Your cutting board works hard, taking on everything from juicy tomatoes to raw chicken. With all that action, it collects bacteria, odors, and stains that can affect your food’s taste and safety. So, it’s only fair to give it the care it deserves!

Whether you’re working with a sturdy wooden board or a reliable plastic one, keeping it clean is a must. The good news is that it's not difficult to clean a cutting board—just a couple of simple steps and household supplies will do. Ready to give your cutting board the cleaning it deserves? Let's do it!

Cleaning Your Wood Cutting Board

Wood cutting boards are durable, beautiful, and antibacterial by nature, but they need special care to stay healthy. Wood is a porous surface, not like plastic, so if it’s not cleaned properly, it will hold moisture and bacteria. But don't worry, you don't have to use special cleaners—plain old kitchen staples will do.

Use Dish Soap for Everyday Cleaning

The easiest way to keep a clean wood cutting board is with a quick wash after every use.

1. Wash immediately under warm water to remove food particles. Never soak, as wood will absorb the water and warp.
2. Add a small amount of dish soap and scrub with a brush or sponge.
3. Rinse until all soap is removed.
4. Dry with a towel and air dry fully, standing upright to prevent moisture buildup.

This simple routine prevents stains, odors, and bacteria from forming.

Apply Bleach for Deep Cleaning

If you’ve been handling raw meat or poultry on your wooden cutting board, disinfecting it is essential. Bleach is a powerful germ killer, but it needs to be used carefully on wood.

1. Dilute one tablespoon of bleach in one gallon of water.
2. Use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe down the board with the solution.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes to ensure bacteria are eliminated.
4. Wash thoroughly with warm water and dry through.

Note: Don't over-bleach the wood, which can dry out the wood with long-term use.

Brighten Up With Lemon

Lemons aren't just for lemonade—they're great for naturally deodorizing and cleaning your wooden cutting board.

1. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle coarse salt over the board.
2. Rub the surface of the board with the lemon half in a circular motion.
3. Let sit for five minutes before rinsing in warm water.
4. Dry thoroughly to prevent moisture from building up.

This treatment kills lingering odors and bleaches the wood without using harsh chemicals.

Keep Plastic Cutting Boards Sterilized

Plastic cutting boards are great because they're easy to sanitize and non-porous but can still collect bacteria in knives with time. The good news? They can get away with rougher cleaning techniques.

• For regular cleaning, clean your plastic cutting board with hot water and dish soap, scrubbing hard to remove residue.
• For deep cleaning, place it in the dishwasher (if dishwasher-safe) or soak it in one tablespoon of bleach for every gallon of water.
• For stubborn stains, scrub with a baking soda paste (baking soda and a little water mixed) and rinse well.

A properly washed plastic board will not harbor bacteria or odors, and your kitchen will remain safe and hygienic.

How to Clean Your Cutting Board Correctly

Raw poultry, fish, and meat leave bacteria behind that result in food poisoning. To sanitize your cutting board when cutting them, do the following:

• White vinegar: Wipe the board using full-strength white vinegar, dry it, and then rinse.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide over the surface, let it stand for a few minutes, and rinse well.
• Bleach solution: Soak plastic cutting boards in a bleach-water mixture for a few minutes and then rinse carefully.

Regular disinfecting prevents the yucky bacteria from hanging around on your cutting board, making your food preparation safe.

Remove Stubborn Stains With Household Ingredients

Ultimately, your cutting board will be stained with foods like beets, tomatoes, and berries. However, some pantry essentials can wipe those away.

• Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda and a bit of water together to make a paste, apply to the stain, and then wash it out thoroughly.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Just drizzle a bit over the marked spot, allow it to fizz, then clean it away.
• Vinegar solution: Spray a solution of white vinegar and water onto the stain and allow it to sit prior to scrubbing.

Removing stains is simplest when performed immediately, so don't allow food pigments to settle in for long!

Keep Your Wood Cutting Board Functional for Years to Come

Cutting boards made of wood need a bit more attention to look their finest. To avoid drying out, warping, and cracking, do the following easy steps:

1. Oil your board every month: Rub a food-grade mineral oil or beeswax on the wood to keep it moist.
2. Don't soak it: Never soak your wooden board in water—it can warp and crack.
3. Store it standing up: Let it breathe to avoid moisture accumulation.

Your wooden cutting board will last for years if well maintained, and it will only get better with age.

Prevent Cross-Contamination in the Kitchen

Cleaning your cutting board is not just about appearance—it's about safety. To avoid cross-contamination of bacteria, remember these key tips:

• Use separate boards: Have one cutting board for raw meat and another for vegetables or bread.
• Clean immediately after use: Never allow food residue to linger.
• Sanitize after handling raw foods: Clean with vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or a bleach solution as needed.

A sanitized cutting board means safer food and healthier meals!

Struggling to Maintain a Clean Kitchen?

If keeping the kitchen clean is just too much, Rain City Maids is ready to help. Our expert cleaning services leave your home clean, sanitized, and organized—so you can focus on what you want. From deep cleaning the kitchen to full-home sanitizing, we've got it all covered.

Book with us today and enjoy a cleaner, healthier home!