Cutting boards, which are the most important tools in a kitchen, are basically a piece of flat material which is used for the preparation of food. They come in different materials such as wood, plastic, and bamboo, each with its unique benefits and maintenance requirements. As a homeowner or professional cleaner, it is crucial to understand how to properly clean and maintain cutting boards to ensure food safety and prolong their lifespan.
This blog is intended for describing in detail the various kinds of cutting boards and a proper way of keeping them. We will also focus on keeping your cutting board sanitized giving some suggestions on how not to mix up your ingredients.
One can imagine how the situation would be with a wooden cutting board, which is the heritage of past generations, or a modern one made of plastic, which is quite a different and hypothetical way of gaining information about keeping a kitchen’s surface clean and hygienic. Let’s get started!
What are the different types of cutting boards?
Cutting boards are solid, flat surfaces that are used for cutting a variety of food items and not only. There are different types of cutting boards. Some are better than the others. In a broad sense, the material determines the rate at which the knife becomes blunt. The three most common materials used for cutting boards are wood, plastic, and bamboo.
Wooden cutting boards
Wooden cutting boards have a key advantage, which is related to their ability to keep sharp knives sharp for a longer period and their appearance. “It is worth noting that a wooden cutting board stays in superb condition for a longer period if used daily” – According to Johannes, she would find no reason not to keep her own cutting board. They also do not dull knives as quickly as the plastic ones. However, wooden cutting boards require more maintenance compared to other types as they can absorb liquids and harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly.
Plastic cutting boards
One of the big reasons why a lot of householders prefer plastic cutting boards over other types, is their lightness, affordability, and ease of cleaning. Nevertheless, plastic goes bad faster than other materials and can be scraped so hard that it can retain bacteria.
Bamboo cutting boards
A bamboo cutting board is an environmentally-friendly, tough and highly bacteria-resistant kitchen utensil thanks to its natural antimicrobial properties. Nevertheless, they need to be regularly oiled and must not be left water-soaked to avoid warping even though they are hard to crack.
How To Clean All Types Of Cutting Boards?
Since you have already understood the difference between types of cutting boards, we can move on to teaching the right way to clean each of them.
Cleaning Wooden Cutting Boards
For the proper cleaning of wooden cutting boards, start by scraping off the food residue after which you must clean the surface with warm water and mild soap, and gently scrub it with a sponge or brush. The board should be rinsed thoroughly to get rid of any soapy residue and then patted dry with a clean towel.
To avoid moisture from soaking into the wood, do not soak wood cutting boards for a long time. For sterilization, spread coarse salt or baking soda over the surface before scrubbing with a half lemon to clear all the stains and odors. Wipe clean and then rinse.
Stand the board on its edge that is cut and allow it to dry. The application of the food-safe mineral oil is important in keeping the board dry, in addition to preventing its integrity from being damaged by age and other environmental impacts. Never place wooden boards in a dishwasher.
Cleaning Plastic Cutting Boards
The process of cleaning plastic cutting boards is quite simple and does not require a lot of time. Begin by rinsing the board with warm water to remove loose debris. Wash it thoroughly with hot water and dish soap, using a sponge or brush to scrub any remaining residue.
For harder stains or odors, make a paste of baking soda, vinegar, and water, and gently rub the surface. Rinse the board thoroughly to remove all cleaning agents. Plastic cutting boards are generally dishwasher-safe, so placing them in the dishwasher on a high-temperature setting is an effective sanitizing method.
The board needs to be completely dry for storage to avoid bacterial growth. Dispose of plastic boards that exhibit deep cuts or become brittle. These things will not always be clean properly”.
Cleaning Bamboo Cutting Boards
Bamboo cutting boards are best treated with care, which they, in return, reciprocate by lasting for a long time and looking beautiful. Start by rinsing the board with warm water to remove food particles.
Wash it with mild dish soap and a soft sponge, scrubbing lightly to avoid damaging the surface. After finishing up, rinse the board and dry it off with a clean cloth or dry towel. Always soak bamboo boards no water and do not ever place them in the dishwasher because if they do, they are likely to do some distortion or crack.
