How To Care And Maintain Cutting Boards

Keeping a well maintained and clean cutting board is essential, as they can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria and grime. Cutting boards are often used in the preparation of raw meats or unwashed produce, so it’s vital to properly clean after each use. If not cleaned properly, we run the risk of contaminating the food that we are preparing. Wood can be especially porous, and provides ample nooks and crevices for bacteria to hide and multiply. While using a dishwasher may seem to be the most convenient way to clean your cutting board, it is not always the recommended method of cleaning. Below we will highlight the ideal way to clean cutting boards made from a few of the most common materials.

Plastic Cutting Board

Most plastic cutting boards can be tossed in the dishwasher to decent effect. However, try to ensure the removal of a plastic cutting board before the drying cycle begins; during this time plastic can often become warped.

When hand washing, be sure to clean with hot, soapy water. Once complete, use a disinfectant to ensure the removal of all bacteria. While a chlorine bleach works just fine, we prefer to use organic products. Our favorite method uses 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of water, and about 3 drops of lemon juice combined with 1 tablespoon of salt. Combine the elements to make a paste, and then slather it over the board. Once applied, allow to sit for about 2-3 minutes. After the time is up, simply wash the substance away with a towel or brush, and viola! A perfectly clean and disinfected cutting board awaits.

Wooden Cutting Board

These days, most wooden cutting boards on the market are advertised as being dishwasher safe. But we disagree. The only way to ensure a properly washed cutting board is the old fashioned way. Simply use a bit of dish soap, some hot water, and wipe clean with a towel or coarse brush. Once completed, allow your cutting board to dry and it will be good to go. For extended maintenance and upkeep, some coarse salt does a world of good. Every few months try to apply a pinch of salt to the surface of your board. Take a slice of lemon, and use to rub the salt into the cutting board for a good, deep cleanse. Once completed, wash off and dry.

Glass Cutting Board

Glass is probably the easiest product to clean. These cutting boards can be easily washed by hand with warm water and dish soap, and also can be run through the dishwasher for a complete cleaning. There are no crevices or nooks for bacteria to hide, making them exceptional easy to sanitize after each use.

Slate Cutting Board

Slate is also an extremely easy material to clean, as the nature of the cutting board makes for an extremely inhospitable environment for bacteria. While slate cutting boards do not belong in the dishwasher, they are simple to clean using warm water, some dish soap, and a sponge or brush. In order to maintain slate in the long term, we recommend to rub the board down with mineral oil every so often. In addition to keeping your slate vibrant and fresh, it can also help mask any cracks or scratches that might emerge over time.