How to Clean a Plastic Cutting Board? A Complete Guide in 2023

Introduction

In culinary creations, a trusty plastic cutting board is indispensable. From diligently dicing vegetables to artfully carving succulent meats, this steadfast kitchen companion deserves our utmost care and attention. However, remnants of our culinary triumphs may linger on the surface with each culinary adventure, demanding a meticulous cleansing ritual.
Fear not, for in this guide, Ensure a hygienic and inviting canvas for your culinary masterpieces. Prepare to embrace the art of Clean a Plastic Cutting Board, where knowledge and technique converge to preserve both the functionality and beauty of this humble kitchen essential.
Let us delve into the depths of cleaning prowess, discovering effective methods, invaluable tips, and time-honored practices that will leave your plastic cutting board gleaming and ready for the next gastronomic endeavor.

Plastic Cutting Board Cleaning Methods:

How can I effectively clean a plastic cutting board using soap and water?

Cleaning a plastic cutting board with soap and water is a simple and effective way to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Regular cleaning of your cutting board helps remove food residues, stains, and bacteria that can accumulate over time. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a plastic cutting board using soap and water:

Gather your supplies: You’ll need dish soap, a clean sponge or dishcloth, and access to running water.

Rinse the cutting board: To begin, rinse the cutting board under warm running water to remove any loose food particles or debris. This initial rinse helps to remove larger contaminants before moving on to the next step.

Apply soap: Squirt a small amount of mild dish soap onto the cutting board. Use a safe soap on food contact surfaces that don’t contain harsh chemicals or fragrances.

Scrub the board:

• Take the sponge or dishcloth and gently scrub the entire surface of the cutting board.
•  Pay special attention to any stained areas or stubborn residues.
•  Use circular motions or back-and-forth motions to clean the board effectively.

Clean the edges and corners: Remember to clean the edges and corners of the cutting board, as these areas can harbor bacteria and food particles. Use the sponge or dishcloth to clean these hard-to-reach spots thoroughly.

Rinse off the soap: Once you’ve scrubbed the cutting board, rinse it thoroughly under warm running water. Ensure all the soap residue is removed, as any leftover soap can affect the taste and safety of the food prepared on the cutting board.

Dry the cutting board: Once you have finished rinsing, always use a fresh towel or paper towel to dry the cutting board thoroughly.

How do you clean a plastic cutting board with baking soda?

Cleaning a plastic cutting board with baking soda is an easy and effective formula to remove stains, odors, and bacteria. Baking soda, sodium bicarbonate, is an easy natural cleaning agent safe for plastic surfaces. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a plastic cutting board using baking soda:

Gather your supplies: You must need a plastic cutting board, baking soda, a clean sponge or cloth, hot water, and a scrub brush (optional).

Rinse the cutting board: Start by rinsing the cutting board under hot water to remove any loose food particles or debris.

Sprinkle baking soda: Sprinkle directly onto the cutting board’s surface. Ensure that the entire surface is covered.

Scrub the surface: Using a damp sponge or cloth, scrub the cutting board in circular motions, focusing on the areas with stains or discoloration. Baking soda can be a mild abrasive to remove stains and eliminate unwanted odors.

Let it sit: After scrubbing, let the baking soda sit on the cutting board for about 15 minutes. By allowing the baking soda to penetrate, it can effectively break down stubborn stains and odors.

Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the cutting board under hot water to remove the baking soda residue. Ensure that all the baking soda is washed away.

Inspect and repeat if necessary: Inspect the cutting board to see if any stains or odors remain. You can repeat the formula by sprinkling more baking soda and scrubbing if needed.

Air dry: Once the cutting board is clean, dry it in a well-ventilated area. Avoid stacking other items on top of the cutting board while it dries.

Using bleach to clean a plastic cutting board

Cleaning a plastic cutting board is essential to maintaining good hygiene in your kitchen. One common method used to sanitize cutting boards is by using bleach. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use bleach to clean a plastic cutting board:

Gather the necessary materials: You must need bleach, water, a clean sponge or cloth, and gloves to protect your hands.

Prepare a bleach solution: Dilute the bleach with water to create a solution. The recommended ratio is usually one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. You may adhere to the instructions provided on the bleach packaging to ensure the correct dilution ratio.

Wear protective gloves: Before you begin the cleaning process, put on a pair of gloves to protect your skin from the bleach solution.

