Cutting boards are used daily in commercial kitchens for chopping vegetables, fruits, meat, and other ingredients, making them one of the most bacteria-prone tools in any food prep area. Food residue, juices, and moisture can seep into the surface, leading to unpleasant odors, stubborn stains, and potential cross-contamination. Wooden boards are porous and absorb liquids more easily, which can encourage bacterial growth if not cleaned properly. Plastic boards, while non-porous, develop deep knife grooves over time that can trap bacteria and leftover food particles, requiring careful attention during cleaning.
Proper cleaning and sanitizing of cutting boards not only ensures food safety but also extends the lifespan of these essential kitchen tools. Following a consistent cleaning routine helps remove stains, neutralize odors, kill harmful bacteria, and prevent mold and mildew buildup. This guide provides simple yet effective methods to clean, sanitize, deodorize, and maintain both wooden and plastic cutting boards using everyday household items, ensuring that your kitchen remains hygienic and your cutting boards stay durable for long-term use.
Why Proper Kitchen Cutting Board Cleaning Matters
Cleaning cutting boards the right way prevents cross-contamination, eliminates germs, and keeps your food preparation safe. Boards that are not cleaned properly can harbor bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, which can transfer to fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, and cooked meals, as highlighted in USDA guidelines on cutting boards. Regular cleaning and sanitizing maintain hygiene and prolong the board’s durability.
Types of Kitchen Cutting Boards
Wooden Cutting Boards
Durable, long-lasting, and gentle on knives. They require careful cleaning because wood absorbs moisture and can crack if not maintained properly, according to research on bacterial growth on wood surfaces.
Plastic Cutting Boards
Lightweight, affordable, and dishwasher-safe. Good for raw meat, poultry, and seafood. However, deep knife grooves can trap bacteria if not cleaned thoroughly.
How to Clean Kitchen Wooden Cutting Boards
Daily Cleaning
For everyday use, clean your wooden cutting board with warm water and mild dish soap. Gently scrub the surface with a soft sponge to remove food residue without damaging the wood. After washing, rinse thoroughly and dry the board immediately with a clean towel. Always stand the board upright to allow proper air-drying, which helps prevent moisture buildup, mold, and warping, as recommended by University of Maine Extension.
Deep Cleaning
A deep clean should be done once or twice a week to maintain hygiene. Start by sprinkling coarse salt or baking soda across the surface. Then scrub using half a lemon, which naturally lifts stains, removes bacteria, and eliminates odors. After scrubbing, rinse the board thoroughly and dry it completely to protect the wood fibers and avoid moisture absorption.
Sanitizing Wooden Boards
Sanitizing keeps your board safe, especially after cutting raw meats or strong-smelling foods. Avoid using bleach because it can weaken and damage the wood. Instead, use white vinegar as a natural disinfectant. Spray vinegar evenly on the board, let it sit for five minutes to kill bacteria, then rinse and dry immediately. This method sanitizes effectively without harming the wood.
Deodorizing
If your wooden board develops odors, deodorizing is simple. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the entire surface and let it sit for about ten minutes. The baking soda absorbs trapped smells inside the wood. Afterward, scrub the board lightly and rinse it well. Proper drying ensures odors do not return.
Conditioning Wooden Boards
To keep your wooden cutting board from drying out or cracking, condition it once a month. Apply a thin layer of food-grade mineral oil or cutting board oil across the entire surface. Allow the board to absorb the oil fully, which restores moisture and protects the wood. Finally, wipe off any excess oil and let the board dry before use.
How to Clean Plastic Kitchen Cutting Boards
1. Daily Cleaning
For everyday cleaning, wash your plastic cutting board with hot water and dish soap. Use a scrub brush rather than a soft sponge, as plastic boards often develop knife grooves where bacteria and food residue can hide. Scrubbing firmly helps lift debris from these cuts. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove soap and loosened particles.
- Deep Cleaning
When your plastic cutting board develops stains or lingering odors, give it a deeper clean using a baking soda paste. Mix baking soda with a small amount of water and spread the paste over the stained areas. Scrub the board thoroughly to lift discoloration and absorb trapped odors. Once finished, rinse with warm water to restore a fresh, clean surface.
