To Best Clean Your Cutting Boards, Reach For Some Baking Soda

Cleaning cutting boards effectively is crucial for maintaining kitchen hygiene, and baking soda is a versatile, natural cleaner that can help. To start, rinse the cutting board with hot water to remove any food particles. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surface of the board, ensuring it covers any stains or odors. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can lift stains without damaging the board. Next, take a damp sponge or cloth and scrub the board, applying more pressure on stubborn spots. Baking soda also helps neutralize odors, leaving the board smelling fresh. For deeper cleans, especially after cutting raw meat, you can create a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water or lemon juice. The acidity of lemon juice adds an extra antibacterial property, making the paste more effective against bacteria. Allow the paste to sit on the board for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing it off thoroughly with hot water. Finally, dry the cutting board completely with a clean towel to prevent any moisture from seeping into the wood or plastic, which could lead to warping or cracking. This simple yet effective method ensures your cutting boards remain clean, odor-free, and ready for use.
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Ways to clean your cutting board with baking soda

Along with using baking soda and water, you can mix baking soda with lemon juice and kosher salt to create a paste for scrubbing the surface. The citric acid in lemon juice acts as a natural cleaning agent, and lemons also contribute a higher pH level. This combination of baking soda and lemon is effective for both cleaning and deodorizing. You can use bottled lemon juice or squeeze fresh lemons directly onto your board; the leftover lemon peels make excellent scrubbing tools. Then, add kosher salt to create an abrasive cleaning solution that effectively removes grime.

Hydrogen peroxide is another popular cleaning agent that can be used alongside baking soda and sometimes dish soap. Mix these ingredients in a small bowl (avoid using a sealed container to prevent any risk of explosion) and apply the mixture to your cutting board. For optimal stain removal, let it sit overnight.

While there are various household products that can be combined with baking soda, be cautious with certain chemicals like ammonia, alcohol, and chlorine bleach, as they can react dangerously. Always verify that the agent you plan to mix is safe.

You can perform these baking soda treatments daily or occasionally, depending on how frequently you use your cutting board. Regardless of the material—be it plastic, wood, or another type—baking soda will keep your cutting board smelling fresh and looking like new.

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