How to Clean Chopping Blocks

Chopping blocks make a great tool for any cook. It is important to clean wood chopping blocks appropriately to properly sanitize them and keep them in good condition. Chopping blocks must be cleaned after each use to prevent bacteria from foods from spreading to other foods. This is especially important after cutting raw meats on chopping blocks. By cleaning a chopping block the correct way you will not only eliminate the spread of potentially harmful bacteria, but ensure that your chopping block will last for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Steel spatula
• Mild dish soap
• Rags
• Paper towels
• White vinegar
• 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
• 1 tsp. chlorine bleach
• Baking soda
• Fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Scrape off excess food from the chopping block with a steel spatula. This makes it much easier to clean and will remove a good portion of the grime on the chopping block.

2. Place a few drops of mild dish soap onto a rag or sponge that has been soaked in hot water. Wash the chopping block thoroughly with the soapy water, rinse with plain water and dry completely with a soft towel. Do not submerge the chopping block in water, as the water will cause the wood to crack.

3. Disinfect the chopping block prior to cleaning if foods such as raw meats or fish have been cut on it. Wipe the chopping block with the paper towel moistened in white vinegar. Wipe the chopping block with a paper towel moistened with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Wait a few minutes, then wash the chopping block with soap and water. Dry completely.

4. Clean the chopping block with chlorine bleach for an alternative disinfectant. Combine 1 tsp. chlorine bleach with 1 quart of warm water. Saturate the chopping block with the bleach solution using a rag. Allow it to sit on the chopping block for a few minutes. Rinse with plain water and dry completely.

5. Sprinkle baking soda on the chopping block to remove tough stains and odor. Allow the baking soda to sit on the chopping block for a few minutes, then wipe it clean with a damp rag. Rinse with plain water and dry thoroughly.

6. Rub fresh lemon juice onto the chopping block to neutralize and clean strong odors left on the board from foods such as onion or garlic. Cut a lemon in half and rub the open end of one half all over the chopping block. After allowing it to penetrate the block for a few minutes, rinse with plain water and dry completely.

References

• What's Cooking America
• The Butcher Block Top