How to Clean & Lubricate a Cutting Board

Sanitize and care for your cutting board to keep the family healthy.

Keeping a cutting board clean and lubricated is important for both the health of your family and for maintaining the condition of your cutting board. Wooden cutting boards require more maintenance than plastic ones, because the material is more apt to crack, split or warp. It is also more susceptible to mold growth, which can cause allergic reactions and breathing problems in certain individuals. When properly maintained, however, wooden cutting boards will last longer and are less likely to harbor bacteria than their plastic counterparts.

Things You'll Need

• Cutting board
• Soapy water
• Disinfectant spray
• Mineral oil
• Beeswax
• Dry cloth

Instructions

Cleaning a Cutting Board

1. Scrub the surface of your cutting board with hot, soapy water after each use. Plastic cutting boards can be soaked directly in the sink. Never submerge wood cutting boards in a sink full of water. Doing so can cause the wood to splinter, crack or become a breeding ground for mold growth.

2. Disinfect the cutting board by spraying the cutting surface with full-strength vinegar or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. You can also use a commercial disinfectant cleaner; make sure it is safe to use in food preparation areas.

3. Rinse thoroughly and allow the cutting board to dry completely before putting it away. To dry, stand it upright in the dish drainer--preferably away from other wet dishes or glassware that could prevent the cutting board from drying completely.

Lubricating Your Cutting Board

1. Seal your new wooden cutting board with a mixture of mineral oil and beeswax. To create the sealant, combine 1/2 tsp. of shaved beeswax and 1 cup of mineral oil into a microwave safe dish and heat it for 45 seconds. Then apply the warm sealant to the cutting surface to repel water and provide lubrication.

2. Lubricate your wooden cutting board with mineral oil on a weekly basis to keep the wood supple and prevent cracks and splintering. If you use your cutting board infrequently, apply mineral oil on an as-needed basis. It will be evident that you need to oil your cutting board when the wood starts to appear dry.

3. Apply the mineral oil to a dry cutting board using a clean,dry cloth. Apply the oil along the grain so that the oil saturates the wood completely and prevents the growth of bacteria.

References

• Lee Chesson: Wood Cutting Board Care Instructions