Tools and Materials
How To Clean Different Types of Cutting Board
There are various types of cutting boards, such as wooden and plastic. They have different ways of cleaning and disinfecting.
Wooden Cutting Board
First, we will learn how to clean a wooden cutting board since it is the most used one.
- First, use a spatula to scrape off food and any residue from the board, avoiding metal tools to prevent damage.
- Use a terry cloth and dip it in soap water. Use this to rub the oil and grease off the board and then rinse it with water. Rinse the place with more stains. Repeat the process again if there is any oil or grease left.
- Dry the board with a clean towel and allow it to air dry completely before storing.
Never leave a wooden cutting board in a sink full of water, as it can decay the wooden board over time.
Apply food-safe mineral oil after it is dry to make sure it retains its beautiful form and keep it safe from cracking.
Plastic Cutting Board
Plastic cutting boards are most commonly used to cut meat pieces. They are more affordable, so they are used widely. So, cleaning cutting boards properly is important when meat is involved.
- Rinse the leftover food or vegetables by simply rinsing it under water.
- Use a soft sponge with soapy water or detergent to clean it. Be sure to clean both sides, especially if you’ve used it for raw meat.
- Rinse and dry your cutting board using a cloth after disinfecting it.
Regularly inspect your plastic cutting board for deep grooves or cuts where bacteria can hide. If your board is excessively worn, it may be time to replace it.
How To Disinfect Cutting Board
There are multiple ways to disinfect the cutting board and remove the odor simultaneously from any type of cutting board.
- Use lemon and rub it on the board thoroughly where the odor is strong and rinse it clean.
- Use a vinegar and water mixture on the surface and rub it. Scrub it for a few minutes before cleaning the cutting board. This can also be used to get rid of odor.
- For tough stains, apply one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide (Bleach) to the area, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse. Bleach is the best way to disinfect plastic boards that are used to cut raw meat.
- Or you can use a container to put the cutting board in, fill it with water and add 2 tablespoons of bleach. Let it sit there for a few minutes before rinsing it with water.
Maintenance
- Apply food-safe mineral oil on wooden boards from time to time to keep them in shape.
- Keep checking for splinters to avoid injury.
- Store them in a dry and cool place.
- For plastic boards, if the stains and odor don’t go away, it is better to replace them with a new one.