Why should a hinoki cutting board be dried standing with the wood grain vertical after washing?
While reading the washing instructions, you might wonder why you even need to align the grain direction when standing the cutting board up. This is a situation where there is concern about whether the wood might warp or become damaged due to improper drying.
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This is to help moisture drain downward naturally along the grain, and to prevent deformation such as wood warping or cracking by avoiding direct sunlight.
In a solid wood cutting board, the wood grain is the path through which moisture flows and drains. Microscopic tubes inside the wood run parallel along the grain, so standing the grain vertically allows absorbed moisture to flow down naturally. If the grain is placed horizontally, moisture cannot drain away and stays inside the cutting board longer.
Moisture should be removed first. Azmaya recommends wiping off moisture with a dry cloth after washing and drying it with the grain standing upright in a well-ventilated, shaded area[1]. You should not place it in a sunny spot to reduce drying time. If exposed to direct sunlight, the degree of shrinkage varies by area, which can cause the wood to warp or crack[2]. If the surface becomes rough during use, you can evenly apply cutting board oil[3].
The specific recommended cycle or suitable oil ingredients for maintenance by applying cutting board oil have not yet been confirmed.