How to clean a wooden cutting board?

Wooden cutting boards are prized for their durability, knife-friendliness, and aesthetic appeal in any kitchen. However, their porous nature, while gentle on knives, also makes them susceptible to absorbing odors, stains, and bacteria from food. Proper and regular cleaning is not just about aesthetics; it’s crucial for food safety and extending the life of your board. Asubra Cleaning provides a comprehensive guide on how to effectively clean, disinfect, deodorize, and condition your wooden cutting board, ensuring it remains a hygienic and beautiful tool in your kitchen.

Daily vs. Deep cleaning

Maintaining a wooden cutting board requires both routine and periodic attention.

Daily cleaning (after each use):

Purpose: To remove food particles, oils, and surface bacteria from everyday use.
Method:
1. Immediately after use, scrape off any food debris into the trash.
2. Wash the board with warm water and a mild dish soap. Use a sponge or a stiff brush to scrub all surfaces thoroughly.
3. Rinse well under warm running water.
4. Crucially, dry the board immediately and thoroughly with a clean towel.
5. Stand the board on its edge or use a drying rack to allow air circulation on all sides. Do not lay it flat, as this can trap moisture and lead to warping or mildew.

Deep cleaning (weekly or as needed for stains/odors):

Purpose: To eliminate deeper stains, persistent odors, and ensure thorough disinfection.
Method: This involves using natural disinfectants and more intensive cleaning techniques as outlined below.

Natural disinfectants

While soap and water clean the surface, natural disinfectants penetrate deeper to kill bacteria and remove stubborn residues.

1. Lemon and salt method (Excellent for stains and light odors)

This method uses the abrasive quality of salt combined with the acidity and deodorizing properties of lemon.

Preparation: Sprinkle a generous amount of coarse salt (kosher salt or sea salt works best) over the entire surface of the wooden cutting board.
Scrub with Lemon: Cut a lemon in half. Use the cut side of the lemon as a scrubber, rubbing it firmly over the salt-covered board. Squeeze the lemon as you rub to release juice, creating a paste. Pay extra attention to any visible stains or knife marks.
Let Sit: Allow the salt and lemon mixture to sit on the board for 10-15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes for tough stains). The salt helps to draw out moisture and grime, while the lemon’s acid works as a natural bleach and disinfectant.
Scrape & Rinse: Scrape off the lemon and salt mixture into the trash. Rinse the board thoroughly with warm water.
Dry Immediately: Dry the board completely with a clean towel and stand it on its edge to air dry further.

2. Vinegar soak (Effective for general disinfection and odor neutralization)

White distilled vinegar is a powerful natural disinfectant due to its acetic acid content.

Preparation: Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white distilled vinegar.
Spray Generously: Spray the entire surface of the wooden cutting board generously with vinegar. Ensure all areas that come into contact with food are covered.
Let Sit: Allow the vinegar to sit on the board for 5-10 minutes. The acetic acid will work to kill bacteria and neutralize odors.
Rinse: Rinse the board thoroughly under warm running water. Don’t worry about a lingering vinegar smell; it dissipates as the board dries.
Dry Immediately: Dry the board completely with a clean towel and stand it on its edge to air dry further.

Note on Bleach: While a very diluted bleach solution (1 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water) can be used for sanitation on non-porous surfaces, it’s generally not recommended for regular use on wooden cutting boards. Bleach can dry out and damage wood fibers, potentially causing cracking or warping over time. Stick to natural disinfectants like lemon/salt or vinegar for routine use.

How to deodorize & condition the wood

Beyond cleaning, proper deodorizing and conditioning are vital for maintaining your wooden cutting board’s longevity and appearance.

Deodorizing (as needed for persistent odors)

Baking Soda Paste:
1. Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste.
2. Spread the paste over the entire surface of the board, paying attention to areas with strong odors.
3. Let it sit for several hours or even overnight. Baking soda is excellent at absorbing odors.
4. Scrape off the paste and rinse the board thoroughly with warm water.
5. Dry immediately and completely.

Conditioning (Monthly or as needed)

Conditioning prevents the wood from drying out, cracking, and warping, and helps create a barrier against moisture and stains.

Ensure Cleanliness & Dryness: Make sure your cutting board is thoroughly clean and bone-dry before conditioning. Any moisture trapped underneath the oil can lead to mildew.
Choose Your Oil: Use food-grade mineral oil (often found in pharmacies or kitchen supply stores) or a specialized “butcher block oil.” These oils are non-toxic, penetrate the wood effectively, and won’t go rancid like some vegetable oils (e.g., olive, canola).
- Avoid: Vegetable oils (can become rancid), tung oil (not always food-safe), linseed oil (can contain drying agents).
Apply Oil: Apply a generous amount of mineral oil to the surface of the board.
Rub In: Use a clean, soft cloth (or even your hands with gloves) to rub the oil into the wood, working with the grain. Apply until the wood looks saturated. Don’t forget the sides and edges of the board.
Let Soak: Allow the oil to soak into the wood for at least 4-6 hours, or ideally overnight. For new boards or very dry boards, you might need to apply several coats, allowing each to soak in.
Wipe Excess: After soaking, wipe off any excess oil with a clean, dry cloth. The board should feel smooth, not oily.
Frequency: Condition your wooden cutting board at least once a month, or more frequently if it sees heavy use or starts to look dry and dull. A good test is to see if water beads on the surface; if it soaks in, it’s time to re-oil.

By consistently implementing these cleaning, disinfecting, and conditioning practices, your wooden cutting board will remain a beautiful, hygienic, and long-lasting centerpiece in your kitchen.

Is your kitchen in need of a thorough clean, including expert care for your wooden cutting boards and other surfaces? Asubra Cleaning offers comprehensive kitchen cleaning services, ensuring every corner of your culinary space is hygienic and sparkling. Let us handle the details, so you can enjoy a truly clean home. Contact us today for a free estimate!