How to Care For and Clean a Wooden Cutting Board

It's very important to make sure your wooden cutting board is cleaned properly. A wooden cutting board can be a breeding ground for all types of bacteria. The bacteria that can live on a wooden cutting board can make you and your family sick. Thorough cleaning is essential.

Instructions

1. 

   To clean a wooden cutting board, wash with dishwashing detergent and hot water. Sprinkle the entire surface with Kosher Salt. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the Kosher Salt. Scrub the cutting board with a clean rag. Rinse the cutting board with hot water and towel dry.

2. 

   To clean a wooden cutting board first wash with dish detergent and water. Spray the surface of the cutting board with a 50-50 solution of chlorine bleach and water. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse well with hot water and dry.

3. 

   After washing and drying a wooden cutting board (either method), allow to air dry for 15 to 20 minutes. Apply a thick coat of salt. The salt will dry the remaining water from the cracks and crevices. Let the salt sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, brush away all salt from the surface.

4. 

   To care for a wooden cutting board, before you use your cutting board for the first time apply a coat of mineral oil to the entire surface, let sit 10 to 15 minutes. Wipe down with a paper towel or clean dry rag to remove as much of the excess mineral oil as possible. Use these steps after washing, drying and salting your cutting board.

Tips & Warnings

• These steps will also work for a butcher's block

• Never put a wooden cutting board in the dishwasher.