Today’s article will show you how to Naturally Clean a Cutting Board using simple items you likely have on hand. This is a natural, easy-to-use method for effectively cleaning a cutting board.

As with most things I write about, I find the simplest to be the most helpful. Like cleaning a cutting board, naturally. There are a ton of cleaners one can use in the store that will work just fine. But honestly, like many things, you might already have what you need to effectively clean your cutting board naturally. Right inside your kitchen as we speak.

Today we are going to be using a bit of salt and (a) lemon to scrub our cutting board. Yes, you read that right. Salt and an actual lemon itself. Save the essential oil for your other natural cleaners and soaps. Like this DIY Natural All-Purpose Cleaner or this fantastic Natural Foaming Hand Soap. Both are ones I use regularly in my home.

But before I veer off too far, let’s get back to this whole naturally clean cutting board thing.

Why Use a Natural Cleaner?

One question you might be asking yourself here is, why not use a cutting board spray? You can certainly opt to use a standard store-bought cutting board spray without issue. However, it is important to consider what those cutting board sprays are made of.

Cutting boards come into direct contact with food since they are made of wood. These boards absorb whatever is placed or sprayed on them. The last thing you would want is a cutting board that has absorbed any sort of chemicals that could then be transferred into the food you cut on the board.

What You Will Need For This Method

1 lemon

salt

Ingredients

Lemon- The lemon juice itself is not a disinfectant however, it does have antibacterial properties which help to sanitize the board and remove unwanted odors.

Salt- Salt is a great natural abrasive ingredient to use when wanting to scour or clean a surface. It helps to work up the bacteria, leftover food particles, and anything unwanted from the board surface.

Directions

Place the cutting board on an even surface.

woman sprinkling salt onto a cutting board

Cut the lemon in half. Sprinkle some salt over the board. Use the lemon to scour the board cut side down in a circular motion.

woman scrubbing cutting board with a lemon

After scrubbing the board, allow the lemon and salt to sit for 15 minutes.

woman scrubbing a cutting board with a lemon

After, wipe away the salt and lemon bits left over on the board. Rinse with hot water, towel dry, and allow the board to dry completely before storing.

Why You Should Clean a Cutting Board

The first obvious answer would be to remove bacteria that might be present on the cutting board. So much bacteria can be collected in a kitchen. But cleaning your cutting board will help keep orders out of the wood. It’s great for things like garlic or onions that seem to leave a smell long after they have been cut. It will also help keep your board sanitary and in great shape.

How Often To Clean a Cutting Board

A good rule of thumb is once a month. Every month, usually at the beginning, I collect all my cutting boards and do them at the same time. This makes this task much more doable and at the same time, I only need to use one lemon for doing so. I suppose you could save the other half of the lemon in plastic wrap for later use but I say, do them at the same time. It saves time and money.

Conditioning a Cutting Board

If you are one to take great care of your cutting board. Which you should be but to be very honest, I am not. I clean the cutting boards but the whole conditioning it after part is sort of a hit or miss in this house. No judgment, please. With having said that, conditioning is easy.

To do this naturally, you can use this fabulous Natural Wood Cleaner. To Use: Blot some onto a rag and rub it into the board in a circular motion and let it absorb into the board. There is no need to rinse this as it is natural and safe around food.

Cutting Board Care

In between cleanings, it is important regularly wipe down your cutting board using a good spray. I use this Natural All-Purpose Spray as it is, you guessed it, natural. Don’t allow foods to become dried and stuck on or leave strong odored foods to sit for long periods on the board. This will make your cutting board more difficult to clean. Or worse those foods can get stuck in the groves of the board and begin to mold.

After giving your board a good wipe-down, be sure to dry it off. Don’t leave your board wet as this can absorb into the board and eventually warp the wood. This I know from experience. While we are on the subject of water and wood. Never leave the board to soak, it can permanently damage it by warping.

Storing a Cutting Board

The best place to store a cutting board is in a cool dry place and an upright position. Storing the board vertically will help prevent moisture retention and keep bacteria from building up. I do tend to keep my larger board on the countertop next to my knives and stove. It allows me ease of access to quickly cut things but it is not the best place to store the board. If you do this too, a good rule of thumb is to place the board in a vertical position after washing and allow it to air dry completely on both sides before placing it on the countertop.

Shop This Post

My Favorite Essential Oil Brand

Large Cutting Board

Knife Set

Pin For Later

Yield: 1 time use board cleaner