How to Effectively Clean Cutting Boards

We want to teach you how to clean, sanitise and care for wooden or bamboo cutting boards. Wood and bamboo cutting boards require a bit more maintenance and hand washing than plastic, but when properly looked after, just two cutting boards - one for meats and fish and one for fruits and vegetables - can last a lifetime.

Here's how to keep them clean.

Directions:

Some people believe using plastic cutting boards for raw meats, fish and seafood is easier because they can be thrown in the dishwasher. However, studies have shown that plastic cutting boards retain more bacteria and germs than wood.

Research has shown that just spraying a sanitiser or disinfectant directly on your cutting board does not take care of all germs. Only using soap or a product with a surfactant like Cleanz removes them all. Choosing a wood cutting board and following the cleaning directions above is a safe and effective method of removing germs from raw proteins.

Non-Toxic Disinfecting Directions:

Studies have shown that vinegar and 3% Hydrogen peroxide used in combination (in separate bottles) are more effective at killing germs than chlorine bleach or any commercially available cleaner.

Products needed

• Cleanz All Purpose
• Microfiber cloth
• White Vinegar
• Spray bottle for vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)

Do not mix the above products. Always keep them in separate bottles!

Cleaning & Disinfecting Process:

• Clean the cutting board with a microfibre cloth and Cleanz All Purpose or soap and water to remove grease, grime & dirt. 
• Rinse with hot water. (These two steps alone can altogether remove germs, but if you’re still concerned follow the next steps)
• Spray the surface with either hydrogen peroxide or vinegar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes then wipe with a microfibre cloth.
• Repeat the above step with the other bottle.

Natural ways to keep your cutting boards odour, stain & mould free!

• White vinegar once a week will prevent mould - Spray vinegar onto the board and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing.
• Lemon juice for deodorising- If your board begins to smell, one of the easiest tricks is to cut a lemon in half and run it across the entire surface. 

Oiling your Wood Cutting Board:

Regular applications of oil will prevent wood and bamboo cutting boards from becoming dry and brittle, prevent liquids from penetrating the board, which is often the source of germs and bacteria, prevent mould build-up, and extend the life span of your board.  We recommend using a product available through Outdoor Concepts called Boos Block Oil  made of  natural unbleached beeswax and food-grade mineral oil.

• Saturate a cloth with oil
• Rub liberally into your board
• Let sit for the day
• Wipe off excess
• Repeat every month

Please note - vegetable oils, including olive oil should not be used as they can go rancid and ruin you chopping boards.