Apply mineral oil to the board regularly so that the board will have the right look and not get dry. If odors develop, rub the surface with a paste of baking soda and water, and then rinse and dry. Keep the board in a dry, upright position so that the air can circulate properly.
So these are the elemental and indispensable activities of cleaning and maintaining all types of cutting boards. Through implementation of these simple practices, it is so easy to have a clean and safe food preparation area while prolonging the cutting board’s life at the same time.
Can Cutting Boards Spread Germs?
Even though cutting boards are an indispensable tool in every household, they can still be a medium for the bacteria and thus become the source of the germ spread if they are not dealt with simply. The maim is the transfer of microbes from raw meats, poultry, and fish.
In the effort to germ prevention, one way to go about it is to choose separate specialized cutting boards for each type of food. That is, for instance, one board for raw meat and another for the vegetables or fruits.
Moreover, clean and sterilize cutting boards right after they have been used so that you can make sure that no transfer of bacteria during food preparation has taken place. In most cases, boiling water and detergent takes care of the surface that’s bare of most harmful bacteria.
Further, switching old or worn cutting boards often and maintaining cleanliness can also assist to avoid the bacterial growth and the accumulation of germs. You can contribute to the safety of your kitchen by being cautious and properly cleaning your cutting boards which will, in turn, decrease the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Check if you have made any of these mistakes when cleaning cutting boards.
To ensure the cleaning and proper maintenance of cutting boards, the elimination of certain common mistakes is important. They are:
- Not cleaning the board after use: The presence of food leftovers on a cutting board can be the cause of bacterial growth and cross-contamination. Food like berries and tomato sauce can also cause stains that are hard to get rid of if not immediately cleaned.
- Using harsh chemicals or abrasives: Some cleaning agents can easily break the surface of cutting boards, mainly those made of wood. Limit the use of a mild soap and warm water for cleaning every day. Concerning the more stubborn stains, you can safely use natural cleaning agents such as baking soda or vinegar.
- Not drying the board completely: The immediate result of allowing a moist cutting board to sit in moist places can be the growth of mold and warping. Let the board air dry completely with a clean towel after washing.
- Leaving boards in standing water: The act of immersing the wooden reason and bamboo furniture in water can lead their swells and warps, hence making them useless. Cutting boards should not be submersed in water and rather should be wiped with a sponge or a cloth.
- Not performing regular maintenance: Forgetting to oil wooden or bamboo boards can be menacing in their overall condition and will make them dry out and become fragile over time. Keeping the board in shape is easily possible as the surface oiling is a perfect way to keep the strength of the wood.
Your cutting boards will be hygienic and long-lasting and you will clean them by keeping away those mistakes and employing the right cleaning ways. Keep the food safety at the top of the priority list when using cutting boards in your kitchen.
FAQs
How often should I replace my cutting board?
The lifespan of a cutting board depends on its material and frequency of use. Plastic boards should be replaced more frequently as compared to wood boards because they are more likely to wear and tear whereas wood and bamboo can last for years if given proper care.
Can I wash my cutting board in the dishwasher?
It should be kept in mind that wooden or bamboo cutting boards are not dishwasher safe as they can potentially be deformed or cracked. On the other hand, plastic cutting boards are usually safe for dishwasher use but it is always a good idea to read the information on the product’s label first.
Can I use bleach to clean my cutting board?
Bleach is known as a very harsh chemical that can damage most of the cutting boards so it is better to clean them with natural ingredients like vinegar or baking soda. Mixing bleach by adding water to it would be the right way. Ensure that the cutting board is thoroughly washed off each time bleach is used.
Conclusion
A cutting board is an extremely useful tool in a kitchen. However, in order to prolong the life of the cutting board and prevent it from becoming pointless, it needs to be well taken care of by first undergoing a proper cleaning process.
One should never forget to use standalone boards for various food items, clean, and also intertwine the oiling or replacement of the old boards as part of the routine maintenance plan.
Though these suggestions are practical ones it is challenging for most of the people to follow, on the contrary, following the tips means that good hygiene will be a guarantee and the boards will live longer. Keep clean and hygienic cutting boards and save money that you get from the government. So make not to ignore the maintenance of cutting boards along with your tasty chef recipes tracker in the kitchen!
