Cutting boards are often the most abused kitchen utensils. From the scars of the knife blades to improper storage and generally poor maintenance, these utensils hardly stand the test of time. While a neglected one can become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, a well-maintained cutting board can last for years.
In this article, we will guide you through maintaining your cutting board, from cleaning and sanitizing to oiling and conditioning. It’s so easy you will wonder why you hadn’t been doing it all along.
Cleaning the cutting board
Cleaning your cutting board regularly is essential to remove any food residue, stains, and odors. Here’s how to do it:
Wash your cutting board with soap and warm water, scrubbing it with a good sponge. For tough stains, you can use a soft-bristled brush.
Next, allow water to run over your cutting board and dry it with a clean kitchen towel. Alternatively, you can allow it to air dry by standing it or placing it on a rack. For wooden cutting boards, ensure both sides are being aired simultaneously to prevent warping.
If your board still retains some stains or smells of the food you worked with, pour lemon juice or white vinegar on the surface. These liquids will help to neutralize the food materials responsible for the problem.
Sanitizing the cutting board
Apart from washing your cutting board, it would be best to sanitize it to eliminate germs and bacteria that can cause harm when ingested.
Mix a tablespoon of unscented bleach with some water. Wipe down the cutting board using a cloth and this solution, not ignoring grooves and crevices. Don’t rinse the board immediately. Allow the solution to sit for about five minutes before rinsing it clean with water and washing it with soap.
If you don’t have unscented bleach, use hydrogen peroxide solution.
Note: wood cutting boards don’t work well with bleach. Just use water and soap you can trust to keep your wooden cutting boards clean.
Oiling and conditioning the cutting board
You can skip this step if you’re not using a wooden cutting board.
Before going into details of how to oil and condition your cutting board, this is why you should do it in the first place.
After frequent usage (and washing), your wooden board likely dries out, making it more prone to cracking. Regular oiling and conditioning keep your board clean and less likely to crack. Oiling and conditioning your board also prevents your board from being stained or absorbing strong odors.
Here’s how to do it:
Apply a thin layer of food-safe oil, such as mineral oil or coconut oil to the cutting board using a paper towel or a basting brush. Allow the oil to sit for a few hours (possibly overnight) before wiping off excess oil with a clean cloth or paper towel.
You can do this as often as you like but doing it once a month also works.
Get quality cutting boards
The most important step in maintaining your cutting board is getting one that can be maintained. Some cutting boards are of poor quality so it doesn’t matter what you do or don’t do, they just end up getting damaged quickly. We recommend John Boos Block Maple Wood Cutting Board. Although on the high side, this cutting board promises to be worth every penny.
Storage and handling
If you do not properly handle and store your cutting board, you’re well on your way to damaging it.
- Keep your cutting board in a dry place, preferably a dry storage drawer or hung on a hook.
- Avoid stacking heavy objects on it, especially on a glass board.
- Protect your cutting board from sudden impacts and long-range drops.
Maintenance Schedule
To ensure your cutting board remains in good condition, follow this maintenance schedule:
- Daily: Clean the cutting board after each use.
- Weekly: Sanitize the cutting board.
- Monthly: Oil and condition the cutting board.
What not to do to your cutting board
- Do not put your wooden cutting board in a dishwasher. Wood and heat do not go well together. Only plastic or glass cutting boards are dishwasher-safe.
- Do not soak your wooden cutting board in water. The wood will trap the moisture and create a conducive environment for bacteria and other germs.
- Do not use a knife or other sharp objects to scrape across the surface of your chopping board. This can damage the board and produce harmful toxins that get into your food, especially with plastic chopping boards.
Conclusion
Maintaining your cutting board is a simple process that can help ensure food safety, longevity, and appearance. Following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can keep your cutting board in good condition and ensure it remains a valuable tool in your kitchen for years.
