Effective Ways to Clean Plastic Cutting Boards
October 25, 2023
source: JOSEPH JOSEPH
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, plastic cutting boards have become a trusty companion in the kitchen. They’re durable, affordable, and require minimal maintenance. However, with their frequent use, it’s essential to ensure they stay squeaky clean to keep our food safe. Here are the best methods for disinfecting and cleaning your plastic cutting boards, so you can enjoy cooking without worry.
1. Dish Soap and Hot Water: Your Daily Routine
One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your plastic cutting board clean is by using dish soap and hot water. After every use, give your board a quick rinse, apply a few drops of dish soap, and scrub it with a brush or a cloth. Rinse it thoroughly with hot water, and you’re good to go. This routine helps remove most of the food residue and bacteria, ensuring your cutting board stays fresh.
2. Tea Tree Oil Spray: Nature’s Disinfectant
Tea tree oil is known for its natural antibacterial properties. To create a simple tea tree oil spray, mix a teaspoon of tea tree oil with a cup of water in a spray bottle. After washing your cutting board with dish soap and hot water, spray the tea tree oil mixture and let it air dry. This will further disinfect your cutting board and leave it with a pleasant, natural scent.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Paste: Tough Stains No More
For those stubborn stains and odors that just won’t budge, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda come to the rescue. Create a paste by mixing equal parts of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply it to the stained areas, scrub gently, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, rinse your cutting board with hot water. This powerful combination will help remove even the most persistent stains and leave your cutting board looking like new.
4. Lemon Juice and Salt Scrub: Fresh and Zesty
If you’re looking for a natural, refreshing way to clean your plastic cutting board, a lemon juice and salt scrub is a fantastic option. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle salt over your cutting board. Then, use the lemon as a scrubber, squeezing the juice onto the surface. The acid in the lemon juice and the abrasiveness of the salt work together to clean, disinfect, and eliminate odors.
5. White Vinegar and Water Solution: A Classic Cleaner
White vinegar is a classic cleaning solution that works wonders on plastic cutting boards. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. After washing your cutting board with dish soap and hot water, spray the vinegar solution and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, rinse with hot water. White vinegar not only cleans and disinfects but also helps to neutralize odors.
6. Regular Sanitization
In addition to these cleaning methods, regular sanitization is key to maintaining a clean cutting board. Make it a habit to sanitize your cutting board, especially after cutting raw meat or poultry. You can do this by using any of the solutions mentioned above or simply running it through the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher-safe.
In the world of kitchen essentials, plastic cutting boards stand out for their durability, affordability, and easy maintenance. To keep them in tip-top shape, it’s crucial to clean and disinfect them regularly. By using everyday items like dish soap and hot water, or natural solutions like tea tree oil, lemon juice, and vinegar, you can ensure your cutting board remains a reliable companion in your culinary adventures. So, keep these methods in mind, and you’ll always have a clean and safe cutting board ready for action.