough, or water no longer beads on the surface, it's time. For boards you use every day, a monthly or bimonthly application of Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Oil keeps things in great shape. Just picked up a brand new board? Condition it weekly for the first four weeks to build up a solid base of protection. After that, using Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Oil and Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Cream one or two times a month for maintenance is all you need.
I just bought a brand new cutting board — how should I break it in?
New boards need extra attention, even if they came with an initial factory coat. That first layer barely scratches the surface. We recommend applying a minimum of 4 full coats of Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Oil before you start using the board regularly. Apply a coat, let it soak in overnight, wipe off the excess, and repeat. Four coats builds deep, lasting protection by saturating the wood fibres thoroughly — this is what prevents cracking, warping, and moisture damage down the road. After those first four coats, finish with Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Cream to seal it all in. Think of it as an investment: a few days of conditioning up front gives your board years of life.
Beaver Wood Care products use 100% Food Grade Mineral Oil. What does that mean exactly?
Food-grade mineral oil is a highly refined, purified form of mineral oil that meets strict safety standards set out for direct and indirect food contact. It is colourless, odourless, tasteless, and chemically stable — meaning it will never go rancid or break down over time. It's the same type of mineral oil used in food processing, pharmaceutical products, and commercial kitchen equipment around the world. When we say 100% food-grade, it means every drop in the bottle meets those standards with no additives, fragrances, or fillers.
Why use food-grade mineral oil instead of olive oil or coconut oil?
Cooking oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and vegetable oil can go rancid inside the wood over time — leaving your board smelling off and potentially harbouring bacteria. Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Oil is a food-grade mineral oil that's completely stable, colourless, odourless, and tasteless. It has a long shelf life, never transfers flavour to your food, and it's specifically designed for long-term wood conditioning. That's why professional kitchens and cutting board makers recommend mineral oil over any cooking oil.
Do I need to use both the oil and cream?
Yes. They do different jobs and work best together. Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Oil is a food-grade mineral oil that penetrates deep into the wood to rehydrate and condition from the inside. It prevents drying and cracking that can ruin wood over time. Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Cream is a blend of food-safe mineral oil and natural beeswax — it creates a smooth, water-resistant seal. The oil feeds the wood; the cream protects it. Together, they give your board complete care.
Can I ingest Food Grade Mineral Oil which is used in Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Oil and Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Cream?
Research shows that highly refined, food-grade mineral oil is generally safe for ingestion in small, short term doses. Beaver Wood Care labels say 'DO NOT INGEST' because the intended use of the product is to be used on wood kitchen products.
What's the best way to clean a wooden cutting board?
Keep it simple: warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a soft sponge. Wash both sides, rinse, and stand the board upright to air dry completely. For stubborn odours from garlic or onion, scatter some coarse salt across the surface and scrub with a cut lemon — it works surprisingly well. The most important rule: never let your board sit in standing water, and never put it in the dishwasher. Once it's dry, a quick wipe of Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Oil keeps it conditioned between deeper treatments.
What mistakes should I avoid with my cutting board?
The big three: no dishwasher (the heat and water will warp and crack the wood), no soaking (don't leave it sitting in the sink or submerged in water), and no bleach or harsh cleaners (they strip the wood and break down any protective finish). One more — don't reach for the olive oil or coconut oil from the kitchen. They'll go rancid inside the wood and create odour problems. Stick with a purpose-made food-grade mineral oil like Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Oil.
Why are the containers of Beaver Wood Care products darker in colour?
The amber protects the oil from harmful UV light, extending its shelf life.
Can I touch food grade mineral oil?
Yes, you can safely touch food grade mineral oil. It is non-toxic, and highly refined to remove impurities. Some people use food grade mineral oil as a moisturizing agent. However, the intended use of Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Oil is to treat wooden kitchen items.
Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Cream uses pure beeswax. Is it safe for humans?
Yes, you can safely touch Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Cream, which contains beeswax. Beeswax is widely considered safe, natural and non-toxic for humans to touch and consume in small quantities. However, because the intended use of Beaver Wood Care Cutting Board Cream is to treat wooden kitchen items, the label says 'DO NOT INGEST.'
Do you ship across Canada?
We do — coast to coast, every province and territory. Orders typically ship within one to two business days from British Columbia and arrive in three to seven business days depending on where you are. Everything is packaged carefully to prevent leaks in transit.
I run a store or restaurant — can I buy at wholesale prices?
Yes — we work with retailers, restaurants, commercial kitchens, and food service businesses across Canada. You can already find Beaver Wood Care at select Windsor Plywood stores in British Columbia. If you'd like to carry our products, head to our Wholesale page to submit an inquiry or use the chat button to reach us directly. We'll get back to you with pricing and next steps.