How to care for chopping boards to keep them hygienic & clean

It is important to properly care for your chopping boards. Your chopping boards are where you prepare your food. They are where you put meals together and chop all those vegetables. If they are not properly cared for, cleaned, etc., then your meal quality goes down, and you run the risk of illness.

So, obviously, caring for chopping boards is important, but how do you care for them? The following are some simple steps or rules for proper cutting board care:

Plastic Chopping Boards

If your cutting board is plastic, then after each use, you must wash it in the dishwasher so that it will be sterilized. If you do not have a dishwasher then good hot water clean with a disinfectant like Zoflora should help.

Cleaning wooden chopping boards daily

If your chopping board is made from wood, you will want to hand wash it immediately after use.

You will want to clean it with hot water and a bar of mild dish soap, then you will need to dry them completely.

Do not put wooden chopping boards away wet; this is an invitation for bacteria to form.

Monthly cleaning of wooden boards

With wooden chopping boards, you will also want to periodically clean them with coarse salt. Scrub away with this salt; it acts as a natural abrasive. You should use lemon juice, which kills odours and has bleaching properties.

However, lemon juice is an acid and can damage the wood, so after you clean it with the lemon juice, be sure to rinse it off really well, rub it off with a damp cloth, then let it dry.

Tips to keep wooden boards clean

Do not put wooden cutting boards into the dishwasher and never soak them in water. Why? Wooden cutting boards will absorb the water, and this can cause them to crack, split, or even develop mould. It also means that bacteria will get down into the inner fibres of the board and make them not as sanitary. So, rinse, dry, wash by hand.

To keep your wooden cutting board from drying out, you will want to rub it periodically with food-safe mineral oil. Be sure it is food safe, or you could poison yourself, or at least make yourself very sick.

Oil brand new boards once a week for a month, then every month for a year, then after that, you can oil it whenever it feels like the wood is parched. To oil the boards, you will want to use a ball of fine steel wool to rub the oil in, then let it sit for five minutes or so, then wipe the excess oil off with a dry cloth.

How to remove stains from wooden chopping boards with salt

Coarse salt works wonders on surface stains. Sprinkle a generous amount onto your wooden chopping board, focusing on the stained areas. Then, grab a damp cloth or sponge and start scrubbing in circular motions.

Don’t be afraid to put in a little elbow grease – the salt needs some pressure to work its magic. You’ll notice the salt picks up colour as it lifts away the stains. Keep scrubbing until you’re satisfied with the results. Once you’re done, rinse the board with warm water and pat it dry with a clean towel.

Baking Soda for cleaning stubborn stains on wooden chopping boards

For those stains that just won’t budge, it’s time to bring out the baking soda. This versatile powder is like a superhero in your cleaning arsenal. Create a thick paste by mixing baking soda with a bit of water. Spread the paste over the stained areas and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

While you wait, the baking soda will work its magic, absorbing odours and lifting stains. After the time is up, grab a damp cloth and scrub the paste into the wood, focusing on the stained spots. Rinse the board thoroughly and dry it off. Voila! Your board should already look better.

When salt and Baking soda don’t work

When salt and baking soda aren’t enough, it’s time to call in the big guns – white vinegar and lemon juice. These acidic solutions are excellent for breaking down tough stains and restoring your board’s natural colour.

Pour a small amount of white vinegar or lemon juice onto the stained area. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to work its magic. The acid will break down the pigments and lift the stains away. After a few minutes, wipe the area with a damp cloth and rinse the board thoroughly. Just like that, your chopping board is looking fresh and clean.

Sunlight – Nature’s Natural Bleach

Believe it or not, sunlight can be a powerful ally in your stain-fighting quest. If your board has lingering stains or discolouration, try placing it in direct sunlight for a few hours. The sun’s rays act as a natural bleach, helping to fade stubborn stains over time.

Just be cautious not to leave your board out for too long, as prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the wood to dry out and crack. Keep an eye on it, and when you’re satisfied with the results, bring it back inside and give it some love with oil.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Now that your wooden chopping board is looking fabulous, let’s talk about how to keep it that way. Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding future stains and maintaining your board’s pristine appearance.

After each use, be sure to wash your board with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Avoid soaking the board, as excessive water can cause the wood to warp. Once it’s clean, dry it thoroughly with a towel. To keep the wood moisturised and prevent it from cracking, apply a food-safe mineral oil or beeswax conditioner every few weeks.

Regular maintenance is the secret to ensuring your wooden chopping board stays in tip-top shape. Incorporate these simple steps into your routine, and your board will reward you with years of faithful service.

Each month, take a few minutes to give your board a deep clean. Sprinkle it with baking soda and scrub it with a damp cloth. Follow up with a rinse and thorough drying. Finish by applying a thin layer of oil to keep the wood hydrated. This routine will not only prevent stains but also extend the life of your beloved chopping board.

When It’s Time to Say Goodbye

Even the best-loved chopping boards have their limits. If your board becomes deeply gouged, cracked, or starts to harbour bacteria despite regular cleaning, it may be time to retire it. A worn-out board can compromise food safety, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Before saying farewell, consider repurposing the wood if it’s still in good condition. Sand it down and use it as a decorative piece, or give it a new life as a serving platter. With a little creativity, even a retired chopping board can find a new purpose in your home.

Any other Cutting Boards

No matter what kind of cutting board you use, if it develops a deep scratch, hard-to-clean groove, or a crack, it is time to replace it. Throw it out. Why? These scratches, cracks, and grooves harbour bacteria that are harmful to your health.

This is why I love glass chopping boards as they last well and do not collect bacteria in the same way.

Now you know how to care for your cutting boards properly, it is not a difficult process, but it is an important one, so never underestimate the power of a clean work surface, especially when it is a surface used for preparing things that will enter your body and fuel your existence.

Your cutting boards are as important to get clean as your silverware, so do not take shortcuts, rather do a thorough job, and be especially careful with your wooden cutting boards. When in doubt, throw it out, and get a new one; this is a safe practice and a good habit to get into.

How to care for your chopping boards