Effective Methods for Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Cutting Boards Using Natural Ingredients
Discover how to effortlessly clean and disinfect your cutting boards with three simple, non-toxic household ingredients complemented by a fresh lemon. Additionally, learn how to remove stubborn stains and keep your boards well-seasoned for optimal use.
If you’re like me, your cutting boards are an essential part of daily meal prep. They serve multiple purposes—from chopping fruits and vegetables to presenting a beautiful charcuterie display. Some are used for raw meats, making proper cleaning crucial. Whether you have wooden or plastic cutting boards, proper maintenance is key to longevity and food safety. Continue reading for detailed cleaning tips tailored to each type.
Tools and Ingredients Needed
- Dish Soap: I recommend using a gentle yet effective dish soap like blue Dawn, but feel free to adapt with whatever you have on hand.
- White Vinegar: Acts as a natural disinfectant thanks to its acidity, helping to eliminate bacteria and grime without harsh chemicals.
- Baking Soda: Used to create a cleaning paste and deodorize the surface effectively.
- Spray Bottle: A versatile tool for applying vinegar or other liquids evenly across your cutting board.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Wooden and Plastic Cutting Boards
Initial Washing and Scrubbing
Begin by rinsing your cutting board under warm running water. Apply a few drops of dish soap and scrub thoroughly with a brush or sponge to remove surface debris and grease. Rinse with cool water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Disinfect with White Vinegar
Pour approximately ¼ cup of white vinegar into your spray bottle. Generously spray the entire surface of the cutting board, ensuring coverage of all areas. For best results, perform this step over the sink, allowing excess vinegar to drain away. Let the vinegar sit and soak into the surface for several minutes, enabling it to neutralize bacteria effectively.
Allow to Air Dry
After disinfecting, let the board air dry completely or wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth. This step is essential for ensuring the surface is thoroughly sanitized and ready for the next use.
Removing Stains and Odors
To tackle stubborn stains or lingering odors, sprinkle about ¼ cup of baking soda evenly across the board. Use half a lemon to scrub the baking soda into the surface, applying gentle pressure to lift stains. The citrus acid and abrasive nature of baking soda work together to brighten the surface and eliminate odors. If stains persist, consider using salt—its slightly more abrasive texture can be more effective, but use it sparingly on wooden boards to prevent scratches.
Final Rinse and Drying
Once the stains and odors are addressed, rinse the board with cool water. Allow it to air dry completely before storing or using again. Proper drying prevents bacterial growth and warping.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Glass Cutting Boards
This versatile method also applies to glass cutting boards, which are less porous and easier to maintain. Simply wipe down with the vinegar spray and follow with a rinse and dry. Since glass doesn’t stain easily, routine cleaning keeps it looking pristine.
Weekly Cleaning Reminder
For thorough maintenance, consider setting a weekly cleaning routine. Download our Free Weekly Cleaning Printable to streamline your home hygiene schedule, ensuring your kitchen surfaces stay spotless and safe.
Reseasoning Wooden Cutting Boards
After cleaning, your wooden board might appear dull or dry. Reseasoning restores its natural oils, making it more durable and resistant to stains. Follow these simple steps:
- Ensure the board is completely dry before applying oil.
- Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of coconut oil evenly across the surface.
- Using a clean cloth, rub the oil into the wood following the grain, ensuring even coverage.
- Repeat the process once more after the initial absorption to deepen the seasoning.
Note: Coconut oil is preferred because it’s food-grade and less likely to become rancid. Warm the oil slightly if it’s too thick for easy application. Over-oiling is not a concern; the wood will absorb what it needs over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my cutting boards?
If used regularly, I recommend cleaning your cutting boards every two weeks to prevent bacterial buildup and maintain hygiene.
Should I re-season my wooden cutting board after cleaning?
Not necessarily. However, watch for signs such as dryness, dullness, stains, odors, rough texture, or water not beading up—these indicate it’s time to reseason.
Additional Cleaning Hacks and Tips
- How to Clean a Pumice Stone Using Just Two Ingredients
- DIY Mattress Spray for Dust Mites
- Pro Tips for Cleaning Baseboards
- Hydrogen Peroxide Tricks That Will Revolutionize Your Cleaning Routine
- Effective Methods for Cleaning Faux Leather
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