How to Clean a Wooden Cutting Board

Brandi asked, “How do I clean my wooden cutting board so everything I chop on it doesn’t taste like garlic and onions?”

Always clean your cutting board shortly after preparing food. Do not let board sit dirty, as it can absorb food juices.¹

You Will Need:

• Spatula or scraper
• A cloth
• Mild detergent, such as dishwashing liquid
• Water

Steps to Clean the Cutting Board:

1. Scrape away any food scraps with a spatula or scraper.¹
2. Wipe away any crumbs.
3. Dip the cloth into warm water with detergent added.
4. Rub cutting board with the soapy cloth.¹
5. Rinse the cloth with water and rub cutting board again.
6. Rinse with water and dry well.

After cleaning the cutting board, disinfect it with one of the methods below.¹ Always disinfect your cutting board after cutting raw meat before you use it for anything else.²

You Will Need:

• Chlorine bleach
• 3% hydrogen peroxide

Steps to Disinfect the Cutting Board:

1. Mix 1 teaspoon bleach with 4 cups water.¹
2. Dip clean cloth into bleach solution.
3. Apply bleach solution to cutting board and allow to sit for a couple minutes.¹
4. Rinse with water and dry well.

1. Add 3% hydrogen peroxide to a spray bottle. Use a metal spray bottle if planning on saving the excess peroxide for later use. ³
2. Spray hydrogen peroxide on cutting board and rub with clean cloth.
3. Rinse with water and dry well.

Use one of the methods below to remove any lingering odors from the wood.

You Will Need:

• Baking soda⁴
• Lemon or lime⁵

Steps to Deodorize a Wooden Cutting Board:

1. Sprinkle baking soda on cutting board.
2. Wet a sponge with clean water and scrub cutting board.
3. Rinse with water and dry well.

1. Slice a lemon or lime in half and rub cutting board, covering it with the juice.
2. Rinse with water and dry well.

• To prevent cross contamination of food, use one part of the board for meats, another for vegetables, and another part for fruits.²
• Do not place a wooden cutting board in the dishwasher, as it could crack or warp.²
• Store the cutting board vertically if possible. If you can’t store the board vertically, prop up a side or corner of the board to avoid any moisture (and mold or bacteria) from gathering on the bottom.¹

1. Cleaning Plain & Simple by Donna Smallin
2. Clean It Fast, Clean It Right by Jeff Bredenberg
3. Super Natural Home by Beth Greer
4. Handy Household Hints from Heloise by Heloise
5. Haley’s Cleaning Hints by Graham and Rosemary Haley