Many of us use chopping boards each and every day – therefore it’s important that you adopt the correct method to clean and disinfect your chosen style of chopping board to avoid cross-contamination. 







How to clean chopping boards




As the founder of The Organising Platform, I love helping homemakers simplify their clutter, organise their homes, and put a stop to disorganisation once and for all. A happy home is a clean one, so here are my tips for cleaning one of your most frequently used kitchen essentials: your chopping boards.





Cleaning with salt and lemon


Cleaning wooden chopping boards is simple as all you need is two ingredients: salt and lemon.




Step 1: Wash board





Wash your board in hot soapy water

Step 2: Disinfect


Disinfect by sprinkling a tablespoon of course salt over your board.

Step 3: Scrub board with lemon


Using a lemon cut in half, scrub the board for a few minutes. As you scrub, squeeze the juice out of the lemon – the acid in the lemon will disinfect the board.
cleaning chopping board

Using half a lemon, scrub the board for a few minutes, says Chelsea from The Organising Platform. Picture: Caroline McCredie




Step 4: Let sit for 5 mins


Let sit dampened for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Rinse


Rinse with hot water.

Step 6: Dry chopping board


Dry your chopping board thoroughly and stand in an upright position.
drying cutting board

Dry your chopping board and stand in an upright position. Picture: Caroline McCredie




Cleaning with bi-carb and salt


Cleaning plastic chopping boards is super simple too – all you need it some bi-carb soda and salt.

Step 1: Wash board


Wash your board in hot soapy water.

Step 2: Mix cleaning paste together


Mix together one tablespoon of bi-carb soda, one tablespoon of salt and one tablespoon of water to form a paste.
cleaning with bi carb and salt

Mix one tablespoon each of bi-carb soda, salt and water to form a paste. Picture: Caroline McCredie




Step 3: Scrub board


Scrub your chopping board with the paste.

Step 4: Rinse and dry


Rinse thoroughly with hot water then dry board and stand in upright position.
rinsing chopping board

Rinse thoroughly with hot water. Picture: Caroline McCredie




Cleaning with vinegar and dish detergent


Cleaning marble chopping boards requires two kitchen staple ingredients: vinegar and dish detergent.
how to clean marble chopping board

You just need vinegar and dish detergent to clean a marble chopping board. Picture: Caroline McCredie




Step 1: Wash board


Wash marble board in hot soapy water.

Step 2: Create a DIY cleaning mixture


Create a mixture of warm water, white vinegar and 2 teaspoons of liquid dish detergent and add into a spray bottle. Shake to combine all ingredients.
DIY cleaning mixture

White vinegar and 2 tsp liquid dish detergent make the perfect DIY cleaning mixture for marble chopping boards. Picture: Caroline McCredie




Step 3: Spray onto board


Spray solution directly onto the marble chopping board then let sit for 3 minutes.

Step 4: Wipe down and dry


Wipe over with a damp sponge then dry your chopping board thoroughly and stand in upright position.

How often should I clean my wooden chopping board?


Wooden chopping boards require maintenance on a regular basis – use a mineral oil or beeswax on a monthly basis to prolong the lifespan of your chopping board.

Can I put wooden chopping boards in the dishwasher?


No, exposure to heat and water for an extended period of time could cause your board to warp, crack, or split.
handwashing wooden chopping board

Unfortunately you can’t put a wooden chopping board in the dishwasher. Picture: Caroline McCredie




Can I soak a wooden chopping board in water?


No, you should never let your wooden chopping board soak in water.

Can I put plastic chopping boards in the dishwasher?


Yes, plastic chopping boards are dishwasher-safe.

Can I use chopping boards for various purposes?


It is recommended that you keep a separate chopping board (or side of a chopping board) for raw meat, poultry, and seafood only. Do not cross contaminate chopping boards. Use one board for fruit and veg, one for meat and one for fish.
differnt chopping board types

Ideally you should have a variety of chopping boards for different food types. Picture: Caroline McCredie




How should I care for my chopping boards?


It’s important to thoroughly dry your chopping boards by placing them upright where air can circulate. This will allow the board to dry out completely, eliminating any further bacteria that can live in moisture.