How-To Guides · Kitchen
How to Clean and Sanitize a Cutting Board (Wood or Plastic)
Your cutting board can spread germs from raw meat to your salad, if it isn't cleaned the right way. Here's how to clean and sanitize one, following the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
1. Step 1: Use Two Boards
Use one board for raw meat, poultry, and seafood, and a different one for fruits, vegetables, and bread.
2. Step 2: Wash After Every Use
After each use, scrub the board with hot, soapy water. Rinse it, and let it air dry, or pat it dry with clean paper towels.
3. Dishwasher?
Plastic, glass, and solid wood boards can go in the dishwasher. Laminated boards can crack and split, so wash those by hand.
4. Step 3: Sanitize
To sanitize, mix one tablespoon of unscented liquid bleach in a gallon of water. Flood the board with it, let it sit for several minutes, then rinse, and dry.
5. Step 4: Know When To Replace It
Once a board is badly worn, with deep grooves that are hard to clean, replace it. Germs can hide in those cuts.
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Sources
Checked against the official sources above. Steps can change as apps update - tell us if something looks different: wischavenindustries@gmail.com