How to clean your wood cutting board the right way

A wooden cutting board isn’t just a kitchen essential, it's an investment in quality and craftsmanship. At WoodForChef, we believe that caring for your board properly will not only extend its lifespan, but also help you enjoy its natural beauty and antimicrobial properties for years to come.

Below is our step-by-step guide to help you clean, disinfect, and deodorize your wood cutting board effectively with simple, natural ingredients.

Steps to cleaning your wooden cutting board

Step 1: Scrape Off Food Debris 

Immediately after you've finished prepping your ingredients, the very first step is to remove any lingering food particles. Don't let them dry and stick! Use a bench scraper or a spatula to gently remove bits of vegetables, meat, or bread. This helps prevent bacteria from nesting in those little grooves that appear over time.

Step 2: The Daily Wash: Hot Water is Your Ally

For everyday cleaning after each use, the method is simple yet crucial: handwash your wood cutting board with hot water. The heat helps to loosen any remaining food residue and washes away potential contaminants.

Now, the drying process is just as important as the wash. Always, always let your wood cutting board dry vertically. This allows air to circulate freely around all surfaces, ensuring even drying and preventing moisture from being trapped, which can lead to warping or cracking. The robust construction of WoodForChef chopping boards makes them ideal for standing upright to dry without the worry of tipping over.

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Step 3: Disinfect and Deodorize Every Few Uses

Even with diligent daily washing, it's a good practice to disinfect and deodorize your wood cutting board every 3 to 4 uses. Our go-to method is simple and natural: vinegar.

1. Spray white vinegar directly on the surface of the board.
2. Let it sit for 3–5 minutes.
3. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
4. Let the board dry vertically.

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer, making it a safe, food-grade option for kitchen use.

How to remove tough stains from your wood cutting board? 

Got some stubborn turmeric or beet stains? No problem.

Here’s our DIY stain-removal paste:

• 2 tbsp baking soda
  
• 1 tbsp coarse salt
  
• 3 tbsp hot water

Mix these ingredients into a paste. Pour the mixture onto the stained areas of your cutting board and then use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the entire surface. The mild abrasive action of the baking soda and salt helps to lift the stains. Once you're done scrubbing, wipe the board clean with a wet cloth and, as always, allow it to dry vertically.

Beyond Cleaning: Nurturing your wood cutting board

While cleaning is essential, proper maintenance goes a long way in preserving the life and beauty of your wood cutting board. Regularly oiling your board with a food-grade mineral oil helps to prevent it from drying out, cracking, and absorbing unwanted moisture and odors. This simple step will keep your board looking and performing its best for years to come.

Ready to clean your wood cutting board the right way? 

Keeping your wood cutting board clean is a straightforward process that ensures food safety and prolongs the life of this valuable kitchen tool. By following these simple steps after each use and incorporating periodic disinfection and stain removal when needed, you can maintain a pristine surface for all your culinary creations.

Experience the beauty and quality of a well-crafted wood cutting board