\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. How can you tell? To help it dry faster and to provide some disinfecting power, include some rubbing alcohol. Spread it around using a clean sponge. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Buff the area dry with a paper towel. Make sure to dry the spot thoroughly with paper towels. Once youre finished sanding, use a clean rag or large paint brush to clean off all of the wood particles; then oil and wax the board. Since you're dealing with wood, allowing your board to sit wet for a long period of time can cause wood fibers to swell, and your board to warp or split as a result. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Put your cutting board into the dishwasher. Feeling lucky? The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us. Open joints in the board can create a trap for bacteria. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. Here are the 12 Best Cutting Boards to Buy in 2021. #9: Clapham's Beeswax is a famous name in the woodworking industry, known for their museum quality waxes and finishes. You dont need to disinfect it unless youre using it to prepare raw meat. 2 Soak a clean mop or small cloth in the cleaner and wring it out. Both steel wool and scrubbing sponges are both harsh abrasives, so don't use them. Cutting boards take a beating by design. Every few months, disinfect your wood cutting board with a solution of 1 tablespoon liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. There are many ways to clean your granite board naturally. 2023 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. 9. Plastic boards can be easily sanitized with a chlorine bleach solution or washed in the dishwasher without damaging them. Oils work by occupying the space in the wood fibers and preventing water from entering your board and causing cracks and splits. Do not use oil on granite floors. It also aids in antimicrobial properties. Rinse with warm water and a fresh cloth. Even with daily cleaning, countertops can become slightly sticky with grease or get some stains that require extra care. Even if youre using your wood cutting board just to slice bread, its a good habit to wash it after every use as quickly as possible. Here's how: In order to remove pesky stains from your plastic cutting boards, trying using a paste made of 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon of water. But these handy kitchen helpers require a little TLC in order to keep up appearances. While granite is reasonably easy to clean and maintain, there are specific cleaners to avoid. Wipe it on the countertop and then use another microfiber cloth to buff the finish to a glossy shine. No matter how porous your countertop is, to keep it looking as beautiful as when it was installed, experts suggest the following: In addition to these tips, heres how to clean granite countertops daily to keep them shiny and streak-free. Consider regular oiling and conditioning. Scientific evidence shows that in cleaning, the volume of water matters more than anything, as it washes away bacteria and particles, so make sure you run it under lots of water and especially on scarred sections that are good at trapping food particles. With only a few minutes of care, you can easily keep any cutting board in pristine condition for years to come, not to mention keep your prime working surface sanitary for you and your guests! Start at the far corner of the flooring and work in sections to clean the granite. The high heat and water is guaranteed to warp your board at best and split it in half at worst. Theres no one schedule for oiling boards, much like there is no one schedule for watering plantsit depends on the environment in which youre storing the board, the type of wood, and how frequently youre using it. never soak your cutting board in water and never put it into the dish washer. Reliable and Scientific Tips for Cleaning with Vinegar, NSF, 2021, Donald W. Schaffner, PhD, extension specialist in food science and distinguished professor at Rutgers University, email interview, January 14, 2021, William LaRue, Master Craftsman at LaRue Woodworking, phone interview, January 8, 2021, David Mobley, long-time member of the Northeastern Woodworkers Association (NWA), email interview, January 20, 2021, Jeremy Cox, full-time faculty in the Fine Woodworking Program at Red Rocks Community College, phone interview, January 21, 2021, Allison Samuels, founder of Two Trees Studios, phone interview, January 21, 2021, Bob Flexner, Rules for Sanding Wood, Popular Woodworking, January 4, 2019. And be aware that this could temporarily leave a vinegar taste behind on your board. % of people told us that this article helped them. Here are several different ways to clean granite properly for both kitchen countertops and flooring. After each use, a wooden cutting board should be cleaned with warm water, dish soap, and a soft sponge. Squeeze lemon juice over the salt, and use the cut side of the lemon to rub the mixture over the board (if your lemon isnt very juicy, you can also add a little water to the board to create a thick paste). This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Allow the plastic wrap to remain in place for at least one day. If there are any stubborn stains, you can create a slurry of baking soda and water and gently rub the mixture onto the board using a Scotch-Brite sponge. Apply pressure over the plastic so that it adheres to the paste and secure it in place with a piece of tape. Never place frozen items or hot pans from the oven directly on the granite. However, you can always follow our guidelines below if you have a tough stain that doesnt respond well to a traditional cleaner. But by properly caring for your wood cutting board, you can help it avoid this fate so that it lasts for many years. To maintain the surface, apply sealant annually, and avoid placing hot . If you're looking for a golden idea, you're in luck. Use a dishwashing brush or half of a lemon to scrub the area. Retrieve your username. This can cause scratches and damage the finish of the stone. #3: John Boos end grain butcher block with American maple. The finish may become slippery and cause falls. However, it does stain and gets damaged when improperly cleaned and maintained. If you have a stubborn stain on your granite countertop that requires a stronger cleaning solution than soapy water, try using a baking soda poultice to absorb and remove stains. X Over time, many surfaces get dull from everyday wear and tear, even granite countertops. If you have an oil-based stain, substitute water for hydrogen peroxide. A few things you can do to extend their lifespan? They also don't get as many scrapes from consistent use as plastic cutting boards. Once the sandpaper becomes clogged or worn down, switch to a new piece. Cut the sandpaper to fit around a small, flat box (one thats comfortable to grip with one hand), a sanding block, or an electric orbital sander (if you have one). Beyond these simple cleaning hacks, regularly oiling your board will "keep the wood in a really good condition," explains Trifiro. To clean using hot water, sponge and a light amount of soap, scrub off any foods and fluids that have come into touch with the board. "Cutting boards cannot be stored in outdoor kitchens where they are exposed to humidity and the elements," she says. Do not use other organic oils, as the fats in those oils can and will spoil, turning rancid and causing your cutting board to stink. Use trivets that allow airflow under hot and cold items. Here's how to clean quartz countertops: 1. Acidic foods like pickles, ketchup, and soft drinks can damage the finish. We spent more than 120 hours on research, and used and abused over 30 cutting boards. Are Plastic Cutting Boards Better Than Wood? Therefore, using non-abrasive and mild cleaning products is essential in maintaining the beauty and shine of granite. Michael Sullivan has been a staff writer on the kitchen team at Wirecutter since 2016. Plastic cutting boards are popular because they tend to be more affordable. Rinse the sponge and wipe down the butcher block with just water. our process. The heavy duty design provides a durable surface to slice, chop and prep fruit and vegetables. Not only that, but they can also become habitats for bacteria to grow (which can lead to cross contamination). Do not use steel wool or scrubbing sponges to clean the counter. 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers. 3. Hydrogen Peroxide: Banish unwanted bacteria from any cutting board by wiping it down on each side with a paper towel soaked in hydrogen peroxide. According to the Rock Doctor, Windex tops the list of common cleaners that can damage granite countertops. Heres how to clean it. Cox recommends sanding both sides of your board (even if one side is worse than the other) so that each surface receives equal treatment and will be less prone to warping. Generously apply food-safe mineral oilsuch as Howard Cutting Board Oil or Lamson Tree Spirit Mineral Oilto the wood, and use a paper towel to rub it evenly over the entire surface and sides of the board.