How to Clean All Types of Cutting Boards

Cutting boards see daily use and can harbour bacteria in knife grooves if they are not cleaned properly. Wood, plastic, and bamboo boards each need a slightly different approach, but all benefit from prompt washing, thorough drying, and occasional deep sanitizing.

After each use, wash boards with hot water and dish soap. For plastic boards, you can run them through the dishwasher on a sanitize cycle. Wooden and bamboo boards should be hand-washed only, then dried upright so air circulates underneath.

A well-maintained cutting board is one of the simplest ways to keep your kitchen safer — rinse, scrub, dry, and deep-clean on a schedule that matches how often you cook.

Follow the board manufacturer’s instructions for deeper cleaning and any food-contact sanitizing product you use. Let the board dry fully before storage. Inspect it regularly, and replace a board with deep damage that prevents thorough cleaning.