If you’re like many home cooks, your cutting board is an essential kitchen tool, used daily for everything from chopping fresh produce to assembling delightful charcuterie boards. It’s also utilized for slicing meats, making it incredibly versatile. However, to keep your cutting boards in top-notch condition—especially wooden ones—requires a bit of attention and care. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively clean and disinfect both plastic and wooden cutting boards using three non-toxic ingredients and a lemon, as well as tips for removing stains and reseasoning your boards.
What You’ll Need
- Dish Soap: For optimal results, we recommend using blue Dawn dish soap. However, feel free to use any dish soap you have on hand.
- White Vinegar: This natural disinfectant is effective due to its acidity, which breaks down bacteria and grime.
- Baking Soda: This ingredient is great for creating a cleaning paste.
- Spray Bottle: A handy tool for applying your vinegar solution (I use these spray bottles from Amazon).
The Best Way to Clean Plastic and Wooden Cutting Boards
Step 1: Rinse and Scrub with Soap
Begin by rinsing your cutting board under warm running water. Apply a small amount of your chosen dish soap and scrub the surface thoroughly. Rinse it again under cool water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
Step 2: Disinfect with White Vinegar
Next, it’s time to disinfect. White vinegar is a fantastic food-safe disinfectant. Although the odor may not be pleasant, it dissipates as the vinegar dries. Pour about 1/4 cup of white vinegar into the spray bottle and generously spray it over the entire surface of the cutting board. It’s best to do this over the sink to allow any excess vinegar to flow away easily.
Step 3: Allow to Dry
Let the vinegar sit on the board, allowing it to soak in thoroughly. You can either let it air dry or wipe it down with a clean towel to speed up the process.
Step 4: Clean Off Surface Stains
Once the cutting board is dry, tackle any lingering surface stains and odors with a combination of baking soda and lemon. The duo of lemon and baking soda will effectively eliminate stains and leave your cutting board smelling fresh. Sprinkle approximately 1/4 cup of baking soda over the surface, then take half a lemon and use it to scrub the baking soda into the board. The gritty texture of the baking soda, combined with the juice from the lemon, should lift away any stubborn stains. If this method doesn’t completely remove the stains, you might consider using salt instead, though be cautious as it can be more abrasive and may scratch wooden boards.
Step 5: Rinse with Cool Water and Dry
After addressing any stains, rinse the cutting board with cool water to remove all cleaning residues. Allow it to air dry completely before using it again.
How to Clean and Disinfect Glass Cutting Boards
This same cleaning method can be applied to glass cutting boards. Since glass is non-porous, it is generally easier to maintain and less prone to staining.
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How to Reseason Wooden Cutting Boards After Cleaning
After cleaning, you may notice your wooden cutting board doesn’t look as vibrant as it once did. This could mean it’s in need of reseasoning. Follow these straightforward steps to restore your cutting board’s original luster:
- Once the board is completely dry, apply some coconut oil. It’s best to drizzle the oil rather than pouring it all in one spot. Start with about 2 tablespoons.
- Using a clean cloth, rub the oil into the board, following the grain of the wood.
- After the initial application has soaked in, repeat the process for optimal results.
- Note: Don’t be concerned about over-oiling; the wood will absorb as much oil as it can.
- Coconut oil is recommended because it’s food-safe and won’t become rancid like other oils.
- Ensure the coconut oil is at room temperature and pourable; if it’s too thick, warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Common FAQs
How often should you clean cutting boards?
I recommend cleaning your cutting boards every couple of weeks if you use them regularly. This will help keep them free from bacteria and in good condition.
Should you re-season wooden cutting boards after cleaning?
Not necessarily, but here are four indicators that your wooden cutting boards may need reseasoning:
- Dry or Dull Appearance: If your board looks dry or lacks luster, it’s time to reseason it to prevent cracking.
- Persistent Stains or Odors: If stains or odors remain after cleaning, reseasoning may be necessary.
- Rough or Uneven Surface: Reseasoning can help smooth out any roughness and enhance usability.
- Water Not Beading: If water doesn’t bead on the surface, it’s a sign that reseasoning is needed.
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