How to Clean a Wooden Cutting Board and Maintain It Over Time

How Often You Should Clean a Wooden Cutting Board

You should always clean your cutting board after each use, especially if you are using your board to cut raw meat, fish, or poultry. "If you've been working with raw meat, it's especially important to clean it right away as this poses a high risk of cross-contamination of harmful bacteria like salmonella or E. coli and cause food-borne illnesses," says Toner.

And while you should clean your cutting board after every use, don't skimp on the extra sanitizing steps. "You should also sanitize it at least once a week or more often if you use it frequently," says Goodell David, founder of WoodWorkingClarity.

Before You Start

Gather your cleaning materials. Cleaning your cutting board is easy, and you likely have most of the materials on hand already. Remember to use gentle products so you don't potentially damage the wood. "Dish soap with warm water is one of my favorites," says Sabrina Tretyakova, an ISSA-certified cleaning technician. "Baking soda is a good option if the board develops discoloration. Distilled white vinegar or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide are excellent sanitizing agents."

Lemon, baking soda and vinegar for cleaning cutting board — Liudmila Chernetskav / GETTY IMAGES

What You'll Need

Materials

Dish soap
Sponge
Baking soda (optional)
Distilled white vinegar (optional)
Half a lemon (optional)
3 percent hydrogen peroxide (optional)
Bleach (optional)
Food-grade mineral oil or beeswax (optional)

Instructions

Remove Food Particles

Rinse your cutting board off in warm water to remove any lingering food debris.
Apply Dish Soap

Using a mild dish soap and a sponge, gently clean the cutting board in warm, soapy water. "For regular cleaning, hot, soapy water and a brush or sponge should do the trick," says Toner. "Avoid using abrasive scouring pads that might damage the wood."
Sanitize your board

If you're going to sanitize your cutting board as well, choose your preferred sanitizing solution.
- To sanitize with baking soda, sprinkle baking soda over the board and use half a lemon to scrub it in. "Lemon juice is acidic and can kill some germs and odors on the surface of the wood," says David. "It can also lighten stains and brighten the color of the wood."
- To sanitize with vinegar, spray or wipe your board down with distilled white vinegar, which is also acidic and kills germs and eliminates odors.
- To sanitize with hydrogen peroxide, pour or spray 3 percent hydrogen peroxide on your cutting board, and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. "Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer that can kill bacteria and viruses by breaking down their cell walls," David says. "It will fizz as it works."
- To sanitize with bleach, first make sure to dilute it well. "Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of water, then apply it to the board, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse thoroughly," Toner says. "This helps kill any lingering bacteria. Remember to follow up with a plain water rinse to remove any bleach residue."
Dry Your Cutting Board

Once you're finished cleaning your cutting board, make sure to dry it well. "Damp boards become breeding grounds for mold and bacterial contamination," says Tretyakova. "Pat it dry using a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel. Absorbent paper towels or blotting paper are good alternatives because they absorb water quickly." Then, stand it upright to allow for good air circulation while it continues to dry out completely.

Tips for Maintaining Your Wood Cutting Board

Now that your wooden cutting board is clean and sanitized, keep these tips in mind to keep it in tip-top shape.

Never Put Your Cutting Board in the Dishwasher

While it might seem like tossing your wood cutting board in the dishwasher is the easiest way to get it clean, stick to hand-washing it. "High heat and prolonged exposure to water can cause the wood to warp, crack, split, or mold," says David. "Wood is a porous material that absorbs water and expands when wet, and contracts when dry. This can cause the wood fibers to break and the glue joints to loosen. The dishwasher can also strip away the natural oils and protective finish of the wood, making it more prone to staining and bacteria growth."

Season Your Wood Cutting Board Once a Month

Take steps to protect the wood by using food-grade mineral oil or beeswax on your wood cutting board every month. "Oil or wax can restore the moisture and shine of the wood, as well as create a protective barrier against water and stains," David says. "Use a clean cloth or paper towel to rub the oil or wax into the wood grain and wipe off any excess."

Store the Cutting Board Properly

Store your cutting board in a cool, dry place when you're not using it, and avoid stacking other things on top of it or storing it flat on a counter. Doing so can trap moisture and cause mold to grow, according to David. "Store the board upright or hang it on a hook to allow air circulation," he says.

Repair Your Cutting Board

If you begin to notice any cracks or splits, repair them ASAP. "If the board has any cracks, splits, chips, or deep scratches, you should repair them as soon as possible to prevent further damage and bacteria growth," David says. "You can use wood glue, clamps, sandpaper, and mineral oil to fix minor defects on your wooden cutting board."

Sources

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