How to Clean a Wooden Cutting Board with Lemon
Wooden cutting boards are essential kitchen tools, known for their durability and aesthetic appeal. However, maintaining them requires special care to ensure they remain sanitary and in good condition. If you’re wondering how to clean a wooden cutting board, you’re in luck.
One of the most effective and natural ways to clean a wooden cutting board is to use lemon and kosher salt. This method is inexpensive, effective, and completely non-toxic. You never want to use harsh chemicals that could seep into your food.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps of how to clean a wooden cutting board naturally, ensuring it stays nice for years. Don’t worry, it’s quick and easy. 😉
Supplies
The best part of this cleaning method is its simplicity. You only need 2-3 supplies to clean a wooden cutting board naturally:
- ½ a lemon: Acidic lemon juice neutralizes odors and helps break down food residue. It also acts as a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent. If you have a sad lemon in the fridge, this a great use for it.
- Kosher salt: Kosher salt has a coarse texture that acts as an abrasive to lift grime and stains. It’s also one of the best salts for cooking.
- Coconut oil: Oiling is optional, but if you want to, I recommend coconut oil. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it a healthy, food-safe option.
That’s it–your shopping list couldn’t be easier!
How to Clean a Wooden Cutting Board: Step-by-Step
Cleaning your wooden cutting board with lemon and salt is a straightforward process that only takes a few minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 1 – Prep the Board:
Start by wiping any crumbs from your cutting board so the lemon and salt can go straight to work. Cut the lemon in half.
Step 2 – Pour the Salt:
Sprinkle a generous pour of kosher salt over the cutting board. I like to make a big spiral design.
Step 3 – Scrub with Lemon Juice:
Squeeze the juice of one-half of the lemon over the salted cutting board. Using the cut side of the lemon, scrub the board in a small circular motion to form a paste. Continue scrubbing with firm pressure until the entire board is covered and the salt paste is evenly spread (about 1-2 minutes).
Step 4- Rest and Rinse:
Allow the cutting board to rest with the lemon-salt solution for 3-5 minutes to loosen stains. This lets the paste penetrate deeper into the wood. Afterward, rinse with hot water until the board is clean. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel and lean it upright against your backsplash to dry completely.
How to Oil a Cutting Board
Oiling your cutting board is optional, but occasional oiling will help maintain its durability and appearance. Here are two popular options:
- Coconut Oil: With natural antibacterial properties, I recommend coconut oil for wooden cutting boards. Once completely dry, apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your board using your fingers or a paper towel. Spread it evenly and wipe off any excess. If you’re allergic to coconut, use avocado oil spray instead.
- Food-Grade Mineral Oil: Most wooden cutting board manufacturers recommend food-grade mineral oil. Despite the implied safety of “food-grade”, mineral oil is still a product of toxic crude oil. Since better alternatives exist, I avoid mineral oil but choose what works for you.
Wood Cutting Board Cleaning Tips
- Clean after each use: The lemon and salt cleaning method is ideal for heavy-duty cleaning, but a simple homemade kitchen spray is more practical for daily use. See my recommendation in the FAQs below.
- Cut on and clean both sides: To avoid uneven wear, flip your board and cut on both sides if possible.
- Substitute with vinegar: If you’re out of lemons, use vinegar and a clean scrub brush instead. Vinegar is an effective disinfectant and deodorizer, although it doesn’t smell as fresh as lemon.
Lemon & Salt Cutting Board Cleaner
Scrubbing your wooden cutting board with lemon and salt is an easy, natural, inexpensive, and effective cleaning method to preserve your board’s integrity.
Just follow the steps detailing how to clean a wooden cutting board above and your beloved board will remain a functional and attractive kitchen tool for years. If you need a recommendation, I absolutely love our Williams-Sonoma End-Grain Cutting Boards (not sponsored, just a fan).
The next time your board needs a refresh, grab a lemon and some kosher salt and give your board a good scrub.
FAQs
It’s a good idea to clean your cutting board after each use, especially after pungent foods like onions or foods that stain like ripe berries. I make a natural kitchen spray to clean my cast iron sink that works like a charm on our cutting boards. Fill a spray bottle with 50% water and 50% distilled vinegar, add 20 drops of lemon essential oil, and shake. This helps keep your boards clean until they need a salt scrub.
Cleaning frequency depends on what you’re cutting and how often. If you cook every day, a daily kitchen spray is your first line of defense. I use the lemon-salt method to clean out wooden cutting boards about once a month or when I remember. Do what works best for you.
No. Wood cutting boards are typically laminated from strips of wood held together by glue. The high heat and moisture from the dishwasher can weaken the glue, causing the board to warp, crack, or even fall apart. Plus, dishwashing detergents are harsh on wood; they may absorb into the surface or strip the wood of its natural oils.
You certainly can, but it’s generally not recommended, especially for chicken. Raw meat can carry bacteria or microscopic parasites, which can be absorbed into the wood’s surface. Food poisoning does not support a healthy gut!
Instead of a wooden cutting board, consider using a non-toxic, dishwasher-safe carving board such as Epicurean. Avoid plastic cutting boards as they release toxic microplastics into your food (and putting them in the dishwasher speeds up disintegration). Glass boards are slippery, i.e.: dangerous, and they’ll ruin your knives.