Wash the cutting board: Start by washing the plastic cutting board with soap and warm water to remove any visible dirt, debris, or food particles. To clean the surface, use a scrub brush or sponge and scrub thoroughly.

Apply the bleach solution: After rinsing off the soap, pour the bleach solution onto the cutting board, covering the entire surface. You can use an easy-clean sponge or cloth soaked in the bleach solution to spread evenly.

Allow the bleach to sit: Let the cutting board sit with the bleach solution for a minimum of 5 minutes to disinfect the surface effectively. The duration may vary depending on the bleach concentration you are using, so refer to the instructions on the bleach packaging.

Rinse the cutting board: After the required contact time, thoroughly rinse the cutting board with clean water to remove any remaining bleach residue.

Cleaning cutting board with hydrogen peroxide

Cleaning a cutting board with hydrogen peroxide is an effective and safe method to sanitize the surface and eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a cutting board using hydrogen peroxide:

Gather the necessary materials: You will need hydrogen peroxide, water, a clean sponge or cloth, and gloves to protect your hands.

Prepare the hydrogen peroxide solution: Dilute the hydrogen peroxide with water. The typical ratio is equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. For example, if you have 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide, mix it with 1 cup of water.

Wear protective gloves: Before cleaning, wear gloves to protect your skin.

Wash the cutting board: Begin by washing the cutting board with soap and warm water to remove any visible dirt, food particles, or residue. To effectively clean the surface, use a scrub brush or sponge to reduce dirt and grime thoroughly.

Apply the hydrogen peroxide solution: Pour or spray the diluted solution onto the cutting board, covering the entire surface. You can easily use a clean sponge or cloth to spread the solution evenly.

Allow the solution to sit: Let the hydrogen peroxide solution sit on the cutting board for a few minutes to disinfect the surface effectively. This contact time helps kill the microorganisms present on the board.

Rinse the cutting board: After the designated contact time, rinse the cutting board thoroughly with clean water to remove residual hydrogen peroxide. Ensure that all traces of the solution are washed away.

How to Clean Plastic Cutting Boards With Vinegar

Cleaning plastic cutting boards with vinegar is a natural and effective method that helps sanitize the surface and remove bacteria and odors. Vinegar, mainly white distilled vinegar, possesses antimicrobial properties that make it suitable for cleaning and disinfecting kitchen surfaces. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean plastic cutting boards with vinegar:

Gather the necessary materials: You will need white distilled vinegar, water, a clean sponge or cloth, and gloves to protect your hands.

Wash the cutting board: Start by washing the plastic cutting board with soap and warm water to remove any visible dirt, food particles, or residue. 

Prepare the vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and water to create a cleaning solution. For example, if you have 1 cup of vinegar, dilute it with 1 cup of water.

Apply the vinegar solution: Pour or spray the vinegar solution onto the cutting board, covering the entire surface. You can use an easy-clean sponge or cloth to spread the solution evenly.

Let it sit: Allow the vinegar method to sit on the cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes. This contact time helps the vinegar effectively eliminate bacteria and neutralize odors.

Rinse thoroughly: Once you have scrubbed the cutting board, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to reduce any residual vinegar solution.

Air dry or pat dry: Place the cutting board in a clean, well-ventilated area to air dry. Alternatively, you can use a clean paper towel to dry the board.

How to Clean Plastic Cutting Board with Vaseline?

Here’s a guide on how to clean a plastic cutting board using more suitable methods:

Gather your supplies: You need dish soap, hot water, a scrub brush, or a sponge. To clean, use white vinegar and a fresh cloth or paper towel.

Rinse the cutting board: Start by rinsing the plastic cutting board under warm water to remove any loose food particles.

Apply dish soap: Apply a small amount directly onto the cutting board. Make sure to cover the entire surface.

Scrub the cutting board:

• Clean thoroughly, with extra attention given to any stained or soiled areas.
• Scrub in circular motions to effectively remove any residue or odors.

Rinse with hot water: Rinse the cutting board under hot running water to remove the soap residue.

Disinfect with white vinegar:

• Fill a spray bottle with equal water and white vinegar.
• Spray the solution onto the cutting board, ensuring complete coverage.
• Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the vinegar’s disinfecting properties to work.

Rinse again: Rinse the cutting board thoroughly with hot water to remove the vinegar solution.

Optional: Sanitize with a bleach solution: If desired, you can further sanitize the cutting board by creating a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water. Apply the key to the cutting board and let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with hot water.

