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♥

Full Product Review

Black Canyon Cutting Boards Review
Available at https://www.blackcanyoncuttingboards.com
Price varies depending on your selection

I welcomed the opportunity to review a handmade wood cutting board from Black Canyon Cutting Boards. I am an independent artist and I  always support artists and crafters. The website purchasing process is very user friendly and allows for you to choose the type of wood you prefer, the style and even personalized engraving (on the front and/or the back). Your cutting board is then exquisitely crafted by the talented artisans in Bend Oregon. This beautiful cutting board is like a piece of fine art for the kitchen.♥
I selected the mahogany wood style with a maple stripe down the center and I had it cut in the classic shape. I chose to have our last name engraved on the front and a simple message engraved on the back. It arrived in about two weeks in a well packed box. The cutting board is well weighted so it won’t move around while you are using it. It has a fine smooth finish and deep side wells perfect for catching drips. I prefer to use my wood cutting board for breads so the wells come in handy for brushing the crumbs.
A high quality cutting board like the cutting boards created by talented artisans in Oregon are a worthwhile investment for cooks everywhere.  I believe this cutting board will last me a very long time. I give Black Canyon Cutting Boards my very highest rating and recommendation.