How to Clean Wooden Cutting Board: 3 Expert Backed Methods

A wooden cutting board is not only useful cooking equipment, but it also adds beauty to any culinary space. Regular cleaning is necessary to ensure its longevity and preserve its hygienic qualities. Wooden cutting boards are not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and reliable when properly cared for.

Your wooden cutting board’s beauty and usefulness can be easily maintained by utilizing the proper methods and natural substances. But do you know how to clean wooden cutting board?

Welcome to visit our thorough instructions on how to clean wood cutting board. We know how important it is to keep a cutting board clean and hygienic in order to ensure the safety of your food preparation because we love to cook.

We will share our professional advice and methods in this article to help you clean your wooden cutting board and keep it in beautiful shape for years to come.

Why Choose Wooden Cutting Boards?

Let’s take a moment to understand why chefs and home cooks alike prefer wood-cutting boards before we get into the cleaning procedure:

• Knife-Friendly Surface: Cutting boards made of wood are kind to your blades and help keep them sharp and durable.
• Natural Antimicrobial Characteristics: Research has shown that several wood species, like maple and walnut, have natural antimicrobial characteristics that make them more bacterial-resistant than plastic cutting boards.
• Stunning Aesthetics: Wooden cutting boards give your kitchen a touch of class and warmth, which improves the room’s appeal as an entirety.

Methods of Cleaning Wooden Cutting Board

Here are three effective methods for cleaning a wooden cutting board:

Soap and Water Method

This is an easy and typical way to effectively clean your wooden cutting board.

Gather your materials:

• Warm water
• Mild dish soap.

Cleaning Techniques

1. Rinse the cutting board with water to get rid of any loose particles.
2. Spray the board’s surface with a few drops of mild dish soap.
3. Use a clean sponge or soft brush to gently scrub the board, paying extra attention to any stubborn stains.
4. Thoroughly rinse the cutting board in warm water to remove of all soap residue.
5. Use a clean cloth or paper towels to pat the board dry.
6. Let the cutting board thoroughly dry before storing it.

Lemon and Salt Scrub

This method is particularly useful for removing tough stains and odors from your wooden cutting board.

Gather your materials:

• Lemon
• Salt

Cleaning Techniques

1. Start by cutting a fresh lemon in half.
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of coarse salt on the cutting board’s surface.
3. Take one-half of the lemon and use it to rub the salt onto the board, squeezing slightly to release the lemon juice.
4. Let the salt and lemon mixture sit on the cutting board for a while.
5. After that, scrub the board with a clean sponge or gentle brush, massaging salt and lemon juice into any remaining stains.
6. Thoroughly rinse the board in warm water to get rid of all salt and lemon debris.
7. Pat the board dry with a clean cloth or paper towel and allow it to air dry completely.

White Vinegar Solution

Sanitizing your wooden cutting board is crucial for food safety, and white vinegar is an excellent natural disinfectant.

Gather your materials:

• White vinegar
• Warm water

Cleaning Techniques

• Pour a small amount of white vinegar directly onto the cutting board’s surface.
• Use a clean cloth to spread the vinegar evenly, ensuring it covers the entire board.
• Let the vinegar sit on the board for about 5 minutes to effectively disinfect it.
• After the waiting period, rinse the cutting board thoroughly with warm water.
• Pat the board dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Allow the cutting board to air dry completely before storing it.

Scrubbing Techniques: Removing Stubborn Stains and Residue

Keeping your wooden cutting board clean and free from stubborn stains and residue is essential for both hygiene and longevity. Here are effective scrubbing techniques to restore your cutting board’s pristine condition:

1. Gentle Abrasives: Start by sprinkling coarse salt or baking soda onto the cutting board’s surface. Using a damp sponge or soft-bristled brush, gently scrub the stains in a circular motion. These mild abrasives will help lift the stains without damaging the wood.
2. Lemon and Vinegar Solution: Create a natural cleaning solution by mixing equal parts of lemon juice and white vinegar. Apply the solution to the stained areas and let it sit for a few minutes. The mild acidity of the mixture helps break down stains and residue. Afterward, scrub the surface with a soft brush or sponge.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide: For tough stains or discoloration, you can use hydrogen peroxide. Apply a small amount directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub gently with a sponge or brush. Note that hydrogen peroxide may lighten the wood slightly, so it’s essential to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
4. Baking Soda Paste: To tackle stubborn, dried-on residue, create a paste by mixing baking soda with water. Spread the paste over the affected areas and let it sit for a while. The paste’s gentle abrasiveness combined with its natural cleaning properties helps lift stuck-on debris. Scrub the board gently with a soft brush or sponge, and then rinse thoroughly.
5. Warm Soapy Water: For everyday cleaning and light stains, use warm soapy water with a mild dishwashing detergent. Let the soapy water sit on the board for a few minutes to loosen the stains. Then, scrub gently using a sponge or soft-bristled brush.

Maintenance tips to keep your cutting board in top condition

To keep your cutting board in top condition and ensure its longevity, follow these maintenance tips:

• Cleaning Procedures: Wash the cutting board with hot, soapy water after every usage. Remove any food residue or stains by scrubbing with a sponge or dishcloth. Thoroughly rinse, then pat dry with a fresh towel.
• Avoid Soaking: To prevent warping and cracking, avoid soaking the cutting board in water or putting it in the sink.
• Sanitation: Occasionally, rub the cutting board with a solution made of white vinegar and water. Before cleaning and drying the surface, let the solution stay for a few minutes.
• Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Avoid using abrasive cleansers, bleach, or strong chemicals on cutting boards since they can leave behind harmful chemicals and damage the surface.
• Use Cutting Board Oil: Apply cutting board oil or food-grade mineral oil to wooden cutting boards on a regular basis to keep surfaces moist and prevent drying out. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
• Proper Storage: Keep your cutting boards out of direct sunlight in a dry, cool space. To ensure perfect air circulation, store them upright if at all possible.

Conclusion

So, how to clean wooden cutting board? In order to maintain a wooden cutting board’s longevity, keep its natural beauty, and ensure food safety, it must be washed properly. You can maintain your cutting board in good shape by following a few easy procedures, like regularly washing it with hot, soapy water, avoiding soaking, and occasionally sanitizing it with vinegar.

Remember to disinfect and deodorize with lemon and salt, use cutting board oil to prevent drying out, and store it properly away from heat and sunlight. If you use these cleaning practices, your cutting board will last you for many years.

Happy cooking!