Wooden cutting boards are a staple in most kitchens. They’re durable, gentle on knives, and naturally beautiful. However, to keep your board in great condition and safe for food prep, it requires a little extra care. If you’ve ever wondered how to sanitize a wooden cutting board, this guide will cover everything from everyday cleaning to deep sanitizing, odor control, and mold prevention.

How Do I Clean a Wooden Cutting Board?

For everyday cleaning, all you need is hot water, mild dish soap, and a non-abrasive scrub brush or sponge. Start by scraping off any food debris with a spatula, then scrub the board with soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with hot water to remove all soap, then towel dry and let the board air dry standing upright. This basic routine helps maintain cleanliness, reduces stains, and keeps your board ready for deeper sanitizing when needed.

Do Wooden Cutting Boards Need Disinfecting?

While wood has some natural antimicrobial properties, it’s not a replacement for proper cleaning. The best practice is always to wash, sanitize, and thoroughly dry your board after use. Raw meat, poultry, and seafood require additional sanitizing to prevent harmful bacteria from lingering. So, while wooden cutting boards have some antimicrobial qualities, are wooden cutting boards antimicrobial enough to skip disinfecting? The short answer is no. You should still sanitize or disinfect after handling raw proteins.

How to Disinfect a Wooden Cutting Board After Raw Meat

When handling raw meat, especially poultry, disinfecting the board is essential. After washing with hot, soapy water, you can disinfect your board using one of these methods:

1. Bleach solution: mix 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid bleach in 1 gallon of water. Flood the board with this solution and let it sit for 1-5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry.

2. Hydrogen peroxide: pour or spray 3% hydrogen peroxide over the board and let it bubble for 5 minutes. Rinse with water, towel dry, and air dry.

3. Vinegar: spray full-strength white vinegar on the board, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and dry.

These methods effectively disinfect the surface to keep your board safe from harmful bacteria.

Remove Odors from a Wooden Cutting Board Naturally

Odors from garlic, onion, or fish can linger on your wooden board. To remove these smells naturally, try one of these solutions:

• Lemon and salt: cut a lemon in half and sprinkle coarse salt on the board. Scrub the surface with the lemon, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse and dry.

• Baking soda paste: make a paste by mixing baking soda with water, apply it to the board, wait 10 minutes, then scrub, rinse, and dry.

• Vinegar spritz: lightly spray the board with white vinegar, wait a few minutes, then rinse and dry.

These natural remedies help neutralize odors without harsh chemicals.

How to Handle Mold on a Wooden Cutting Board

If mold develops, it’s important to address it quickly. For surface mold, scrub the board with hot, soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly. If the mold persists, you can spray vinegar or hydrogen peroxide on the affected areas, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry. For stubborn spots, lightly sand the board with fine-grit sandpaper, then recondition with mineral oil. If the mold has penetrated deeply, it’s safest to discard the board.

How to Maintain Wooden Cutting Boards Over Time

To keep your wooden cutting board in top shape, regular conditioning is key. Use food-grade mineral oil (avoid cooking oils, which can go rancid) and apply a thin coat monthly or whenever the board looks dry. Let the oil soak in for several hours or overnight, then wipe away any excess. For added water resistance, you can use a beeswax-based board cream.

Daily care tips: always dry the board immediately after cleaning and store it upright to prevent warping. Avoid soaking the board, and regularly disinfect after handling raw meat. If you use separate boards for raw proteins and ready-to-eat foods, you’ll also reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Can You Put a Wooden Cutting Board in the Dishwasher?

No, never put a wooden cutting board in the dishwasher. The heat, steam, and prolonged exposure to water can cause the wood to warp, crack, or split. Always hand-wash your board, rinse, sanitize if necessary, and let it dry upright.

Final Thoughts: The Safe Workflow for Cleaning Wooden Cutting Boards

For daily use, simply wash, rinse, and dry your board after cutting produce or bread. After raw meat, poultry, or seafood, it’s essential to disinfect using the methods outlined above. By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure your wooden cutting board remains safe, clean, and ready for use, all while preserving its natural beauty.

For more information on materials and uses, check out our guide on how to choose the best cutting board for you and explore our collection!