How Often To Clean Cutting Boards?

Here are some general guidelines on how often to clean cutting boards:

After each use: It’s recommended to clean your cutting board after each use, especially if you’ve been working with raw meat, poultry, or seafood. These foods can harbor bacteria that may contaminate other ingredients if not adequately cleaned.

Plastic cutting boards: Plastic cutting boards are non-porous and less prone to bacterial growth than wooden boards. They are generally considered easier to clean. After each use, wash the board with hot, soapy water and use a scrub brush or sponge to remove any food particles. Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry.

Wooden cutting boards: Wooden cutting boards have natural antibacterial properties but require extra care to prevent bacterial growth. It’s best to clean wooden boards with hot, soapy water after each use, similar to plastic boards. However, avoid soaking them in water or putting them in the dishwasher, which can cause warping or splitting. Instead, wipe them down with vinegar and water to disinfect and remove odors. Dry the board thoroughly and stand it upright to allow air circulation.

Cutting boards for different food groups: It’s a best practice to use separate cutting boards for other food groups, especially raw meat, fruits and vegetables, and cooked food. It helps prevent cross-contamination and reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses. If you have multiple cutting boards, ensure they are properly cleaned after each use.

Deep cleaning: Regardless of the type of cutting board, it’s essential to clean them deep regularly. It can be done by disinfecting the cutting board with diluted bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Follow the formula on the product label for the appropriate dilution ratios. After disinfecting, rinse the board thoroughly and let it dry completely.

 Why don’t we recommend plastic cutting boards?

Environmental Impact: From an ecological perspective, plastic cutting boards contribute to the global plastic waste problem. Plastic is a non-biodegradable material that can persist in landfills and ecosystems for hundreds of years. By choosing alternative materials like wood or bamboo, which are renewable and biodegradable, we can reduce our ecological footprint and promote sustainability in the kitchen.

Knife Damage and Dulling: One of the primary concerns with plastic cutting boards is that they can cause more rapid knife dulling compared to other materials like wood or bamboo. The hard surface of plastic boards can quickly wear down the knife’s edge, leading to frequent sharpening or replacement of kitchen knives. It not only adds to the cost but also compromises the efficiency and precision of cutting.

Knife Slippage and Safety: Another issue with plastic cutting boards is their tendency to be slippery, especially when wet or greasy. It can result in knife slippage, leading to potential accidents and injuries in the kitchen. The lack of grip provided by plastic boards makes them less safe to work with, especially when dealing with larger and heavier knives.

Bacterial Retention: Contrary to popular belief, plastic cutting boards are not as hygienic as they may appear. While they are easy to clean and dishwasher-safe, they can develop deep grooves and cuts over time, providing a breeding ground for bacteria to thrive. These grooves can be difficult to clean thoroughly, even with regular washing, which increases the risk of cross-contamination during food preparation.

Staining and Odor Absorption: Plastic cutting boards are also more prone to staining and absorbing solid odors from the food they come into contact with.

FAQs about Cleaning a Plastic Cutting Board

Conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining a clean plastic cutting board is essential for food safety and longevity. Following a few easy methods, you can ensure that your plastic cutting board remains free from harmful bacteria and retains its quality over time.
Firstly, always start by washing your plastic cutting board with hot, soapy water after each use. It helps to remove any residue or food particles that may be present on the surface. Use a scrub brush to clean all areas of the board, paying extra attention to any grooves or crevices.
For more stubborn stains or odors, mix baking powder and water and gently scrub the surface. Baking soda’s natural properties help eliminate unpleasant smells and break down tough stains, restoring the board’s cleanliness.
To disinfect the plastic cutting board, use a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water. Pour the solution over the board and let it sit for a few minutes. Vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant, killing most bacteria and germs. Afterward, rinse the cutting board thoroughly with water.
Once clean, it’s essential to let the plastic cutting board dry completely before storing it. Moisture can improve the growth of bacteria, so allow the board to air dry in a well-ventilated area. Alternatively, you can pat it dry with a clean towel.
Consider periodically treating your plastic cutting board with food-grade mineral oil to enhance hygiene. It gives a thin layer of oil to the board’s surface, allowing it to soak in for a few hours or overnight. It helps prevent the absorption of liquids and odors while preserving the plastic’s integrity.
Remember, replacing a plastic cutting board when it becomes excessively worn, cracked, or deeply scarred is crucial, as these imperfections can harbor bacteria that are difficult to remove.