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How to Clean & Care for a Wooden Cutting Board

Wooden cutting boards in the kitchen look stylish and bring a warm, country-house feel to any kitchen space. But, did you know that wood – if not properly cleaned and treated – can house millions more bacteria than glass or plastic?

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How to Clean & Care for a Wooden Cutting Board

Wooden chopping boards are modern kitchen essentials, but they need to be kept clean and in good condition to prevent a build-up of germs that you really don’t want on your food preparation items.

In this blog, we provide you with easy essentials on how to clean a wooden cutting board in order to keep it clean and in good condition.

What You Need to Clean a Wooden Cutting Board Properly

All you really need to clean a wooden cutting board well, are the right products, utensils, and a little bit of time. Wooden products like cutting boards and other utensils like bowls and spoons are investments in your kitchen and should be treated with care.

4 Steps to Clean a Wooden Cutting Board

Step 1 - Wash with Cream Cleaner

Pour any Handy Andy Cream Cleaner of your choice and spread it onto the wooden cutting board. Handy Andy creams contain 100% natural cleaning particles that penetrate and lift dirt from surfaces. This tough cleaner gets rid of encrusted grease, providing tough cleaning without causing damage.

Step 2 - Clean Both Sides

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Using a clean sponge, make sure you thoroughly scrub and wash both sides of the wooden board including the edges too.

Step 3 – Rinse Well

It is simple to rinse, so you can enjoy a squeaky cleanness right away as well as a pleasant scent. Rinse all residue of the cream cleaner off the wooden board well. When in doubt, give your board an extra rinse to make sure no cleaning agent is left behind.

Step 4 – Air Dry

The most important step in the process of cleaning a wooden cutting board is to allow it to dry well. Never put a damp wooden cutting board into a cupboard as this could promote the growth of mould. Leave the wooden cutting board out overnight to air dry fully.

How to Maintain Your Wooden Cutting Board

Now that the cleaning of your wooden cutting board is done, it’s time to learn how to care for wooden cutting boards. Caring for wooden utensils like cutting boards and bowls is key to ensuring they do not crack or warp over time.

Once the wooden board is cleaned and has dried well overnight, it’s time to seal it. Pour a dash of olive oil onto a piece of paper towel and rub it over all the surfaces of the chopping board. This helps to seal and nourish the wood and is safe to use because it is natural.

How to Clean Mould Off a Wooden Cutting Board

Have you discovered unsightly mould on your wooden cutting board? Bleach works really well in general for clearing up mould, but it’s not really great to use on a surface that you prepare food on.

We love the natural route of mixing a solution of lemon, table salt, white vinegar, and baking soda into a runny paste. Smear the paste onto the mouldy area and rub it into the board thoroughly with your fingertips. Leave to soak in overnight. Then wash the board, as we’ve suggested above, and your mould spots should be gone.

Top Tips For Using Wood In The Kitchen

Whether you have a wood chopping board, a wood salad bowl, or even wood utensils, if you follow these tips for using wood in the kitchen, you’ll get the least number of bacteria and mould growth on them:

  • Never cut raw meat on a wooden chopping board. The blood and bacteria that naturally occurs in raw meat can seep into wood, which could pose a health risk. Always cut raw meat on a glass chopping board.

  • Leave your wooden utensils and boards in the fresh air instead of in a dark cupboard to prevent mould from growing. Because wood can stay damp for a while after washing, you ideally want to leave it out in the open to air dry fully and not put it away in a dark cupboard.

For more cleaning tips like How To Clean Pots and Pans, visit Cleanipedia today.

FAQs on Cleaning a Wooden Cutting Board

Should I clean a wooden cutting board after every use?

Yes, indeed! Wood is porous and therefore is prone to allowing liquids and fluids seep in. Whether you’re chopping tomatoes or grating cheese, you should wash your wooden chopping board well after every use.

How can I disinfect my wooden cutting board?

You can use a diluted solution of bleach to clean your board, but we prefer a natural solution of lemon, table salt, vinegar and baking soda. We recommend adding a dash of Handy Andy lemon cream cleaner.

Can I prepare meat on a wooden cutting board?

It’s best not to use a wood cutting board to prepare raw or cooked meat on.

How do professional chefs clean their wooden cutting boards?

Professional chefs take great care in cleaning and maintaining their wooden cutting boards, which are essential tools in any kitchen. To clean a wooden cutting board, chefs will typically start by wiping away any excess debris or food particles with a clean, damp cloth. Next, they will use a mixture of salt and lemon juice or vinegar to disinfect the surface of the board. This mixture is gently rubbed onto the board, and then left for several minutes before being wiped away with a clean, damp cloth. Once the board is dry, chefs will often apply a thin layer of food-grade mineral oil to protect the surface and prevent moisture from seeping into the wood. By following these steps, professional chefs are able to keep their wooden cutting boards in excellent condition, ensuring that they remain safe and effective tools for years to come.

Originally published