How to Clean Cutting Boards
I am an advocate for using several cutting boards in food preparation. Cross contamination is easy to do in a busy kitchen. I actually labeled mine, meat, veggie, poultry and fish. If you missed my previous new uses for old things post, I have a nifty way to store them too (wink), just click here to read it. I have had colored cutting boards in the past too with each color representing the task. Always use a clean cutting board for food preparation. I have some easy to follow methods for how to clean cutting boards.
Plastic/ Glass
Personally I try and keep glass cutting boards out of my kitchen, I’m clumsy 🙂 So I stick to plastic ( heavy acrylic) and wood. The method for cleaning glass cutting boards is the same as plastic.
Dishwasher Method
• Rinse well to remove any leftover food particles. Place in the lower rack of the dishwasher with plenty of room all around.
• Set dishwasher on your highest heat setting or sanitize mode if you have it.
• Once a month follow the method below for cleaning if you do not have a dishwasher.
Sink Method or if you do not have a dishwasher
• Rinse well to remove any leftover food particles
• Wash with hot soapy water
• Rinse with clean water
• Fill a wash basin ( or a clean sink) with very hot (not boiling) water
• Place cutting board in a wash basin or clean sink
• Add one teaspoon of unscented chlorine bleach to every two quarts of water
• Let sit in the bleach water for 15-30 minutes
• Rinse with clear water
• Let air dry
Wood Cutting Boards
I think everyone likes and appreciates the look of a good wood cutting board. I know I do. My new Black Canyon Woodworks Personalized Cutting Board prompted this post today. You can read my review HERE. I think this new cutting board is a work of art!
Wood is naturally very porous which allows for bacteria to be left behind hanging out in all of the little grooves. For that reason I use wood cutting boards for breads only. Although a well-oiled wood cutting board does provide a bit of a barrier.
• Wash with hot soapy water (do not place wooden cutting boards in the dishwasher they can warp, crack or split)
• Rinse with tepid running water
• Let air dry
• Once a week -Fill a wash basin ( or a clean sink) with very hot (not boiling) water
• Add one teaspoon of unscented chlorine bleach to every two quarts of water
• Dunk the cutting board into the bleach water 3-5 times letting it cover the surface of the wood
• Rinse with clear water
• Let air dry
Investing in a nice cutting board is a wise decision. But, you should replace worn cutting boards as soon as they start showing signs of wear, knife scars, pitting, grooves or cracks. etc. I did read some truly well-intentioned but misguided information distributed on the internet( imagine that), claiming that wood is naturally antibacterial. What! Ummm, wood draws in and traps bacteria, especially those wet yucky bits of bacteria . They stay right there under the surface…eww, I’m just saying. You might consider using your wood cutting boards for breads and use plastic for everything else. It works well for me and I think you will be happy too.
Did you find my How to Clean Cutting Boards useful?
Please join me in congratulating Ashley B. She is the winner of the Jewelry Giveaway hosted by Tabler Party of Two!
I hope you have a great weekend. You can still link up and share at yesterday’s blog hop. There is only one day left to enter the Fab Feb Frigidaire Giveaway and don’t forget to get your entry in for the Luck of the Irish Giveaway too♥
Great tips for how to clean cutting boards and admit I knew some of this, but not all of it. Thanks Katie and have a great weekend now!! 🙂 xoxo
Janine you sweetie you. you make me smile. xo
Thank you for the tips Katherine. Although I know I’m not suppose to, I put a wood cutting board in the dishwasher last night because it had a faint smell. Well, now it is cracked. Should have read your post first. 😉
Lori
Lori, I am so sorry to learn about your cutting board. Although I didn’t mention it, if it has an odor it is most likely bacteria. But if it is more like garlic or onion from recent use, a little lemon and sea salt scrub should help eliminate the odors. Not sure if your cracked cutting board is still usable for this tip . But maybe for your next one. xox
I do appreciate a good wood cutting board. Love that yours has your name on it!
Me too and how neat is that! I love it. xo
Thanks for the tips about how to wash them.
Hi Brenda my pleasure. Hugs!
Hi Katherine,
Thanks for the tips absolutely great. Hubby uses wooden boards, but once a week he puts them through the planer and takes a bit of both sides, so you have a wonderful new surface.
I hope that you have a fantastic day.
Love and best wishes.
Anne
Hi Anne! What an awesome hubby you have that can make your cutting boards like new . Love that! Send hugs your way my friend xo
Oh great tips! We use wooden cutting boards and definitely aren’t as clean as we could be!!
Amanda, I am so happy to know you liked the tips. I hope they will help you to have your cutting boards perfect for every meal you create. xo
Hi Katherine!
I enjoyed reading this post!
I, too, have wood cutting boards. I LOVE them . . . their look and durability.
I have several thin plastic cutting boards that I place on top of my wood board for cutting, so as to preserve the integrity of my wood boards.
I wash my wood boards with warm water and mild soap . . . and oil them at least once a week. The oil helps them look prettier longer, and it also helps their natural grain shine through.
Thanks for the informative post!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Suzanne
Hi Suzanne! I hope you are well and smiling.You have such a wonderful tip for keeping them looking the best. I agree oiling will give them a much longer life too. Big hugs my friend. xo
This is seriously helpful, I was just figuring out how to scrub a wooden cutting board. thank you!
Hi Kristen! So happy that my tips will help you with your cutting boards. Big hugs!
Super tips!! Happy Monday xx
Thank you my friend , Happy Monday ♥ xoxox
This tutorial makes me think how easy is to overlook these basic things that make such a big difference in our daily life. I shared this so that all my friends get the opportunity to read these awesome tips.
Hi Jack, thank you, and thank you for sharing. Hugs
Thanks for these very useful tips, Katherine. Pinned!
The tips are great and very helpful. I was searching for something just so simple and handy. Thank you for sharing!
my pleasure, thank you for visiting.:-)
A very detailed instructions. Great content
Thank you. Welcome to Katherines Corner. I just visited your website and your cutting boards are lovely. The perfect necessity for any kitchen.