If you're like most people, you probably don't think about cleaning your wood cutting board until it's too late. By that point, the board is covered in food residue and bacteria, and it's a huge hassle to clean. Especially if you used your board with a meat hammer to tenderdize the meat.
In this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to clean your wood cutting board. We'll also discuss some of the best ways to prevent bacteria from growing on your board.
Use Oil to Remove Stains
One of the best ways to clean your wood cutting board is to use oil. You can use any type of oil, but we recommend using olive oil or coconut oil. You can also find Real Milk Paint's cutting board oil and beeswax polish. Simply apply the oil to your cutting board and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe away the oil and any residue.
You can also use a solution of baking soda and water if your cutting board is severely discolored. Apply the mixture to your cutting board, then wait a few minutes before using it.
After that, wipe the baking soda and any leftover material away with a clean cloth.
Use Vinegar to Disinfect
Utilizing vinegar is a fantastic additional cleaning method for wooden cutting boards. Natural disinfectants like vinegar can help clean your board of any remaining food particles. Simply fill a spray bottle with an equal mixture of water and vinegar. After that, spritz the remedy onto your cutting board and let it sit there for a while. Finally, clean the board with a clean cloth.
You can also use lemon juice as a natural disinfectant. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub it all over the board. Let the lemon juice sit for about five minutes, then rinse the board with warm water and let it air dry.
Use Salt to Scrub
Your cutting board might need to be scrubbed with salt if it's very filthy. This will assist in getting rid of any lingering stains and germs. Simply sprinkle salt over the cutting board, then scrub the salt into the board using a clean cloth. The board should then be rinsed with warm water and allowed to air dry.
Clean With Bleach
Bleach is a good option if you need a stronger cleaning solution. However, if your cutting board is composed of hardwood, you should only use bleach.
The bleach will harm softer woods like bamboo or teak if your cutting board is composed of those materials. Simply combine one part bleach with ten parts water to clean with bleach. Apply the mixture on your cutting board after that, and leave it there for a short while. The board should then be cleaned with clean water and left to dry.
How to Prevent Bacteria From Growing?
The best way to prevent bacteria from growing on your cutting board is to clean it after each use. You should also avoid cutting raw meat on the board, as this can introduce bacteria to the surface. If you do cut raw meat on the board, make sure to clean it immediately afterward with soap and water.
Do You Need to Sanitize a Wooden Cutting Board?
Anytime your cutting board comes into touch with raw meat, you should clean it. Use a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water to do this. After spreading the mixture on the board, give it some time to dry. After that, the board needs to be cleansed with clean water and given time to air dry.
How to Maintain Your Wooden Cutting Board?
To keep your wooden cutting board in good shape, you should oil it regularly. We recommend using food-grade mineral oil, which you can find at most hardware stores. Simply apply the oil to your cutting board and let it soak in for a few hours. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess oil. You should do this once a month or as needed. You should also avoid putting your cutting board in the dishwasher, as this can damage the wood. If you need to clean your board in the dishwasher, make sure to use the gentlest setting and let it air dry afterwards.
How to Restore a Damaged Board?
If your cutting board is severely damaged, you may need to sand it down and start from scratch. First, use medium-grit sandpaper to remove any roughness from the surface of the board. You can do it by hand or with an electric sander. If you do it by hand, make sure to sand in the direction of the grain. Next, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface of the board. When doing it by hand, make sure to also sand with the grain.
Finally, apply food-grade mineral oil to the board and let it soak in for a few hours. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess oil. Also, make sure to sand down your cutting board any time it starts to show wear and tear. This will help prevent the wood from splintering.
Dealing With Mildew
Mildew is a type of fungi that can grow on wood cutting boards, and it is important to get rid of it as soon as possible. The first step is to clean the board with a mixture of vinegar and water. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will kill any bacteria on the board. Next, rinse the board off with hot water and dry it thoroughly. If the mildew is still visible, you can scrub it off with a brush. Finally, oil the board with food-grade mineral oil to protect it from future damage.
As you can see, there are a few different ways to clean your wood cutting board. Depending on the severity of the dirt and grime, you may need to use a different method. However, all of these methods are effective at cleaning and disinfecting your board.
We hope you found this guide helpful. Thanks for reading!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Poglianich
Content Strategist
Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the wooden crafts and 3D product design space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.
