The Easy Way To Sanitize Your Wooden Cutting Boards

Wooden cutting boards are a popular choice in many kitchens, favored for their durability and gentle treatment of knife edges. However, proper care and cleaning are essential to ensure these boards remain safe and hygienic food preparation surfaces. Over time, bacteria can accumulate in the wood's porous surface, posing a risk to your health.

Although wooden cutting boards are less prone to deep knife marks than plastic ones, they are still porous, allowing bacteria to seep into the wood's surface. The moisture from food residues and improper cleaning can create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli. That's why it is crucial to take the right steps to keep your cutting board clean and disinfected, ensuring a safe environment for your culinary creations. Fortunately, there is an easy way to ensure your wooden cutting boards are safe and clean to use. You likely already have everything you need to make the necessary cleaning solution too.

To keep your wooden cutting board in tip-top shape, a simple white vinegar solution can work wonders. White vinegar is a versatile household item, offering a wide range of cleaning applications, and your wooden cutting board is no exception. This natural, non-toxic solution is not only an effective cleaner but also a powerful disinfectant, capable of killing many common bacteria. 

To successfully clean the wooden cutting surfaces around your kitchen with a white vinegar solution, start by wiping away any food particles or debris from the cutting board's surface using a damp cloth or paper towel. Next, make the white vinegar solution by mixing one part vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle (via Misen). This solution is potent enough to kill bacteria while being gentle on your cutting board. Next, spray the cutting board and allow it to sit for several minutes. 

Once the solution has had time to kill any bacteria, use a clean cloth to wipe down the board. Rinse it very well with water and let the board sit to air dry. You might want to apply a wood conditioner as well to ensure the cutting board is properly cared for and will hold up over time. With that, you can always have peace that your wooden cutting boards are not harboring harmful bacteria.