Cleaning tips: Use coarse salt, lemon, and oil to keep your chopping board bacteria-free

When was the last time you deep-cleaned your cutting board? Cutting boards, especially ones made with wood, can harbour bacteria, stains, and odours over time when used frequently. Just cleaning them with soap and water may not be enough. Cutting boards made with wood or bamboo can easily trap bacteria, food particles, stains, and lingering odours over time. Even plastic cutting boards, though less porous, can develop deep stains and become a breeding ground for bacteria in the grooves created by frequent use.

Giving your cutting board a deep clean now and then can help eliminate lingering germs and odours, ensuring it's safe for food preparation. In this guide, we'll walk you through easy and effective steps to deep clean both wooden and plastic cutting boards using simple household materials. With the right care, you can prevent odours, stains, and bacteria buildup, ensuring your cutting board stays in top condition for years to come. Here’s how to deep clean your cutting board, whether it’s made of wood, plastic, or bamboo

• How to deep clean a wooden or bamboo cutting board

Deep cleaning involves disinfecting, deodorising, and maintaining the wood to extend its lifespan.

Materials needed:

• Coarse salt or baking soda
• Lemon or white vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
• Dish soap
• Scrubbing brush or sponge
• Mineral oil or cutting board conditioner (for maintenance)

Steps:

Rinse the cutting board: Rinse the board with hot water to remove food particles or debris.

Scrub with coarse salt and lemon: Sprinkle coarse salt or baking soda on the board. Use half a lemon to scrub the surface. The lemon’s acidity is sanitised while the salt scrubs off particles and stains. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes.

Rinse with warm water: Rinse the board thoroughly with warm water to remove salt, lemon juice, and debris.

Disinfect with Hydrogen Peroxide (Optional): Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (3%) onto the board, spread it, and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Wash with dish soap: Wash the board with dish soap and a sponge, scrubbing all surfaces, including edges.

Dry immediately: Use a towel to dry the board thoroughly and stand it on its side to dry evenly.

Condition the cutting board: Once dry, apply food-grade mineral oil or cutting board conditioner to prevent cracking and maintain the wood’s appearance.

• How to deep clean a plastic cutting board

Materials needed:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide
• Dish soap
• Scrubbing brush or sponge
• Bleach (optional)

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Steps:

Rinse the board: Rinse with hot water to remove surface debris.

Scrub with baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda on the board and scrub with a brush or sponge. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes for tough stains.

Disinfect with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide: Pour white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide (3%) over the board. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with hot water.

Bleach for Deep Cleaning (Optional): For heavy stains, soak the board in a bleach solution (1 teaspoon bleach to 1 gallon of water) for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Wash with dish soap: Clean the board with dish soap and hot water, scrubbing all surfaces.

Dry completely: Use a towel to dry the plastic board completely before storing it.

• Additional tips for cutting board maintenance

To maintain your cutting board in top condition, avoid placing wooden boards in the dishwasher, as the heat and moisture can lead to warping or cracking. It's also essential to use separate boards for different types of food—one for raw meat and another for vegetables—to prevent cross-contamination. After each use, clean your cutting board with hot, soapy water to remove food particles and bacteria. For stubborn stains on plastic boards, applying a baking soda paste can help effectively lift discolouration and keep your board looking fresh and clean.

Deep cleaning Your cutting board not only removes stains and odours but also ensures it's free of bacteria and safe to use. Proper care extends the life of your cutting board, ensuring it remains a vital kitchen tool for years.