What is the best way to clean and care for my wooden cutting board? All wood products should be hand washed. The heat & chemicals of a dishwasher are harmful to wood's naturally porous texture. If your board begins to show signs of wear, its finish can be restored with a food safe mineral oil or wood conditioner. First, clean and dry the board. Then, apply a thin coating with a soft cloth or paper towel. Once the condition has soaked into the board, buff off any excess with a clean cloth. Having excess condition on a wood cutting board will make it feel sticky or oily. Be sure to dry it completely before storage.