Sanitizing
Plastic boards are durable and can handle stronger sanitizing methods. After daily or deep cleaning, you can sanitize the board using a diluted bleach solution—mix one tablespoon of bleach with one liter of water. Soak the board for two to three minutes to kill bacteria, especially after cutting raw poultry or meat. Rinse the board thoroughly and allow it to air-dry completely.
Dishwasher Cleaning
Most plastic cutting boards are safe to clean in the dishwasher, making maintenance simple and effective. Place the board on the top rack to avoid heat-related warping. The high-temperature wash cycles help sanitize the board and remove stubborn grime. Ensure it dries fully before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
How to Clean a Teak Kitchen Wood Cutting Board
Teak boards should be washed after every use with warm water and mild dish soap, then dried upright to prevent moisture damage. For stains, scrub with coarse salt or baking soda using half a lemon, and sanitize gently with white vinegar instead of harsh chemicals. Regular oiling keeps the wood nourished, prevents cracking, and extends the board’s lifespan. For maintaining a hygienic commercial kitchen, proper cleaning of cutting boards should be complemented by professional services like Exhaust Cleaning to ensure overall kitchen sanitation.
1. Wash After Every Use
Teak wood is naturally rich in oils and highly resistant to moisture, but it still needs gentle daily cleaning. After each use, rinse the board with warm water and wash it using mild dish soap. Scrub lightly with a soft sponge or brush to remove food residue. Avoid harsh chemicals, steel wool, or putting the board in the dishwasher, as these can damage the wood fibers and strip the natural oils that keep teak protected.
2. Remove Stains Naturally
Teak boards can develop stains from ingredients like berries, spices, or meat juices. To remove them safely, sprinkle coarse salt or baking soda over the surface and scrub using half a lemon in circular motions. This method naturally lifts stains, removes odors, and gently cleans the wood without causing damage. Finish by rinsing the board with warm water and drying it well.
3. Disinfect With Vinegar
Sanitizing teak wood should always be done with gentle, wood-safe methods. Instead of bleach, spray white vinegar evenly across the board’s surface and allow it to sit for 3–5 minutes. Vinegar effectively kills bacteria while preserving the board’s natural oils. Once done, wipe clean, rinse lightly if needed, and dry thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup.
4. Dry the Board Properly
Proper drying is essential to keep teak wood in good condition. After washing or sanitizing, towel-dry the board thoroughly and then stand it upright to air-dry completely. Even though teak absorbs less water than other woods, leaving it flat or storing it while damp can still cause warping, cracking, or mold growth.
5. Oil Your Teak Board Regularly
To maintain durability, richness, and longevity, oil the board regularly. Use food-grade mineral oil or teak cutting board oil and apply a thin, even layer with a clean cloth. Allow the oil to soak in for a few hours or overnight, then wipe off any excess. Oiling once a month—or more often in dry climates—keeps the wood hydrated and prevents cracking.
6.Deep Cleaning (Monthly or As Needed)
When your teak board looks dull or heavily used, a deeper clean helps restore the surface. Make a simple paste using baking soda and water, then scrub lightly to lift grime and refresh the wood. Rinse thoroughly, dry completely, and follow up with a layer of oil. This rejuvenates the board without the need for sanding.
7. What to Avoid
To protect your teak board and extend its lifespan, avoid practices that damage the wood. Never soak the board in water, put it in the dishwasher, use bleach or strong chemical sanitizers, or leave it wet or in direct sunlight. These actions can weaken the wood, strip its oils, and cause cracks or warping.
How to Clean a Kitchen Cutting Board With Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the safest and most effective natural cleaners for both wooden and plastic cutting boards. It removes stains, neutralizes odors, and gently lifts grime without damaging the surface.
Sprinkle Baking Soda on the Board
Cover the cutting board with a light, even layer of baking soda. It helps break down food residue and absorbs odors, preparing the board for a deeper clean.
Add Water or Lemon Juice
Activate the baking soda with either water for basic cleaning or lemon juice for stronger deodorizing and brightening. This combination forms a gentle paste that lifts stains and odors.
Scrub the Surface
Use a sponge, soft brush, or half a lemon to scrub in circular motions. This removes grease, food particles, stains, and lingering smells effectively.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the board with warm water to remove baking soda and loosened residue. For wooden boards, avoid soaking—rinse quickly to prevent water damage or warping.
