A wooden cutting board can last for decades if you treat it right, and ruin in a week in the dishwasher. Here is exactly how to clean a wooden cutting board every day, how to deep clean and deodorize it, and how to oil it so it never cracks.
The Short Answer
Wash with hot, soapy water right after use, rinse, dry with a towel and stand it upright to air dry. Never soak it or put it in the dishwasher. Scrub with coarse salt and half a lemon to deodorize, and oil it with food-grade mineral oil about once a month.
Daily Cleaning
- Scrape off food with a bench scraper or the back of a knife.
- Scrub both sides with hot, soapy water and a natural dish brush.
- Rinse quickly under hot water.
- Dry with a waffle weave kitchen towel.
- Stand upright to dry, ideally in a board and lid rack, so both sides get air.
Deep Clean and Deodorize with Salt and Lemon
Sprinkle the board with coarse salt, then scrub with the cut side of half a lemon, squeezing as you go. Let it sit 5 minutes, scrape off the grey paste, rinse and dry. This lifts stains and removes garlic and onion smells.
How to Sanitize
After raw meat or poultry, wash well with hot soapy water. To sanitize, spray or wipe with undiluted white vinegar or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, let it sit a few minutes, then rinse and dry. Many cooks keep a separate board for raw meat.
How to Oil a Cutting Board
- Start with a clean, completely dry board.
- Pour on food-grade mineral oil and spread it with a clean cloth.
- Let it soak in for several hours or overnight.
- Wipe off the excess.
- Optionally finish with board cream (mineral oil and beeswax).
Oil once a month, or whenever the wood looks pale and dry. Avoid vegetable and olive oil, which can go rancid.
What Never to Do
- Do not put it in the dishwasher.
- Do not soak it in the sink.
- Do not dry it flat on the counter.
- Do not use bleach at full strength; it can dry and damage the wood.
Equipment I Used
- Wooden cutting board with handle: for slicing and serving right at the table.
New to slow cooking? The Easy Slow Cooker Recipes guide is a beginner-friendly collection of easy crockpot breakfasts and dinners.
Clean a Wooden Cutting Board FAQ
Can you use soap on a wooden cutting board?
Yes. Mild dish soap and hot water are the best daily clean.
How do you get stains out of a wooden cutting board?
Scrub with coarse salt and lemon, or a paste of baking soda and water, then rinse and dry.
What oil is best for cutting boards?
Food-grade mineral oil, optionally sealed with beeswax board cream.
When should I replace a wooden cutting board?
When it has deep grooves you cannot sand out, cracks, or smells that will not go away.
