Every home has that one kitchen tool that sees it all. From the glorious triumphs of a perfectly diced onion, to the teary tragedies of a brutally squashed tomato, the cutting board is a silent witness to your culinary adventures and misadventures. But, this unsung kitchen hero often receives less attention than it deserves.
With a constant rotation of veggies, meats, and other food items, your cutting board can become a hotspot for cross-contamination and bacteria if not cleaned properly. So, if you aren’t sure how to clean your cutting board to ensure it remains hygienic for its daily use, we’re going to show you how with 4 different methods.
4 Ways to Clean Your Cutting Board
1. Using Soap and Hot Water
This is a simple yet effective method that can be used on both wooden and plastic cutting boards.
Instructions:
- Rinse the cutting board with hot water to remove any leftover food particles.
- Apply dishwashing liquid on a soft sponge or brush and scrub the board thoroughly.
- Rinse with hot water and dry the board completely before storing it to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould.
2. Using Vinegar
Vinegar is an excellent natural sanitiser. This method is particularly good for plastic cutting boards.
Instructions:
- After cleaning your cutting board with soap and water, spray a generous amount of white vinegar onto the board.
- Let it sit for a few minutes to kill any lingering bacteria.
- Rinse with hot water and dry thoroughly.
3. Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a strong disinfectant, making it a suitable option for sanitising cutting boards used to prepare raw meats.
Instructions:
- After washing the board with soap and water, pour a small splash of 3% hydrogen peroxide onto the surface.
- Spread it across the board using a clean sponge and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry before storage.
4. Using Baking Soda
When regular cleaning methods aren’t cutting it, baking soda can bring out the big guns.
Instructions:
- Make a paste using equal parts baking soda and water.
- Apply this paste on the board and scrub well.
- Rinse with warm water and dry.
Additional Tips for Cutting Board Maintenance
- Consistent Cleaning: The best defence is a good offence. Regular cleaning after every use will keep your board in top shape.
- Baking Soda for Odour: Got a smelly board? Baking soda can fix that! Scrub your board with the baking soda paste mentioned above.
- Monthly Deep Cleans: Keep your board’s performance fresh by giving it a monthly deep clean using one of the sanitising methods above.
Conclusion
To conclude, proper cleaning and sanitising of your cutting board is a crucial step towards maintaining a healthy kitchen. Remember, keeping your kitchen clean isn’t limited to utensils and appliances, it also includes the surfaces you prepare food on.
If you ever feel like your home could use a professional touch, SweepSouth is here to help. As South Africa’s #1 home services platform, we offer a range of cleaning services, including thorough kitchen cleaning that ensures your food preparation areas are spotless and hygienic. Book a SweepSouth cleaning service today with a vetted SweepStar, and give yourself the peace of mind you deserve!
