Plastic cutting boards are much easier to clean than wooden ones. That’s why a lot of households prefer using plastic over wooden boards.
But, even though plastic cutting boards are way safer, cutting on them can still leave deep scratches where germs can live and multiply. That’s why it’s important to sanitize them regularly.
Baking soda and vinegar will not just clean your plastic cutting board but also deodorize it.
I’ll explain how I wash my plastic cutting board with baking soda and vinegar in this article. I do this every time I use my board to chop meat, especially chicken. I’m loving the result every time.
Give the method below a try and see for yourself.
Let’s begin.
What you’ll need:
Baking soda
White vinegar
Scrub sponge
Clean cloth or paper towels
Steps:
1. Sprinkle baking soda.
Directly sprinkle baking soda on the surface of the cutting board. Make sure you cover all the spots with stains.
2. Pour the vinegar and wait.
Pour vinegar on top of the baking soda. You’ll notice it react with the baking soda. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
3. Scrub the cutting board.
Use a sponge to scrub the surface of the cutting board. Scrub vigorously and focus on the hard stains.
4. Wash the cutting board with Dish soap and water.
Wash the plastic cutting board as usual with dish soap. Make sure to wash off any excess baking soda on its surface.
5. Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Dry your cutting board before putting it away.
3 Tips to Keep Your Plastic Cutting Boards Clean
- Make sure you clean stains right away. Don’t give it time to soak on the grooves of your cutting board.
- Always handwash your cutting boards. Washing it in a dishwasher will expose it to heat and can crack your cutting board.
- If you notice your plastic cutting board reeks, just spray a little vinegar on its surface and wipe it with a cloth. Vinegar is a powerful deodorizer.
Conclusion
There you go. That’s how I sanitize my plastic cutting board with baking soda and vinegar.
I’ve also written an article on how to clean your hairbrush with baking soda. It’s a simple cleaning method like this one, so make sure you check it out.
I hope you found this post helpful and informative.
Thanks for reading!
-Baking Soda Guy
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar to clean the plastic cutting board? Yes, you can use lemon juice as a substitute for vinegar. Lemon juice also has natural cleaning and deodorizing properties that can be effective on plastic cutting boards.
- Is it safe to use baking soda and vinegar on colored plastic cutting boards? Baking soda and vinegar are generally safe to use on colored plastic cutting boards. However, it’s a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure there’s no discoloration or adverse reaction.
- Can I use a brush instead of a sponge to scrub the cutting board? Yes, you can use a brush with nylon or soft bristles to scrub the cutting board. Just make sure the bristles are not too stiff to avoid scratching the plastic surface.
- Does using baking soda and vinegar help remove stubborn odors from the cutting board? Yes, both baking soda and vinegar have deodorizing properties that can effectively neutralize and eliminate odors from the plastic cutting board.
- Can I use baking soda and vinegar to clean other kitchen utensils and surfaces? Yes, you can use baking soda and vinegar to clean various kitchen utensils and surfaces, such as sink drains, oven racks, and stainless steel pots and pans.
- How frequently should I deep clean my plastic cutting board with baking soda and vinegar? For regular use and to maintain cleanliness, deep clean your plastic cutting board with baking soda and vinegar at least once a week. However, if you use it to cut raw meats or strong-smelling ingredients, consider cleaning it after each use.
- Can I leave the baking soda and vinegar mixture on the cutting board overnight for tougher stains? It’s not recommended to leave the baking soda and vinegar mixture on the cutting board for an extended period. The reaction between the two may subside, and the mixture may dry out, making it less effective. It’s best to follow the recommended 5-10 minutes of wait time.
- Is it safe to use baking soda and vinegar on cutting boards used for cutting raw meats? Yes, baking soda and vinegar are safe to use on cutting boards used for cutting raw meats. They have antimicrobial properties that can help sanitize and remove bacteria from the surface.