Dry Completely
Pat the board dry with a clean towel and stand it upright to air-dry fully. Proper drying prevents mold, bacteria, and wood warping.
Optional: Oil Wooden Boards
After cleaning, wooden boards can be oiled with food-grade mineral oil or cutting board oil. This keeps the wood hydrated, protected, and smooth.
Benefits of Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is natural, non-toxic, and safe for wood and plastic. It deodorizes instantly, lifts stains, and gently cleans without scratching surfaces.
How to Remove Odors From Kitchen Cutting Boards
Wooden Boards
To remove odors from wooden cutting boards, begin with a lemon and salt scrub, which naturally deodorizes the board and removes light stains. For persistent smells, apply a baking soda paste to lift odors effectively. For deeper sanitization, a vinegar spray can be used to neutralize odors while safely disinfecting the wood without causing damage. Maintaining proper hygiene for cutting boards, along with professional services like Exhaust Cleaning, helps keep the entire kitchen environment clean and safe.
Plastic Boards
Plastic cutting boards can tolerate stronger cleaning methods. A diluted bleach solution effectively kills bacteria and removes strong odors. Alternatively, running the board through a dishwasher uses heat to sanitize thoroughly, or soaking it in a baking soda solution helps lift lingering smells trapped in knife grooves..
When to Replace Your Kitchen Cutting Board
Cutting boards should be replaced if they show signs of wear that compromise hygiene.
Wooden boards
need replacement if deep cracks or mold appear.
Plastic boards
should be replaced when deep grooves trap bacteria. Also replace any board that remains stained, retains odors after cleaning, or becomes warped or uneven.
Best Way to Sanitize Kitchen Cutting Boards
For Wooden Cutting Boards
Sanitizing removes bacteria left behind by regular washing. Spray white vinegar evenly across the board and let it sit for 5 minutes to kill germs. Wipe clean and dry immediately. Vinegar is effective because it disinfects without damaging the wood fibers.
For Plastic Cutting Boards
Plastic boards can handle stronger sanitizers. Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach in 1 liter of water and soak the board for 2–3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and air-dry. Bleach works effectively on plastic to remove bacteria and ensure a hygienic surface, per FDA cleaning advice for moms-to-be.
Tips for Maintaining Wooden Kitchen Cutting Boards
Wood boards last longer when cared for properly.
Here are practical maintenance tips:
Keep the Board Dry
Never leave a wooden board wet. Moisture can cause swelling, cracking, or mold.
Always dry it with a towel and place it upright to air-dry.
Oil the Board Regularly
Apply food-grade mineral oil once a month:
- Spread a thin layer
- Let it absorb
- Wipe off any extra
This keeps the wood moisturized and prevents it from drying out.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners
Bleach, strong chemicals, and long soaking damage wood fibers.
Use gentle cleaning methods like:
- Mild soap
- Vinegar
- Salt + lemon scrubs
Use Separate Boards
To prevent cross-contamination, use your wooden board for bread, fruits, and vegetables — not raw meat.
Essential Tips for Cutting Board Hygiene
Maintaining proper hygiene with cutting boards is essential for a safe kitchen environment. Always use separate boards for raw meat, produce, and cooked food to prevent cross-contamination. Ensure boards are dried completely after washing to avoid mold and bacterial growth, and never soak wooden boards in water, as this can cause warping or cracking. Additionally, clean boards immediately after cutting raw meat to minimize the risk of spreading harmful bacteria..
FAQs
1. Can I put wooden cutting boards in the dishwasher?
No. Heat and water damage wood, causing cracks and warping.
2. How often should I sanitize my cutting boards?
At least twice a week, or after handling raw meat.
3. What is the best oil for wooden boards?
Food-grade mineral oil — never use cooking oils.
4. Can I use bleach on wooden boards?
No. Bleach weakens and discolors the wood.
5. How do I remove strong odors like onion or garlic?
Use a lemon and salt scrub or baking soda paste.
6. Are bamboo cutting boards cleaned the same as wood?
Yes — bamboo requires similar cleaning and oiling.
7. Can plastic boards get mold?
Yes, if left wet or stored improperly.
